Graham Beck, a pioneering leader in the production of award-winning Cap Classique, has announced the appointment of Pierre de Klerk as cellarmaster with effect from 1 January this year. De Klerk previously held the title of Winemaker at Graham Beck and succeeds industry icon Pieter ‘Bubbles’ Ferreira who is transitioning into his new position as Graham Beck’s chief operating officer (COO) after a remarkable 32 years at the helm of the cellar.
Born and raised in Stellenbosch, with no less than three family members in the wine industry, de Klerk obtained a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) from Stellenbosch University. With an impressive track record under his belt, having gained invaluable experience internationally and in Cape cellars, de Klerk joined the Graham Beck team in 2010 as Winemaker. For 12 years, he worked under the mentorship of Ferreira as well as the rest of the Graham Beck ‘A-team’, embracing their passionate pursuit of the perfect bubble. Going forward, de Klerk will be responsible for managing the cellar team and the cellar’s annual Cap Classique production, as well as maintaining the style and consistency for which Graham Beck stands for and which has been refined by Ferreira for over 30 vintages.
“I am honoured with my new role as Cellar Master. Pieter has been a superb mentor to me, having unselfishly shared with me all of his learnings over many years” shares de Klerk.
Graham Beck Cap Classique Maestros - Pieter Ferreira and Pierre de Klerk
On 17 January, in a ceremonial moment that marked the start of the 32nd annual harvest on the Robertson-based Madeba farm, Ferreira officially passed the baton and presented de Klerk with a bottle of Blanc de Blancs 1991: the maiden Graham Beck vintage. He christened this bottle ‘The Perpetual.’According to Ferreira, “The perpetual reserve is used from year to year to form a consistent base wine to achieve our house style. To me, it signifies the concept that the art of winemaking is a never-ending, timeless and uninterrupted quest!”
For Ferreira, his next adventure may be his greatest. As the new COO of Graham Beck, besides being responsible for managing the company’s operations, he will focus on furthering research and development in Cap Classique production and engaging widely on an industry level, as well as with customers and consumers:“For 32 years, Graham Beck has been my home. I was there for the very first vintage that took place under the stars and I look forward to seeing what is written in them for me next!” smiles Ferreira.
Following Ferreira’s mantra of consistently raising the bar in terms of quality and distinction, Pierre will endeavour to uphold Graham Beck’s unwavering dedication to producing Cap Classique which consistently ranks amongst the best in the world.
As a change of seasons begins, Chris du Toit, CEO of Beck Family Estates, reflects on this auspicious moment:
“We offer our warmest congratulations to Pieter and Pierre on their well-earned promotions and express our sincere gratitude for their immense contribution to date. We are extremely excited about what the future holds as we will enjoy the dual benefit of Pierre’s hands-on responsibility and Pieter’s experience in the Graham Beck cellar for many years to come. Join us as we celebrate this milestone and raise a toast to a new era for Graham Beck,” ends du Toit.