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“Come quickly, I am tasting the stars” – Dom Perignon
We are over the moon to announce the release of our Astraeus Rosé Pinot Noir MCC, produced from hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes grown organically in the cool-climate Elgin wine valley.
In Greek mythology, Astraeus – the father of the four wind gods and the stars – was an astrological deity known as “the god of the dusk”. According to the myth, he married Eos, the goddess of the dawn.
Together they had many children, one of whom was named Boreas: god of the cold north wind. This self-same wind howls relentlessly through Waterkloof’s vineyards and so defines the character of our grapes and resulting wines. While many people believe Waterkloof’s logo depicts a blowing man, it is actually a blowing god – Boreas!
No myth, this palest of pale Methodé Cap Classique Rosés is a true product of nature. The hand-harvested organic grapes were whole bunch basket pressed to extract the purest juice. Natural fermentation took place in 600 litre barrels. The wine spent 9 months on the lees in barrel and 11 months on the lees in bottle. It was left under cork for a further 7 months after disgorgement.
“The Astraeus is a lightly coloured Pinot Noir Rosé with fine bubbles and a mousse that isn’t overwhelming,” says cellar master Nadia Barnard. “It gives off floral and mineral aromas and strikes a fine balance on the palate between elegance and a fine, supporting structure. It can be enjoyed on its own or with some classic red fruit desserts.”
The Astraeus is available at The Restaurant at Waterkloof, our Tasting Lounge and selected restaurants.
