2022 Iona Winery Pax Aut Bellum

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.

Sourced from the cool-climate 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.

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.

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.