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WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World > 30. South Africa > Flashcards

30. South Africa Flashcards

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1
Q

What latitude is South Africa’s Western Cape?

A

32-35 (comparable to California)

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2
Q

What is the general climate of South Africa’s western cape?

A

Mediterranean due it’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean

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3
Q

What is the main cooling influence?

A

The cold north-flowing Benguela current

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4
Q

With which other current does the Benguela current mingle?

A

Agulhas Current from the Indian Ocean

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5
Q

What is the effect of the combination of the Agulhas and Benguela currents?

A

The large difference in temperature between the ocean (cool) and the land (warmer) causes regular beneficial coastal fog and cooling breezes.

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6
Q

What is the Cape Doctor?

A

A south-easterly wind during spring and summer and extends the impact of the Benguela current

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7
Q

What is a positive effect of the Cape Doctor?

A

It inhibits disease and brings some occasional rain to the South Coast

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8
Q

What are two negatives effect of the Cape Doctor?

A

1) It can damage leaves affecting
photosynthesis and ripeness
2) Affects flowering process and berry set reducing yields.

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9
Q

In what area can spring frost be an occasional issue?

A

Breedekloof ward

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10
Q

What issue affecting vines often occurs over winter?

A

A lack of winter freeze, which can cause issues with vines failing to rest over winter

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11
Q

When does most rain fall in South Africa?

A

Winter (May-August)

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12
Q

Rainfall in SA is adequate, particularly around Stellenbosch, but it becomes drier further inland. Why? (2)

A

1) The decrease in the impact of the Benguela current
2) Protection of the mountains that follow the coastline

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13
Q

What are the four most planted white varieties in South Africa?

A

1) Chenin Blanc
2) Colombard
3) Sauvignon Blanc
4) Chardonnay

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14
Q

What are the four most planted black varieties in South Africa?

A

1) Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Syrah
3) Pinotage
4) Merlot

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15
Q

When does Pinotage bud?

A

Early

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16
Q

Pinotage reaches high sugar levels in small berries. What’s a winemaking outcome of this?

A

It can potentially reach high alcohol with deep colour that require only a short time on the skins after
the end of fermentation (3 days for the lighter style, 5 days for the fuller-bodied style).

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17
Q

What are the three principal soil types in the Western Cape?

A

1) Soils derived from Table Mountain sandstone
2) Soils derived from granite
3) Soils derived from shale

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18
Q

Describe the soils derived from Table Mountain sandstone

A

Sandy with low nutrient and
water-retention properties. Vineyards on these soils may need careful attention to irrigation and fertilisation.

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19
Q

Describe the soils derived from granite

A

Found on the foothill slopes of mountains and in hilly areas. They have good water- retention properties, indicating a potential for dry-farming.

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20
Q

Describe the soils derived from shale

A

Good nutrient levels and good water-retention properties, indicating a potential for dry-farming.

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21
Q

Most Cape soils require heavy adjustments with lime. Why?

A

The soils are excessively acid otherwise preventing the vines from nutrient uptake

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22
Q

What two viruses has South Africa had a legacy of combatting?

A

Fanleaf
Leafroll

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23
Q

What is South Africa’s most common fungal disease?

A

Powdery

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24
Q

What is the most common form of vine training and why?

A

Cordon with VSP with a fruiting wire at 0.75 m for ease of pruning

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25
Q

What does the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), 1998, govern?

A

All aspects of growing and winemaking from carbon emissions, to staff training and conservation of soil,
rivers and wetlands.

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26
Q

Describe the maturation of an inexpensive Pinotage (3)

A

1) Aged in stainless steel or used barrels.
2) Oak alternatives (staves or chips) may be used to add oak flavours.
3) Can be released early, e.g. 6–12 months after vintage.

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27
Q

Describe the maturation of an premium Pinotage (2)

A

1) Aged for an extended period (12–15 months) in French oak barriques (often more than 50 per cent new)
2) Released two years after the vintage.

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28
Q

Why is Colombard excluded from the ‘big six’ varieties of South Africa despite its significant plantings?

A

It goes into blends or is grown for brandy or distillation

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29
Q

What are the three main blends of South Africa?

A

1) White Cape blends
2) Red/White Bordeaux blends
3) Red Cape blends

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30
Q

What is a White Cape blend?

A

Typically Chenin-dominant with white Rhône varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc

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31
Q

What is a Red Cape blend?

A

A broader category for blends with a significant proportion of Pinotage and/or black Rhône varieties

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32
Q

What are the four official terms for South Africa’s GI system?

A

1) Geographical unit
2) Region
3) District
4) Ward

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33
Q

Give two examples of regions as per the South African GI

A

1) Coastal Region
2) Breede River Valley

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34
Q

Give two examples of districts as per the South African GI

A

1) Stellenbosch
2) Walker Bay

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35
Q

Define wards as per the South African GI and provide an example

A

1) Defined area within a district
2) Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

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36
Q

What are the requirements of estate wines? (2)

A

1) Grown, made and bottled on the estate
2) Registered, be planted with a single variety and not be larger than six hectares

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37
Q

What are the four regions of South Africa’s Western Cape?

A

1) Olifants River
2) Coastal Region
3) Cape South Coast
4) Breede River Valley

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38
Q

What are the seven important districts of Coastal Region?

A

1) Cape Town
2) Darling
3) Franschhoek Valley
4) Paarl
5) Stellenbosch
6) Swartland
7) Tulbagh
8) Wellington

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39
Q

What are the two main wards of Cape Town?

A

1) Constantia
2) Durbanville

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40
Q

What is the main ward of Stellenbosch?

A

Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

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41
Q

What is the main ward of Paarl?

A

Simonsberg-Paarl

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42
Q

Where are the vines of Constantia planted?

A

On east-facing slopes of Constantiaberg, which extends south from Table Mountain.

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43
Q

What are the soils of Constantia?

A

Low vigour granite soils sit above a layer of sandstone providing good drainage to the region’s relatively high rainfall (1,000mm)

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44
Q

What are the main four varieties planted in Constantia?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz

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45
Q

Why is there little to no Pinot Noir planted in Constantia?

A

It’s a windy region with cooling winds from False Bay, which inhibits Pinot’s flowering

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46
Q

Name a key producer of Constantia, Cape Town

A

Klein Constantia

47
Q

Why is rainfall in Durbanville half that of Constantia?

A

It is situated in the Tygerberg hills, which offer protection

48
Q

Why can Durbanville often be dry-farmed despite its low rainfall?

A

Due to the water-holding capacity of the soils

49
Q

What is the main variety of Durbanville?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

50
Q

Which bay mitigates the warm temperatures of Constantia and Durbanville?

A

False Bay

51
Q

Name a key producer in Durbanville

A

Bloemendal

52
Q

Name a key Stellenbosch producers

A

Raats

53
Q

Describe the location of Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

A

On the lower slopes of the south-west side of the Simonsberg

54
Q

What are the two main soil types in Stellenbosch a) around False Bay and b) on the slops of Simonsberg?

A

a) Alluvial sand
b) Granite and shale

55
Q

What two weather conditions mean Stellenbosch and Paarl are known for traditional black varieties?

A

1) Good rainfall (600-900mm)
2) Warm days

56
Q

What is the Simonsberg?

A

A mountain in Stellenbosch

57
Q

Describe the location of Simonsberg-Stellenbosch’s vineyards and an advantage of such (2)

A

1) Warmer inland on the south-west slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain
2) Its vineyards relatively open to the ocean breezes, providing a higher diurnal range than the flatter sites.

58
Q

What wines is Simonsberg-Stellenbosch most known for? (3)

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends and Pinotage.

59
Q

Of Simonsberg-Stellenbosch and Simonsberg-Paarl, which is warmer and why?

A

1) Simonsberg-Paarl
2) Situated on the protected east side

60
Q

Name a key Stellenbosch producer

A

Kanonkop (Simonsberg)

61
Q

What are the four leading varieties of Paarl?

A

Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Shiraz and Pinotage

62
Q

What international varieties less common in South Africa are planted in the warmer sites of Paarl?

A

Viognier and particularly
Mourvèdre

63
Q

What is distinct about the Paarl ward Simonsberg-Paarl compared with the rest of the district?

A

It has slightly higher elevation than the rest of the Paarl district, which
provides a slightly higher diurnal range and a longer and slightly cooler ripening season.

64
Q

Describe the main two topographical aspects of Franschhoek Valley

A

1) Wrapped around on three sides by mountains offering a varied topography giving shelter and warmth
3) 300-600masl

65
Q

Franschhoek Valley experiences a similar level of rainfall to Paarl and Stellenbosch, but irrigation is often required. Why?

A

The soils are fast draining

66
Q

What are the leading three varieties planted in Franschhoek

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz

67
Q

Name a significant producer in Franschhoek

A

Boekenhoutskloof

68
Q

What are the soils of the Darling and Swartland districts?

A

Granite with water holding capacity

69
Q

Describe the location of Darling

A

North of Cape Town and surrounded north, east, and west by Swartland at altitude and so exposed to the Atlantic

70
Q

Describe the climate of Swartland

A

Warm, dry climate with around 500 mm rain per year, most falling during the growing season

71
Q

Darling and Swartland share the same soils, but irrigation is needed in Swartland for what two reasons?

A

1) Swartland has lower (500mm) rainfall
2) To guarantee yields and the cultivation of old vines (for which the area is famous)

72
Q

Swartland is an important source of fruit for which premium South African wine styles?

A

Western Cape white and red blends made from the ‘big six’ varieties

73
Q

Describe the two sectors of Swartland’s winery industry

A

1) Older businesses,
often co-operatives, produce good to very good quality, inexpensive and mid-priced wines.
2) Since 2000, a premium sector focusing on low yields, dry farming, organic/biodynamic farming, old vines, ambient yeasts and maturation in old oak.

74
Q

Describe the Tulbagh district

A

Very warm, dry, sheltered valley
surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped mountain range.

75
Q

Where do the cooling influences for Tulbagh come from? (2)

A

1) Altitude (400–500m)
2) Shade thrown by mountains, which also trap cold morning air in the valley

76
Q

Tulbagh can be dry. How is water managed here? (2)

A

1) Soils have good water retention capacity
2) Rain that falls on the upper slopes is collected in a series of
ponds that can provide water for irrigation

77
Q

The district of Wellington’s reputation is growing on what variety and wine style?

A

Shiraz and powerful red blends

78
Q

Three varieties grown in Tulbagh reflect its history of inexpensive wine production. What are they?

A

1) Chenin
2) Shiraz
3) Colombard

79
Q

Describe the two main vineyard areas of the Wellington district

A

1) Alluvial terraces towards the Swartland’s rolling hills
2) The foothills of the Hawequa Mountains, where valleys create varied mesoclimates

80
Q

What are the three main districts of the Breede River Valley region?

A

1) Breedekloof
2) Worcester
3) Robertson

81
Q

What is the Breede River Valley region responsible for in the main?

A

It produces the most wine in South Africa at relatively high
yields and for South
Africa’s distillation industry

82
Q

What is the climate of Breedekloof?

A

Warm continental with cooling summer south-east winds

83
Q

Of the three Breede River Valley districts, which doesn’t require irrigation?

A

Breedekloof due to adequate rainfall

84
Q

Why does Worcester require irrigation?

A

It’s relatively low rainfall is due to the rain shadow of the surrounding
mountains

85
Q

What are the soils like in Worcester?

A

Loamy and very fertile (historically planted for high volume production and the needs of the brandy industry)

86
Q

Describe the three key features of the Robertson district

A

1) Warm with very low rainfall
2) South-east winds
are a cooling influence and bring moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean
3) Flat plains provide relatively fertile growing conditions, making parts of the district suitable for high yields

87
Q

Within the scope of South African wine regions, what is unusual about parts of the soil in the Robertson district?

A

Limestone soils suitable for Chardonnay

88
Q

What is the most northerly region of South Africa’s Western Cape?

A

Olifants River Region

89
Q

Despite being a source of high-volume fruit, Olifants River Region also produces what?

A

Fruit from dry farmed old vines made into wine by well-known growers in more prestigious regions.

90
Q

Does Olifants River Region have districts and wards?

A

Yes - premium wine can be made here despite its reputation for distillation and bulk

91
Q

Select areas of Olifants River Region produce high quality fruit. What are two reasons for this?

A

1) Altitude of 450–550m and aspect
2) Cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean

92
Q

What are two key districts of the Cape South Coast region?

A

1) Walker Bay
2) Elgin

93
Q

Hemel-en-Aarde is the collective name for which three Walker Bay wards?

A

1) Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
2) Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
3) Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

94
Q

What is the other key wards of Walker Bay?

A

Bot River

95
Q

Describe the location of the three Hemel-en-Aarde wards

A

1) Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - lowest yet closest to Atlantic
2) Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - higher elevation facing north and west
3) Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge - highest (400m) and furthest inland

96
Q

Hemel-en-Aarde vineyards tend to face with aspect?

A

North, which aids ripening in this cool Atlantic area

97
Q

What are the three main varieties of Cape Coast?

A

Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

98
Q

What makes Hemel-en-Aarde’s soil comparable to Burgundy?

A

High clay content (up to 55%)

99
Q

The Babylonstoren Mountains have what influence on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge?

A

They act as a cloud trap collecting moisture and providing shade

100
Q

Hemel-en-Aarde can be windy off the Atlantic. Whilst the soils have good water retention, what other technique is employed to reduce evaporation?

A

Cover crops

101
Q

Describe two key features of the Bot River ward

A

1) Stretches from the
Bot River Lagoon that funnels cold winds towards the slopes of the nearby mountain ranges.
2) Slightly warmer than Hemel-en-Aarde, but cooler than
Paarl and Stellenbosch

102
Q

What makes Elgin the coolest of South Africa’s wine growing regions? (3)

A

The altitude, cloud cover and the cooling influence of the ocean

103
Q

Elgin’s rainfall allows some wineries to produce what wine style?

A

Botrytis wines

104
Q

What two wine styles is the Klein Karoo region known for?

A

1) Port styles
2) Fortified Muscat

105
Q

What is the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)?

A

An independently audited set of
guidelines for sustainable farming that covers environmental impact, water usage, health and safety and biodiversity protection

106
Q

What is the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI)?

A

By 2015 over 90 per cent of the South African wine industry was able to certify their wine as being environmentally
friendly

107
Q

What is the WWF-SA Conservation
Champion Programme?

A

Recognises producers who commit to biodiversity conservation and improvement of production practices, energy-efficient measures and water stewardship.

108
Q

What does the Integrity and Sustainability seal certify?

A

A certified wine’s environmental credentials such as chemical usage, water management and
introduction of natural predators

109
Q

What is the Sustainable Wine South Africa?

A

The alliance between the WSB, IPW, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and WOSA

110
Q

What is the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA)?

A

A voluntary association
of businesses that committed to an audited scheme of ethical trade with a focus on reasonable working conditions for workers

111
Q

Approximately how much of South Africa’s wine is exported?

A

1/2

112
Q

What is the primary export market for South African wine?

A

UK (then Germany and USA)

113
Q

What is the primary format for South African wine?

A

Bulk, inexpensive with a trend towards increased value

WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World (42 decks)

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