15. South Africa

Question 1

What are the two main categories of sparkling wine made in SAF?

Answer 1

1. Inexpensive, carbonated, often sweet, domestically consumed, or exported to sub-Saharan territories
2. Cap Classique - MT

Question 2

Describe a classic Cap Classique

Answer 2

Medium + acid
Medium alcohol
Ripe apple/citrus, varying autolysis
Mid to premium priced
Good to very good

Question 3

What varieties are used for carbonated wine?

Answer 3

A wide range - including Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinotage

Question 4

What does the term Cap Classique refer to?

Answer 4

It is both the name of a production method (SAF MT) and the trademark of an association of growers and producers who make these wines

Question 5

What are the requirements for Cap Classique?

Answer 5

1. Second ferment must be in the same bottle the wine is sold in
2. Minimum 3 bar pressure post disgorgement
3. Nine months minimum between tirage and release - now 12 months as of 2020

Question 6

What varieties are used for Cap Classique?

Answer 6

Chardonnay/Pinot Noir or Chenin Blanc & Pinotage (make up 95% of total plantings)

Question 7

What are the six main regions for sparkling wine?

Answer 7

1. Stellenbosch
2. Paarl
3. Darling
4. Tulbagh
5. Robertson
6. Bonnievale

Question 8

What are the two regions that have limestone soils?

What other factors make these two regions suitable for sparkling wine production?

Answer 8

Robertson & Bonnievale

Narrow valleys that are shaded from sun, and cool ocean influences. Large diurnal range.

Question 9

When is picking for Cap Classique wines?

Answer 9

Approximately 90 days after flowering. Which is a little later than general MT wines, made possible by adapted viticultural techniques

Question 10

What is the general process for carbonated sparkling?

Answer 10

Fermentation stopped early to retain residual sugar, then carbonated and released early to preserve fruit character.

Question 11

What are the harvest techniques for Cap Classique?

Answer 11

Quality minded producers with hand pick and whole bunch press (not required).

Question 12

What winemaking decisions will quality minded producers make at pressing?

Answer 12

Seperate press fractions and then blend as needed.

Question 13

What adjustment is common before fermentation?

Answer 13

Acidification

Question 14

What fermentation vessel is used?

Answer 14

Typically stainless.

Some people will use old oak for fermentation to increase richness and texture

Question 15

What are the decisions generally made for the following winemaking choices:

1. MLF
2. Reserve wines

Answer 15

1. No standard, can do either

2. Around 10 per cent used by premium producers

Question 16

How is rose made?

Answer 16

Either blending or short maceration

Question 17

What are the current proposals being put forward by the Cap Classique Producers Association?

Answer 17

1. All grapes destined for this category to be ‘certified’.
2. All producers of Cap Classique must be members of the association
3. A two-tier classification that would have a standard category and a higher quality category with varietal restrictions and longer lees ageing.

Question 18

What is the ownership structure of Cap Classique production?

Answer 18

Seven companies dominate the market.

Question 19

What is the growth trend in SAF sparkling?

Answer 19

Cap Classique is the fastest growing category in South African wine. Sales have doubled every five years in recent decades

Question 20

What are the opportunities for new markets for Cap Classique?

Answer 20

Middle class drinkers moving from beer to wine.
Drinkers who currently drink Champagne.

Question 21

What is the performance of the export market like? Who drinks it?

Answer 21

Export market has grown, but is still below its peak of 2012.
Angola is the biggest, then USA then UK

Question 22

How is the association funded? How does it promote the brand?

Answer 22

Funded by a levy according to volume of production.

Promotion is done through public tastings, technical conferences.