19. Africa Flashcards
What is the climate around Cape Town, South Africa?
Mediterranean
Where does the Benguela Current originate?
Antarctica
Its a cold ocean current that flows up the west coast of Africa from Antartica
What are two cooling influences on the wine regions of South Africa?
Benguela Current
Cape Doctor
What is the Cape Doctor?
A strong, southeasterly wind that helps to dry out the vineyards (but can also damage the vines)
What types of soils can be found throughout South Africa’s wine growing regions?
Sandstone
Granite
Shale
Clay
What is the name of the southeasterly wind that helps to cool vineyards in the Western Cape?
Cape Doctor
What is Chenin Blanc referred to in South Africa?
Steen
What is the leading grape of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc (Steen)
What is Muscat de Alexandria referred to as in South Africa?
Hanepoot
What is Hanepoot?
Muscat de Alexandria / South Africa
What is the former name for Crouchen Blanc?
Cape Riesling
What are the 4 key white grapes of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
Colombard
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
What are the four key red grapes of South Africa?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
Pinotage
Merlot
Columbard is a key white grape of South Africa. What is it used for?
Largely brandy production
Pinotage is an indigenous crossing of _____ and __________.
Pinot Noir and Cinsault
What is the name of the crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault?
Pinotage
What is the basic makeup of a Cape Blend?
Pinotage + Bordeaux Grapes
Typically 30-70% of the wine is Pinotage
What is the name of the appellation system in South Africa?
WO / Wine of Origin Scheme
Emphasis is on place of origin - not growing or winemaking practices
What are the categories of wine growing areas in South Africa?
From Largest to Smallest
Geographical Unit
Region
Districts
Wards (defined by soil, climate, geological factors)
South African wines that wish to list a geographic area, estate, or vineyard must have ____% of the grapes from that area.
100%
South African wines that wish to list a varietal or a vintage on a label must have ___% of the grapes from that varietal or vintage.
85%
What percentage of South Africa’s vineyards lie outside of the boundaries of the Western Cape?
5%
What are the five key areas noted for the Coastal Region of South Africa?
Stellenbosch District
Paarl District
Franschhoek Valley District
Constantia Ward
Swartland District
Where is the Stellenbosch District? What is it known for?
Coastal Region of South Africa
East of Cape Town
It is one of the oldest and most respected wine growing areas of South Africa. Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading red wine of the Stellenbosch District.
