Pax Aut Bellum, Brut Pinot Noir Rosé, Elgin, South Africa, 2022

Producer Profile

Pax aut Bellum is a boutique Elgin producer dedicated to crafting expressive Cap Classique wines that reflect both heritage and place.

Inspired by the Gunn family’s Viking and Highland lineage, the winery embraces a philosophy of balance, resilience and precision. Each wine is designed to capture elegance, purity and quiet power, with a strong emphasis on tradition, patience and the pursuit of excellence.

Viticulture

Sourced from the cool-climate Highland vineyards of Elgin, South Africa, where maritime influence, altitude and misty valley conditions allow for slow, even ripening. These factors help preserve natural acidity and aromatic intensity, essential for producing high-quality cap classique wine with finesse and freshness.

Winemaking

Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir using the traditional cap classique sparkling wine methods. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing, which contributes to its fine mousse, textural complexity and characteristic brioche and nutty nuances.

Tasting Note

A refined Cap Classique rosé showing lifted aromatics of wild strawberry, raspberry and delicate rose petal. Subtle layers of brioche and almond add complexity from extended lees ageing. The palate is precise and vibrant, with fresh acidity and a fine, persistent mousse, finishing elegant, poised, and beautifully balanced.

Food matching

Ideal with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, or duck dishes, while also pairing beautifully with soft cheeses or strawberry-based desserts thanks to its bright acidity and delicate red fruit profile.