Sparkling Wines Boberg Vineyard Château Château - Graham Beck

This non-vintage sparkling white wine from Château Château, crafted as the "Graham Beck Cuvée," hails from the Boberg Vineyard in South Africa's Coastal Region. While the precise grape composition isn’t specified, many South African sparkling wines (‘cap classique’) are typically produced using the same traditional method as Champagne and often rely on classic varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The brut designation indicates a dry style, promising freshness and bright acidity, with notes that might range from crisp green apple and citrus to hints of white stone fruits and delicate brioche, shaped by secondary fermentation and extended lees contact in bottle. The non-vintage nature of this cuvée underscores a house style, offering consistent quality year on year rather than emphasising the singular characteristics of one harvest.

South Africa’s Coastal Region is a broad wine-growing area, covering premium locales near the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. While 'Boberg' was traditionally an appellation reserved for fortified wines, more recently the term might reference origin for a range of quality wines. The proximity to the coast ensures cooling sea breezes, moderating the warm climate and enabling slow ripening of grapes. The soils are varied—ranging from granite and shale to alluvial sand—contributing to the complexity and minerality that can be found in the wines. South Africa’s winemaking tradition spans back to the 17th century, but in recent decades, modern techniques and international influence have fuelled a renaissance in both still and sparkling winemaking.

This elegant sparkling brut is highly versatile, but it is especially well-suited to seafood. Fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon, tempura prawns, or delicate white fish dishes would all provide a harmonious pairing. For a touch of local flair, try it alongside Cape Malay pickled fish or a simple snoek pâté on melba toast. Its vibrancy also makes it a wonderful companion to sushi, soft cheeses, or canapés served at a festive gathering.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve well-chilled between 6-8°C. Enjoy the lively effervescence in a flute or tulip glass to highlight its aromatic finesse and persistent mousse. This sparkling wine will shine as an apéritif or as a celebratory toast, expressing the modern elegance of South African bubbles.