Asia & Africa Flashcards
What is the largest wine-producing country in Africa outside of South Africa?
Algeria.
What is the primary style of wine produced in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)?
Bulk wines and fortified wines, with some premium production in Morocco.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in North Africa?
Cinsault.
What is the climate of most North African wine regions?
Mediterranean, with warm days and cooling maritime influences.
What is a notable wine-producing region in Morocco?
Meknès, known for both red and white wines.
What is the significance of the Atlas Mountains in North African viticulture?
Provides elevation and cooler conditions for grape growing.
What is the role of French influence in North African winemaking?
French settlers established vineyards during colonial rule, influencing styles and varieties.
What is the main grape variety used in Moroccan rosé wines?
Grenache.
What is the primary export market for North African wines?
France and other parts of Europe.
What is the most common red grape variety in Asia?
Cabernet Sauvignon, especially in China and India.
What is the most prominent wine-producing company in Morocco?
Les Celliers de Meknès.
What is the primary white grape variety of Morocco?
Clairette Blanche.
Describe red wines from Meknès.
Structured and spicy, often blends of Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the primary style of fortified wines in Morocco?
Vin doux naturels, made from Muscat.
What is the role of the Atlantic Ocean in Moroccan wine production?
Provides cooling breezes that moderate the warm climate.
What is the historical significance of Algerian wine?
Algeria was a major supplier of bulk wine to France in the 19th and 20th centuries.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Algeria?
Carignan.
What is the primary style of wine produced in Algeria?
Bulk red wine with high alcohol, often blended with French wines.
What is the primary grape variety of Tunisian rosé?
Cinsault.
What is the role of the Gulf of Tunis in Tunisian viticulture?
Provides a maritime influence that moderates the hot Mediterranean climate.
What is the primary wine-producing region in Kenya?
Rift Valley.
What is the primary grape variety grown in Kenya?
Chenin Blanc.
What challenges do Kenyan vineyards face?
Tropical diseases, high humidity, and uneven ripening.
What is the role of altitude in Kenyan viticulture?
High-altitude vineyards (1,500–2,000 meters) mitigate the tropical climate.
What is a notable wine producer in Kenya?
Leleshwa Wines.
What is the primary wine-producing company in Ethiopia?
Castel Winery.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Ethiopia?
Syrah.
What distinguishes Ethiopian wines compared to other African wines?
High-altitude vineyards contribute to fresh acidity and balanced ripeness.
What is the role of international investment in Ethiopian wine production?
Companies like Castel Group have modernized vineyards and winemaking.
What is the primary climate challenge for wine production in East Africa?
Excessive rainfall during the growing season.
What is the largest wine-producing region in China?
Ningxia.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in China?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the significance of the Helan Mountain range in Ningxia?
Provides a rain shadow effect, creating ideal conditions for grape growing.
What is the primary style of wines from Ningxia?
Full-bodied reds with ripe fruit and balanced tannins, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is a notable producer in Ningxia?
Silver Heights.
What is the role of burying vines in Chinese vineyards?
Protects vines from winter freezes in northern regions.
What distinguishes Chardonnay from Ningxia compared to Burgundy?
Ningxia Chardonnay is fruitier with tropical notes, while Burgundy Chardonnay has more minerality.
What is the significance of the China Wine & Spirit Awards (CWSA)?
The largest wine competition in China, highlighting domestic and international wines.
What is the primary soil type in Ningxia?
Sandy and rocky soils with good drainage.
What is the typical alcohol range for red wines from Ningxia?
13–14.5%.