19. South Africa

Question 1

What are the primary markets for inexpensive carbonated sparkling wine made in South Africa?

Answer 1

The domestic market, and exported to sub-Saharan territories, primarily Angola, Mozambique and Nigeria

Question 2

What 4 primary varietals are used in South African traditional method Cap Classique?

Answer 2

1. Pinot Noir
2. Chardonnay
3. Pinotage
4. Chenin Blanc

Question 3

What are the primary varietals used in South African carbonated sparkling wine?

Answer 3

Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinotage

Question 4

What percent of South African sparkling wines are members of Cap Classique responsible for producing?

Answer 4

90%

Question 5

Name Cap Classique standards

Answer 5

1. Wine must undergo 2nd fermentation in same bottle that goes to market
2. minimum 3 bars pressure post-disgorgement
3. minimum 9 months on lees during 2nd fermentation in bottle (Cap Classique Producers Association members commit to minimum 12 months)

Question 6

What are the primary regions where grapes for Cap Classique wines are grown?

Answer 6

Darling, PRST

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

Question 7

What are common viticulture and winemaking practices for Cap Classique wines?

Answer 7

1. Hand-picked grapes - small baskets
2. Whole bunch press (recommended but not required)
3. Acidification common
4. Malolactic conversion - choice of winemaker
5. Reserve wines used by premium houses to add depth
6. 9 months min on lees; MCC association members 12 months

Question 8

What processes are used to make rose sparkling wines in South Africa?

Answer 8

1. Blending white and red wines in order to control amount of tannins and color prior to 2nd fermentation.
2. maceration of black grape variety prior to primary fermentation (less common)

Question 9

What 3 topics did the 2017 proposal submitted by the CCPA cover?

Answer 9

1. Require all grapes to be “certified”
2. Minimal lees aging to increase to 12 months
3. All producers of Cap Classique have to be members of CCPA

Question 10

What 2 categories is the CCPA proposing for Cap Classique?

Answer 10

1. Standard - based on existing rules
2. Higher quality made only from classic Champagne varietals plus Chenin Blanc & Pinotage; grapes whole-bunch pressed; min lees time 36 months

Question 11

True or false: Cap Classique is the fasted growing category in South Africa

Answer 11

True