20. South Africa

Question 1

What four varieties make up 95% of Cap Classique production?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What three varieties is carbonated sparkling wine made from in South Africa?

Answer 2

1) Sauvignon Blanc
2) Muscat
3) Pinotage

Question 3

What are the two definitions of Cap Classique?

Answer 3

1) The production method (second fermentation in bottle)
2) The trademark of an association of growers and producers.

Question 4

When was the Cap Classique association founded?

Answer 4

1992

Question 5

What are the three standards of Cap Classique now enshrined in law?

Answer 5

1) Wine must undergo secondary fermentation in the same bottle that goes to market.
2) A minimum of three bars pressure post-disgorgement.
3) A minimum of 12 months on lees during second fermentation.

Question 6

What five regions is fruit for sparkling wines sourced from?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What are the four key features of Robertson and Bonnievale considered to assist with production of fruit for sparkling?

Answer 7

1) Limestone soils
2) Narrow valleys shaded by mountain making them slower to warm in the morning.
3) Cool afternoon breezes along the Breede River from the ocean at Cape Agulhas.
4) Largest diurnal shift of all regions for sparkling wine.

Question 8

How many days after flowering do growers aim to wait before picking?

Answer 8

90 days.

Question 9

How do growers in South Africa slow ripening and retain acidity?

Answer 9

By leaving more growth on the vines to create extra shading.

Question 10

At what potential alcohol are grapes picked?

Answer 10

9.5-11% (final wine around 12%)

Question 11

Is hand-harvesting required by Cap Classique?

Answer 11

No, just recommended.

Question 12

How might a more premium Cap Classique wine be achieved? (4)

Answer 12

1) Separate and blend press fractions as required.
2) Old barrels for texture.
3) Reserve wines.
4) Longer than regulation lees maturation.

Question 13

What two other winemaking techniques are up to the winemaker?

Answer 13

1) Acidification
2) MLC

Question 14

What are two key challenges for Cap Classique producers in the domestic market?

Answer 14

1) To attract top-quality Champagne consumers
2) To attract new middle classes moving from beer to wine.

Question 15

What are the top three export markets for South African sparkling wine?

Answer 15

1) Angola
2) Sweden
3) UK

Question 16

How does Cap Classique Producer’s Association promote its producers’ wines? (3)

Answer 16

1) Public tastings
2) Annual trade tastings of base wines
3) Technical conferences every two years

Question 17

Besides limestone in Robertson and Breede, what are the most common soil types in the remaining wine growing regions? (3)

Answer 17

Shale, decomposes granite, clay.

Question 18

What is the sales trend for Cap Classique?

Answer 18

Doubling every five years in recent decades.