Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs quite different to that of Graham Beck

PIETER FERREIRA is synonymous with top Cap Classique and Graham Beck, South African sparkling wine made in the traditional way for which the top brands of Reims, Épernay and elsewhere in the Champagne region of France are world-famous. Some refer to him as ‘Bubbles’ Ferreira, cellarmaster at the Graham Beck outfit in Robertson since Day 1, back in 1990. Many would say it was just a matter of time before he and his wife Ann launched their own label. Few could guess that the project began back in 2012 already!

Being introduced to the market without fanfare, Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2012 is priced at around R450 per bottle – only 2000 of them – at select wine shops and restaurants. “Excellent freshness, a fine bubble and an elegant finish,” according to Ann Ferreira, who’ll be releasing a Rosé from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir later in the year.

The aim is to offer an extra Brut style completely different to the Blanc de Blancs from the Graham Beck cellar, where the Pieter Ferreira bubbles are made on a contract basis. “They’re both beautiful Cap Classiques in their own right,” says Ferreira, the grapes sourced from different vineyards and regions.

 

Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2012

100% Chardonnay. Hand-picked grapes from Darling and Robertson. Whole-bunch pressing, with the clear juice fermented mainly in stainless-steel tanks, a portion in French oak barrels. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine was left on the lees (spent yeast) for five years before riddling and dégorgement, the bottles laid down again for six months cork-maturation before release.
Alc 12.2 | RS 3.9 | TA 6.5 | pH 3
From the winemaker’s tasting notes: Refined, light straw colour. Fine mousse. Delicate yeasty tones, layered with green lime zest, citrus and brioche. Persistent bead. Vibrant mouthfeel. Toasty notes. Citrus, honey and tropical nuances with a bright, long finish.
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