38 - South Africa

Question 1

What is the climate like in South Africa?

Answer 1

Located between the 27th and 34th degrees it should be hot climate, however in certain inland areas the summer temperature can become very hot. Many vineyard locations are subject to cooling effects. The cold Benguela Current runs up from the Antarctic, cooling coastal areas. This is magnified by the regular and strong Cape Doctor which is south easternly summer wind. The prominent mountain ranges running through wine country also has impact a wine production. As with other wine producing regions in the southern hemisphere, vines maybe planted with southernly aspects to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.

Question 2

The Western Cape is divided into three regions, what are they?

Answer 2

• Coastal Region
• Breede River Valley
• Cape South Coast

Question 3

What is South Africa’s GI system called?

Answer 3

Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)

Question 4

If a wine is labelled Estate what does it mean?

Answer 4

Wines must come from a single estate and all the grapes must have come from vineyards that cover a single geographic area.

Question 5

what are the dominant varietals in South Africa?

Answer 5

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Pinot Noir
• Pinotage (Pinot Noir x Cinsault)
• Chenin Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay

Question 6

What are the main sub regions in the Coastal Region?

Answer 6

• Stellenbosch district
• Paarl district
• Constantia ward
• Swartland district
• Durbanville ward

Question 7

What are the main sub regions in the Breede River Valley?

Answer 7

• Worcester district

- Robertson district

Question 8

What are the main sub regions on the Cape South Coast?

Answer 8

• Walker Bay district
• Hemel-en-Arde ward
• Elgin district
• Elim ward

Question 9

Describe the common profile of Chenin Blanc for South Africa?

Answer 9

At basic level it produces easy drinking wines with simple stone fruit flavours. Although some producers are making wines from old bush vines, which can offer more complex and flavours and fuller texture. Barrel fermentation and barrel ageing can contribute extra body and toasty oak flavours.

Question 10

Describe the common profile of Pinotage in South Africa?

Answer 10

Made in range of styles, often blended with international varieties to make “Cape Blend”. Can be made in a light, fruity style with red berry flavours. Wines from old bush vines maybe very full bodied, with rich, spiced berry fruit. When fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves it can take on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.