Regional info.

This is a selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Graham Beck's own estate grown vineyards in Robertson, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Both varietals are hand picked: Pinot Noir adds complexity and length of flavour and Chardonnay brings fruit and elegance. It is produced in the Methode Cap Classique cellar, located on the Madeba vineyard at Robertson. Cap Classique is a method of producing wine that harks back to the time of the French Huguenots, a group of immigrants who came from France to the Cape of Good Hope in the late 17th century.

The Huguenots, many of whom had vineyards back in France, settled in the wine-producing region of Franschhoek (Dutch, meaning "French corner") and were responsible for bringing the technique of making sparkling wine to South Africa. Cap Classique wines, therefore, are made in the Champagne tradition - methode champenoise - of secondary in-bottle fermentation, but are exclusive to South Africa - much like Cava is to Spain and Asti is to Italy. The first bottle-fermented sparkling wine produced at the Cape was called Kaapse Vonkel (Afrikaans, meaning "Cape sparkle"). Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc have been the varieties most often used, but lately bubbly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have become popular.

According to the Cap Classique Association, only specific white and red grape varieties are selected from a number of different regions in the Cape. Grapes are pressed as whole bunches, with only the first pressing or cuvee used for the various Cap Classique base wines. Once in the bottle, Cap Classique wines ferment and mature horizontally in cool, dark cellars for at least 12 months.

Dubbed the 'valley of vines and roses', the Robertson district's lime-rich soils make the area eminently suitable for racehorse stud farming and also, of course, winegrowing. Situated in the Breede River valley, the river is the lifeblood of this lower rainfall region. Although summer temperatures can be high, cooling south-easterly winds channel moisture-laden air into the valley.

Robertson is renowned for the quality of its wines and while traditionally considered white wine territory and known mainly for its Chardonnays and more recently for the quality of its Sauvignon Blanc, it is also the source of some of the Cape's finest red wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the distinctive fortified dessert wines for which it was originally famed continue to be produced. The district of Robertson incorporates several wards, including Bonnievale.

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