Cuvée Clive is Graham Beck’s most distinguished and exclusive Cap Classique yet. It represents the very pinnacle of their specialized craft and is testimony to their reputation as a world class producer of Méthode Champenoise style wines. This prestige cuvée embodies the Graham Beck pursuit of the perfect bubble and is a culmination of meticulous planning and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

As part of the exciting release of the new vintage (2014), Cuvée Clive has also undergone a sleek new packaging upgrade, with elegant label design tweaks by the Haumann Smal Design Studio. The paper was changed from coated to uncoated to allow for less shine and a more understated and premium look and feel. More foil was introduced to add to this premiumized design and to contribute an element of opulence. The texture on the front and neck labels was adjusted so that they fitted in with the capsule and also added more overall dimension. The vintage is now displayed in a larger, yet more subtle font. The high build is limited and only employed on the Graham Beck logo and Cuvée Clive to enhance these key design elements.

Made in the traditional Méthode Cap Classique style, Cuvée Clive is produced in exclusive quantities from only the very best 100% Chardonnay cuvée juice. The 2014 Cuvée Clive is a blend of fruit sourced from two outstanding terroirs – 70% of the blend originated from one block on the Graham Beck estate in Robertson, planted in 2002 to four different clones of Chardonnay on pure limestone soil while the remaining 30% comes from Darling, lending bright and racy acidity to the blend.

Primary fermentation and maturation took place in neutral Piece Champenoise barrels for a three month period, after which the two portions were blended and bottled. After 60 months of lees ageing in the bottle, the 2014 Cuvée Clive emerged as a showcase of power and elegance seamlessly flowing together.

This extraordinary bubbly is a complex, balanced, elegant cap classique which intrigues the senses from start to finish. Ripe citrus aromas are supported by apricot, apple and toasted almond nuances. The palate starts off with flavours of fresh and zesty citrus, developing into richer, fleshy yellow stonefruit and nutty notes. The piercing acidity, multifaceted texture and delightfully small bubbles creates a taste experience which leaves the palate begging for more.

On the international judging circuit, the Cuvée Clive continues to raise the bar, having once again been selected as Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year by Tim Atkin, award-winning British journalist and Master of Wine, in his South Africa 2019 Special Report. The 2014 Cuvée Clive notched up 96 out of 100 points, thereby earning it a Gold Medal and Atkin’s highest praise in this competitive category. It was also one of only two MCCs to win the coveted Veritas Double Gold award.

A complex paradox of subtlety and maturity, the Cuvée Clive skilfully expresses the hallmarks of a distinguished prestige Cuvée – sophistication, finesse and superb ageing potential.  In symbolising their quest to produce world class iconic sparkling wines, this exclusive Cuvée creates a platform for excellence and an anchor stone for Graham Beck’s core beliefs.  The Cuvée Clive embodies the joyful celebration of that which matters. May your love affair with this wine bring a true appreciation of Life’s journey towards fulfilment.