Graham Beck Brut Rose NV

Graham Beck Brut Rose NV

 

Within the wine region of South Africa sparkling wine is called Cap Classique. All Cap Classique is produced by the Methode Champenoise or as it is known in South Africa Methode Cap Classique. The Graham Beck winery was founded in 1983 by not other than Graham Beck himself. The majority
of vineyards are located in Robertson and Stellenbosch. Graham Beck winery has built a reputation for creating outstanding wines as well as being a pioneer of the South African wine industry.

The Graham Beck Brut Rose is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. This sparkling wine is a pale salmon color. On the nose are notes of strawberry, raspberry, lemon tart, steely minerality, gunflint, fresh roses, and red cherry. On the palate are hints of lavender, wild strawberry, wet stone minerality, fresh flowers, yeast, pomegranate, and strawberry cream soda. The Graham Beck Brut Rose has a long finish and zesty acidity. Truly, delicious.

Fun Fact!  Graham Beck Brut NV was selected by Michele Obam in celebration of Barack Obama's acceptance speech of the US Presidency in 2009. 

Fleur Du Cap Pinotage

Fleur Du Cap Pinotage

Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Nior and Cinsault red grapes.  In 1925, Pinotage was created by Abraham Izak Herold in South Africa.  Currently, Pinotage is only grown in South Africa and has become their "flagship" red grape.  The Fleur du Cap winery is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa on the hillside of the ward of Papegaaiberg.  Stellenbosch is South Africa's most prominent winemaking region dating back to the 17th century.  This wine is sealed with a natural cork and has an alcohol level of 13.8%.  

The 2010 Fleur du Cap is made from 100% Pinotage grape.  This red wine is a rich garnet color.  On the nose are aromas of ripe raspberry, black currant, mocha, blackberry, black plum, fresh cut wood, anise, and oak chips.  On the palate are hints of dark chocolate, smoke, ripe blackberry, dark plum, cedar, espresso, black licorice, dusty forest floor, and fresh earth.  This wine has a dry finish with ample tannins and acidity.  The Fleur du Cap Pinotage is a GREAT wine for any individual that is interested in trying an unique red wine and spicing up their night.  Enjoy!

Food Pairings

 

• any red meat that can be grilled, smoked, and roasted

• marinades, sauces, and glazes that incorporate black pepper, whole grain mustard, and spice

• smoked or marinated dishes of smoked duck, pulled pork, marinated lamb, and venison

• fresh herbs such as bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary

Graham Beck Brut

I have had the pleasure of drinking the Graham Beck Brut Rose, therefore when I saw the opportunity to drink their Brut, I gladly held up my glass! The Graham Beck Winery is located outside of the Western Cape town of Robertson in South Africa. This sparking wine is produced using the traditional champagne method or as it is called in South Africa, methode cap classique. The Graham Beck sparkler is made from 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay that is left to age for 24 months. This Brut has a 12.0% alcohol level and was sealed with a natural cork.

The Graham Beck Brut had thousands of tiny little bubbles with a pale champagne color. On the nose were notes of yeast, fresh bagels, fresh green apple, creamy mousse, ripe peach, and apricot. On the palate were hints of green apple, soda cracker, ripe nectarine, yeast, and bright acidity. Overall, a delicious sparkling wine.

Douglas Green Shiraz

The 2009 Douglas Green Vineyard Creations Shiraz was a delightful surprise! Douglas Green Vineyards is located on the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. It is 100% Shiraz with a 14.0% alcohol level and sealed with a screw cap. This wine also has a WO (WO means wine origin) seal located towards the top of the bottle which indicates that this wine was certified by their WO. In layman's terms everything that appears on the label is true.

The Douglas Green Shiraz had a clear medium garnet color. On the nose were notes of fresh red cherries, above ground dirt, blackberries, minerality, and slight charred wood with an overall freshness. On the palate were hints of spice, oak, leather, fresh cherries, tobacco, red fruit, minerality, and blackberries. This wine had big acidity with mild tanins. Overall, a great wine!