The Producer
Waterkloof Estate sits high on the Schapenberg slopes of Somerset West, where biodynamic farming meets gravity-flow winemaking in one of the Cape’s most striking cellars. Founded by Paul Boutinot, Waterkloof farms organically and biodynamically — Percheron horses work the vineyards, cover crops flourish between the rows, and no synthetic chemicals touch the soil. The Astraeus range takes its name from the Greek Titan of dusk and the stars, a nod to the celestial rhythms that guide biodynamic viticulture. These Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines are crafted from cool-climate Elgin Valley fruit, where the long, slow ripening season produces grapes of exceptional finesse and natural acidity — ideal for world-class bubbles.
Vintage & Terroir
The Pinot Noir for this Rosé MCC is sourced from an organically farmed vineyard in the Elgin Valley, one of the Cape’s coolest wine-growing regions. Ancient Table Mountain sandstone soils impart a distinctive minerality, while the maritime-influenced climate — with cool breezes off False Bay — ensures a prolonged growing season. This extended hang time allows the grapes to develop complex flavour while retaining the bright, natural acidity essential for premium sparkling wine. As a non-vintage cuvée, the winemaker blends across vintages to achieve a consistently elegant house style.
In the Cellar
The Pinot Noir grapes are whole-bunch basket pressed to extract only the most delicate juice, preserving the pale salmon hue and fine aromatics. Primary fermentation takes place with indigenous wild yeast in old 600-litre French oak barrels, allowing gentle complexity to develop over nine months on the lees. At bottling, champagne yeast is added to initiate the traditional secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine then spends eleven months ageing on its lees in bottle, building biscuity depth and creamy texture, followed by seven months of rest after disgorgement to allow full integration and harmony.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Delicate pale salmon-pink with a persistent stream of fine bubbles.
Nose: Floral and mineral aromas lead, with hints of wild strawberry, white peach, and brioche from the extended lees ageing.
Palate: Elegant and poised, offering red berry fruit, citrus zest, and a savoury mineral thread. The mousse is fine and creamy, with beautifully integrated acidity providing freshness and length.
Finish: Dry, refined, and lingering, with a subtle yeasty complexity and a clean, mineral sign-off.
Food Pairing
A versatile sparkling wine that shines as an apéritif or alongside fresh oysters, seared salmon, prawn tempura, or a classic smoked trout salad. Equally at home with soft cheeses, charcuterie boards, or delicate sushi. Serve well chilled at 6–8°C in a tulip glass to appreciate the full aromatic expression.
Technical Details
| Vintage | Non-Vintage |
| Region | Elgin Valley, Western Cape |
| Grape(s) | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Alcohol | 12% |
| Residual Sugar | 5.24 g/l |
| Total Acidity | 6.2 g/l |
| pH | 3.2 |
| Method | Méthode Cap Classique |
| Closure | Cork & cage |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every bottle of Waterkloof Astraeus Rosé Pinot Noir MCC is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted with this biodynamic bubbly, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.
