15. South Africa Flashcards
What are the two main categories of sparkling wine made in SAF?
- Inexpensive, carbonated, often sweet, domestically consumed, or exported to sub-Saharan territories
- Cap Classique - MT
Describe a classic Cap Classique
Medium + acid Medium alcohol Ripe apple/citrus, varying autolysis Mid to premium priced Good to very good
What varieties are used for carbonated wine?
A wide range - including Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinotage
What does the term Cap Classique refer to?
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
What are the requirements for Cap Classique?
- Second ferment must be in the same bottle the wine is sold in
- Minimum 3 bar pressure post disgorgement
- Nine months minimum between tirage and release - now 12 months as of 2020
What varieties are used for Cap Classique?
Chardonnay/Pinot Noir or Chenin Blanc & Pinotage (make up 95% of total plantings)
What are the six main regions for sparkling wine?
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- Darling
- Tulbagh
- Robertson
- Bonnievale
What are the two regions that have limestone soils?
What other factors make these two regions suitable for sparkling wine production?
Robertson & Bonnievale
Narrow valleys that are shaded from sun, and cool ocean influences. Large diurnal range.
When is picking for Cap Classique wines?
Approximately 90 days after flowering. Which is a little later than general MT wines, made possible by adapted viticultural techniques
What is the general process for carbonated sparkling?
Fermentation stopped early to retain residual sugar, then carbonated and released early to preserve fruit character.
What are the harvest techniques for Cap Classique?
Quality minded producers with hand pick and whole bunch press (not required).
What winemaking decisions will quality minded producers make at pressing?
Seperate press fractions and then blend as needed.
What adjustment is common before fermentation?
Acidification
What fermentation vessel is used?
Typically stainless.
Some people will use old oak for fermentation to increase richness and texture
What are the decisions generally made for the following winemaking choices:
- MLF
- Reserve wines
- No standard, can do either
2. Around 10 per cent used by premium producers
How is rose made?
Either blending or short maceration
What are the current proposals being put forward by the Cap Classique Producers Association?
- All grapes destined for this category to be ‘certified’.
- All producers of Cap Classique must be members of the association
- A two-tier classification that would have a standard category and a higher quality category with varietal restrictions and longer lees ageing.
What is the ownership structure of Cap Classique production?
Seven companies dominate the market.
What is the growth trend in SAF sparkling?
Cap Classique is the fastest growing category in South African wine. Sales have doubled every five years in recent decades
What are the opportunities for new markets for Cap Classique?
Middle class drinkers moving from beer to wine. Drinkers who currently drink Champagne.
What is the performance of the export market like? Who drinks it?
Export market has grown, but is still below its peak of 2012.
Angola is the biggest, then USA then UK
How is the association funded? How does it promote the brand?
Funded by a levy according to volume of production.
Promotion is done through public tastings, technical conferences.
