Part of the innovation-led Artisan Collection and made in extremely limited quantities, the 2018 vintage represents a natural evolution for the House – continuing its pursuit of the perfect bubble across borders and into a new terroir.
The wine brings Graham Beck’s traditional-method expertise to the chalk-rich soils of southern England, establishing the House as the first South African Cap Classique producer to debut an English sparkling wine under its own label.
Crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown in Hampshire and West Sussex – regions widely regarded as among the finest for English sparkling wine – this release reflects both the character of southern England and the precision that defines the House style.
The project also marks a significant moment of continuity within the House, bringing together the vision of former Cellarmaster and COO Pieter “Bubbles” Ferreira with the ongoing stewardship of Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk in their final collaboration before Ferreira’s recent retirement.
The seed of an idea
The origins of the project trace back to ProWein 2016, where Pieter Ferreira encountered the rapidly emerging English sparkling wine category. Recognising its potential, he shared the opportunity with owner Antony Beck, who immediately saw its promise as a natural extension of Graham Beck’s craft and innovative spirit.
What began as curiosity soon developed into a deeper investigation. Later that year, Ferreira and Beck travelled through England’s key wine regions – from Kent through Sussex and into Hampshire – exploring the geology, vineyards and winemaking landscape of the country’s southern counties firsthand.
“English sparkling wine was developing at an incredible pace,” shares Ferreira. “When we began studying the vineyards and chalk soils of southern England, we recognised the potential immediately. The idea was simple: could we bring Graham Beck’s philosophy and experience in traditional-method sparkling wine to this remarkable terroir?”
That question ultimately became project #GBinGB – Graham Beck in Great Britain.
Terroir of precision
After extensive exploration of the region’s vineyards, the team chose to focus on grapes sourced from Hampshire and West Sussex - areas whose cool maritime climate and chalk-rich soils provide ideal conditions for sparkling wine.
Rather than establishing its own vineyards, the House worked with carefully selected growers across southern England, sourcing parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that best express the character of the region.
The South Downs’ chalk formations, similar to those found in Champagne, offer excellent drainage while imparting a distinctive mineral backbone to the wines. Combined with England’s cool growing season, these conditions produce base wines with vibrant acidity, precision and aromatic purity.
Behind the craft
The wine is produced using the traditional method, with grapes sourced from vineyard parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Each parcel is pressed and vinified separately, allowing the team to assess each component before assembling the final blend. A small proportion of the base wine underwent fermentation in neutral French oak barrels, adding subtle texture and complexity while preserving the purity of fruit.
In keeping with Graham Beck’s philosophy, the wines are bottled early to maximise extended maturation on the lees, building depth, finesse and a creamy texture that is signature to the House.
The Graham Beck team has remained closely involved at every key stage – from vineyard selection through harvest, vinification, assemblage, tirage, ageing and disgorging. Regular presence in the UK during harvest and critical decision-making moments has ensured the wine reflects both its English origin and the precision and purity of the Graham Beck style.
A wine of elegance and precision
Widely regarded as one of England’s finest to date, the 2018 vintage displays impressive structure and depth. Brilliant and expressive, the wine shows a medium straw hue with flashes of bright green and a fine, persistent mousse. “The bubbles are plentiful, lively and pin-prick fine, forming a beautiful crown on the surface of the wine,” says Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk.
The nose is a complex kaleidoscope of white grapefruit, Golden Delicious apple, yellow pear and white peach, gradually unfolding into subtle notes of toasted brioche, roasted almonds, red apple skin and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and linear yet finely textured, offering flavours of ripe nectarine, lemon curd and pear.
A creamy mid-palate adds depth, while a crystalline line of acidity, oyster-shell nuance and chalky mineral structure carry the wine through to a long, refined and mouth-watering finish.
Following disgorgement and further maturation on cork, the wine is expected to evolve beautifully through 2030.
A house without borders
Graham Beck has become synonymous with South African Cap Classique, producing some of the country’s most celebrated traditional-method sparkling wines. Since the maiden vintage in 1991, the House has built a global reputation for precision winemaking, consistency and innovation.
First initiated by Pieter “Bubbles” Ferreira and shaped alongside Antony Beck, the project now continues under the stewardship of Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk.
“The opportunity to bring Graham Beck’s philosophy of traditional-method sparkling winemaking to England is incredibly exciting,” says De Klerk. “This wine reflects both the character of its English terroir and the precision and patience that define the House style. It's a continuation of our pursuit of the perfect bubble.”
What changes is the expression of the base wine, shaped by climate and soil, which is then refined with the same discipline and attention to detail. While terroir may differ, the philosophy underpinning world-class traditional-method sparkling wine remains universal.
The launch represents Graham Beck’s spirit of innovation and reflects the growing confidence and credibility of South African traditional-method winemaking on the global stage. As such, it sits at the intersection of two world-class sparkling wine cultures, offering something distinctive and compelling.
Produced in limited quantities, Graham Beck English Sparkling 2018 will debut in September 2026 in South Africa, with a recommended retail price of R1200 per bottle. The wine will also become available to purchase in the UK in due course, with potential expansion into select international markets.
About the House of Graham Beck
Since 1983, Graham Beck has been South Africa's pioneering leader in Cap Classique production. This third-generation, family-owned estate, located in Robertson's limestone-rich terroir, crafts award-winning méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines that have graced historic celebrations, including Nelson Mandela's inauguration and Barack Obama's presidential nomination.
Led by Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk, the House produces four distinct collections showcasing the exceptional quality of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, sourced from the Robertson Valley and select vineyards beyond. As a WWF Conservation Champion, Graham Beck combines viticultural excellence with environmental stewardship in their relentless pursuit of the perfect bubble.