We started our Thanksgiving feast with this Brut Rosé bubbly from Graham Beck. I loved its salmon hue and fruity notes together with a nice perlage, structure and length. It’s a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their properties in Robertson and Stellenbosch. The wine is made using whole cluster pressing. The winemaker Pieter ‘Bubbles’ Ferreira believes firmly in making quality sparkling wines. This traditional method sparkler was perfect with the hors d’oeuvre and would have been perfect with the turkey and sides as well but I had brought home another bottle to share from my summer trip to Oregon.

I visited the Dobbes family tasting room this summer as part of the Society of Wine Educators tour to local wineries.

The Dobbes Family story is very American with Joe, the winemaker, who has created an empire from his desire and persistence. He has different lines that are…