38 - South Africa Flashcards
Where are most of South Africa’s wine regions found?
On and around the Cape - proximity to the Southern Ocean gives cooling influence. The mountainous backdrop also allows winemakers produce variety of styles.
What enables South Africa to grow grapes in vineyards with cooling influences, despite it being located between 27 and 34 degrees south of the Equator (pretty close)?
Southern Ocean cools coastal areas. This is enhanced by summer winds (called the Cape Doctor) - the cooled air is pushed further inland by the winds.
Also - mountain ranges run throughout the wine regions and altitude and aspect are very important.
What are the commonly planted black grape varieties in South Africa?
Cabernet: used for varietal style and blended (see Merlot)
Merlot (Cabernet and Merlot and cabernet franc often blended for Bordeaux-style)
Syrah: bc of hot climate - ripe, high alcohol, black fruit and meat
Pinot Noir: less tolerant of hot South African climate, planted in cooler coastal areas. sometimes aged in proportion new oak
Pinotage (Pinot Noir x Cinsault): this crossing developed in South Africa. sometimes blended with international styles to make ‘Cape Blend’. Styles range from light and fruity with red berry, to old bush vine wines full-body, rich, spiced. can take on coffee/chocolate when fermented/stored with heavily toasted staves.
What are commonly planted white varieties of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc: most widely planted of either color in South Africa. versatile grape made dry or sweet. Basic Chenin - easy drinking, simple stone fruit. complex Chenin - made from old bush vines, concentration and fuller texture. sometimes fermented/aged in barrel contributes body and toasty
Sauvignon Blanc: widely grown. often herbaceous character. best Sauv Blanc is from cooler regions.
Chardonnay: capable of exceptional quality esp in cooler sites. barrel fermentation and lees stirring (both Burgundian techniques) can contribute character.
True/False: Muscat of Alexandria is commonly planted in South Africa and used to make dry style of wine.
False. It is made into late-harvest dessert wine from grapes left to shrivel on the vine and can sometimes have noble rot influence. It is not as commonly planted.
What is the South African GI system?
Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)
There are the 4 sizes of production area recognized by the law:
geographical unit, region, district, ward
Western Cape is the only important geographical unit - even premium producers use this geographical unit bc i allows them to blend wines from different areas.
Estate wines: these must come from a single estate. All grapes must come from estate vineyards that cover single geographical area.
True/False: Well over 90% of the wine made in South Africa comes from the Western Cape
True. the remainder comes from the Orange River in the Northern Cape, which is known for inexpensive whites
Which are the most important regions of the Western Cape?
Coastal Region
Breede River Valley
Cape South Coast
What are the major districts and wards of the Coastal Region of the western Cape in South Africa?
Stellenbosch: hub of fine wine production in South Africa. Warm to moderate climate. Variety of altitude aspect and soil. Reputation for excellent red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot often made into Bordeaux-style blends. and Syrah and Cape red blends. also produces Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in the cooler sites.
Paarl district: large, lies to the north of Stellenbosch. Cooling influences of sea don’t reach Paarl as much because inland. Temps are hotter in summer than Stellenbosch. Similar to Stellenbosch, mountainous terrain offers variety altitude aspect and soil. Cabernet, Syrah, Pinotage are grown, as well as Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.
Costantia is a ward - some of oldest vineyards in Cape. It is by ocean, constantly cooled by Cape Doctor -> reputation for Sauvignon Blanc. Some Semillon as well.
Swartland district is north of Cape Town, also by ocean but large district. Center of innovation, premium wine. Old vine Chenin Blanc and very good Syrah. The grapes here are dry-farmed (grown without irrigation), which increases concentration/lowers yields.
Durbanville ward (in Tygerberg district) has hillside sites. it is north of Cape Town also. reputation for Sauv Blanc. cooled by sea breezes.
Which districts and wards lie in Breede River Valley?
Worcester district: lies at western end of Breede River Valley. Hot and dry climate which necessitates irrigation. This area is further inland than those of Coastal region. Majority of production is Chenin Blanc and Colombard -> fertile soils yield significant proportion of annual production in South Africa. high volume branded reds and whites.
Robertson: east of Worcester. slightly cooler than Worcester bc of winds drawn into valley. also makes high-volume branded reds and whites. Less fertile areas with more cooling influences can make excellent Syrah and full-bodied Chardonnay.
Which districts/wards lie in Cape South Coast?
Cape South Coast occupis southern tip of South Africa wine region. Well exposed to ocean.
Walker Bay district: most well established vineyard area. Walker Bay includes various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde. This area makes South Africa’s best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Varieties such as Sauv Blanc, Merlot and Syrah are successfully grown too.
Elgin District: altitude provides cooling influence. located Northwest of Walker Bay. intense, fresh Sauv Blanc and also grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah.
Elim ward: to south-east of Walker Bay. Pungent and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, also grows Syrah.
