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WSET Level 3 > C38 - South Africa > Flashcards

C38 - South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

Where are most of South Africa’s wine regions found?

A

On the coast

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2
Q

Why can South Africa produce a broad range of styles?

A

Proximity to the coast and the mountainous backdrop

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3
Q

What is the latitude range within which South Africa lies?

A

27° - 34˚ south of the equator

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4
Q

What should be the result of the latitude range of South Africa? Why does this not necessarily apply?

A

It should be hot Vineyards here are subject to cooling influences

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5
Q

Where does South Africa’s most important cooling influence come from?

A

The Southern Ocean

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6
Q

Describe the Benguela Current and its effects

A

It is cold It flows up from the Antarctic, past the tip and up the west coast of Africa, cooling coastal areas

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7
Q

How is the cooling effect of the Benguela Current magnified?

A

By the Cape Doctor

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8
Q

Describe the Cape Doctor

A

A regular, strong, south-easterly summer wind Brings air cooled b the ocean further inland and can reduce temperatures by an additional couple of degrees in some areas

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9
Q

What is South Africa’s second cooling influence?

A

The mountain ranges that run through the wine regions

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10
Q

What do the mountain ranges of South Africa offer producers?

A

A dramatic range of different altitudes and aspectsA multitude of different soils

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11
Q

What is the influence of altitude on winemaking in South Africa?

A

It has a marked impact on vineyard climateHigher altitudes are coolerLower altitudes are warmer

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12
Q

What kind of aspect may be seen as preferable in South Africa? Why?

A

Southern aspects To benefit from cooler temperatures

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13
Q

Other than aspect and altitude, how else may mountains affect cooling in South Africa?

A

They may cast shadows over vineyards at certain times of the day

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14
Q

What secondary effect may mountain ranges have on cooling in South Africa nearer the coast?

A

They can help channel the winds through the vineyards

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15
Q

What is the most widely planted black variety in South Africa?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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16
Q

How may Cabernet Sauvignon be used in wines in South Africa?

A

Either as a varietal wine or in a blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for Bordeaux-style blends

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17
Q

What style of wine can Merlot produce in South Africa?

A

Full-bodied, plummy wines

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18
Q

What are the main black varieties of South Africa?

A

Cabernet SauvignonMerlotSyrahPinot NoirPinotage

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19
Q

Beside the Bordeaux varieties, what is the next most planted black variety in South Africa?

A

Syrah

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20
Q

Describe Syrah wines from hot climates in South Africa

A

Rich and full-bodied High alcohol Ripe black fruit flavours Sometimes earthy or meaty character

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21
Q

How does Syrah from cooler areas of South Africa differ from those of the warmer climes?

A

Less full-bodied Peppery

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22
Q

Describe Pinot Noir’s role in South Africa

A

Less tolerant of the hot South African climate Planted in small amounts in the coolest coastal areas

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23
Q

What is the role of oak in the vinification of South African reds?

A

The vast majority of premium reds are matured in oak At least a proportion of new barrels used for toasty aromas

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24
Q

Which varieties were crossed to make Pinotage?

A

Pinot Noir x Cinsault

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25
Q

Where was Pinotage developed?

A

South Africa

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26
Q

What is notable about the role of Pinotage in South Africa?

A

It’s hardly grown anywhere else in the world

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27
Q

What style is Pinotage made into?

A

It’s made in a range of styles

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28
Q

What is a ‘Cape blend’?

A

Where Pinotage is blended with international varieties

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29
Q

What are the three most popular styles of Pinotage, single-varietal wine?

A

Light, fruity style with red berry flavoursFull-bodied from old bush vines, with rich, spiced berry fruitIntense coffee and chocolate aromas when fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves

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30
Q

How is Pinotage often marketed?

A

Often to highlight its unique style (dependent on what style its been vinified to)

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31
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in South Africa?

A

Chenin Blanc

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32
Q

Describe the importance of Chenin Blanc as a variety in South Africa

A

It’s the most widely planted grape, but in decline

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33
Q

What style is Chenin Blanc made into in South Africa

A

Dry and sweet styles

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34
Q

Describe basic wines from Chenin Blanc in South Africa

A

Easy drinking with simple stone-fruit flavours

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35
Q

What is the increasing trend when making Chenin Blanc wine in South Africa?

A

An increasing number of producers are using Chenin from old bush vines

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36
Q

What can be the effect on wine of making Chenin Blanc from old bush vines?

A

It can offer more concentrated and complex flavours and a fuller texture

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37
Q

What may barrel fermentation and barrel ageing contribute to a Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

A

Extra body and toasty oak flavours

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38
Q

What is the second most widely planted white variety in South Africa? What is it used for?

A

ColombardA significant portion is used in the production of brandy

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39
Q

What is a consistent feature between wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?

A

They often have a herbaceous character

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40
Q

Where in South Africa do the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc come from?

A

The coolest sites

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41
Q

What kind of flavours/aromas might the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc display?

A

Very pure flavours of citrus and green fruit

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42
Q

How is the necessary acidity and flavours achieved in Sauvignon Blanc’s warmer sites in South Africa achieved?

A

By picking earlier

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43
Q

Describe Chardonnay quality in South Africa

A

It can be exceptional

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44
Q

Which sites in South Africa produce the best examples of Chardonnay?

A

The cooler sites

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45
Q

Describe big contributing factors in the character of South Africa’s best Chardonnays

A

The use of Burgundian techniques such as lees-stirring and barrel fermentation

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46
Q

What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?

A

Hanepoot

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47
Q

What is Hanepoot used for in South Africa?

A

Late-harvest dessert wines

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48
Q

Besides late-harvesting, how may South African dessert wines be sweetened?

A

Noble rot can have an influence

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49
Q

Plantings of which white grape have increased dramatically in South Africa over the last couple of decades?

A

Viognier

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50
Q

What is the usual style of Viognier wines from South Africa?

A

Rich, perfumed whites with a hint of toasty oak

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51
Q

Which style of wine has recently emerged in South Africa, particularly in Swartland?

A

High quality blends, often made from Chenin Blanc with Rhône varieties such as Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier

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52
Q

Where does well over 90% of wine made in South Africa come from?

A

The Western Cape

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53
Q

What are the most important regions of the Western Cape?

A

Coastal Region Breede River Valley Cape South Coast

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54
Q

Where does the majority of wine NOT from the Western Cape come from in South Africa?

A

Orange River in the Northern Cape

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55
Q

Briefly describe conditions in Orange River

A

Very hot and irrigated

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56
Q

What is wine from Orange River mostly known for?

A

Mostly inexpensive whites the are rarely seen on export markets

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57
Q

In South Africa, some wineries located in certain districts or wards may source their fruit from… How may these wines be labelled?

A

A wider area than the GI in which they’re located With a region or a geographical unit e.g. Coastal Region or Western Cape

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58
Q

Where is the Stellenbosch region?

A

From just inland of the coast at Somerset West right up into the mountains that surround the town of Stellenbosch itself

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59
Q

What is the long-time hub of fine wine in South Africa?

A

Stellenbosch

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60
Q

Describe the climate of Stellenbosch

A

Moderate to warm depending on locationSufficient rain in winterSummers rarely too hot

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61
Q

Why are summers rarely too hot in Stellenbosch?

A

Thanks to cool winds from False Bay that are funnelled by the mountains into the valleys

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62
Q

What is largely credited for the success of Stellenbosch as a wine growing district?

A

The variety of altitude, aspect and soil that’s available in such a relatively small area

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63
Q

What has Stellenbosch built a reputation for in recent years?

A

Top class reds

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64
Q

What reds in particular has Stellenbosch built a reputation for?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often made into Bordeaux-style blends)SyrahCape red blends

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65
Q

What can the cooler sites in Stellenbosch produce?

A

High quality Sauvignon BlancChardonnay

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66
Q

Describe the Paarl district

A

A large district to the north of Stellenbosch

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67
Q

Describe the climate in Paarl

A

Less exposed to the cooling influences of the sea, being further inlandTemperatures hotter in summerCooler night-time temperatures

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68
Q

Describe the vineyards of Paarl

A

Variety of altitudes, aspects and soils offered by mountainous terrain

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69
Q

What are the most important reds of Paarl?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinotage

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70
Q

What are the most planted whites of Paarl?

A

Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

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71
Q

What is noteworthy about the Constantia ward?

A

It has some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape

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72
Q

Where is the Constantia ward?

A

In the Cape Peninsula

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73
Q

How are the vineyards of Constantia Ward located?

A

On the eastern flanks of Table Mountain

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74
Q

How is temperature moderated in the vineyards of Constantia?

A

By the Cape Doctor

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75
Q

What do the producers of Cape Doctor have a particular reputation for?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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76
Q

What is the name of the sweet wine produced from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia?

A

Vin de Constance

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77
Q

Describe the vineyards south of Table Mountain and the grapes they’re famous for

A

Closer to Cape PointWell exposed to the cooling influence of the oceanMade a speciality of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

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78
Q

What is planted in the warmer sites south of Table Mountain in Constantia?

A

Some Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

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79
Q

Which district lies to the north of Cape Town?

A

Swartland

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80
Q

What is Swartland’s formative reputation?

A

As a source of inexpensive grapes and wine

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81
Q

What is the new reputation of Swartland?

A

As a centre of innovation and premium wine production

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82
Q

Swartland is recognised particularly as a source of …and…

A

Old-vine Chenin BlancHigh-quality Syrah

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83
Q

What does ‘dry-farming’ mean?

A

Growing without irrigation

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84
Q

What is the effect of dry-farming Chenin Blanc and Syrah (as in Swartland)?

A

It lowers yields but enhances fruit concentration

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85
Q

Besides Chenin and Syrah, what else also comes from Swartland district?

A

A number of premium Cape blends (red and white)

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86
Q

What is to the south-west of Swartland?

A

The Darling district

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87
Q

Describe the climate in the Darling district

A

Its position near the coast means it receives cooling sea breezes

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88
Q

For what does the Darling district have its reputation?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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89
Q

What is Darling’s similarity with Swartland?

A

It is a source of old vines

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90
Q

What/where is Durbanville?

A

A ward in the Tygerberg district

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91
Q

What are sites like in Durbanville?

A

Offers hillside sites north of Cape TownCooled by sea breezes that also blow through the Cape Point

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92
Q

Durbanville has built a reputation for…

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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93
Q

What are the most important districts of Breede River Valley?

A

Worcester DistrictRobertson District

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94
Q

Where in Breede River Valley is Worcester district?

A

At the western end of Breede River Valley

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95
Q

Describe the climate in the Worcester district

A

Hot and dry

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96
Q

What is the result of the climate in the Worcester district?

A

Irrigation from the river is essential

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97
Q

What are the soils like in Breede River Valley?

A

Fertile

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98
Q

What is the role of the Worcester district in South Africa’s wine production?

A

It can produce a significant proportion of South Africa’s annual production

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99
Q

What is the majority of Worcester district wine made from?

A

Chenin Blanc and Colombard

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100
Q

Much of wine from Worcester district is used for…

A

Distillation

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101
Q

Other than wine for distillation, what else is Worcester district reputable for?

A

Red and white, high-volume, branded wines

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102
Q

Where is the Robertson district?

A

To the east of Worcester

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103
Q

What is the climate of Robertson district?

A

Similar but slightly cooler climate than Worcester district

104
Q

Why is it cooler in Robertson district than Worcester district?

A

Thanks to south-easterly winds that are drawn into the valley

105
Q

Of what is Robertson district a reliable source?

A

Well-made wines for high-volume brands

106
Q

Besides high-volume wines, what else can be made in Robertson district?

A

Excellent Syrahs and full-bodied Chardonnays

107
Q

What is the most southerly region of South Africa?

A

Cape South Coast

108
Q

What is the reputation of the Cape South Coast area?

A

It is a regular source of some of the best fruit and wines in South Africa

109
Q

What is the best-established vineyard area of Cape South Coast area?

A

Walker Bay district

110
Q

What is contained within Walker Bay district?

A

The various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde

111
Q

What is home to some of South Africa’s best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs?

A

Hemel-en-Aarde

112
Q

What is also grown in Hemel-en-Aarde with great success (besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)?

A

Sauvignon BlancMerlotSyrah

113
Q

What is to the north-west of Walker Bay?

A

The Elgin district

114
Q

What is the important cooling influence in Elgin district?

115
Q

For what does Elgin district have a particular reputation?

A

Intense, fresh Sauvignon Blancs

116
Q

Besides SB, which varieties are showing promise in Elgin district?

A

Pinot NoirChardonnaySyrah

117
Q

What is to the south-east of Walker Bay?

A

The Elim ward (in the Cape Agulhas district)

118
Q

For what does the Elim ward have a particular reputation?

A

Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon BlancSyrah is also showing promise

119
Q

What is the name of South Africa’s GI system?

A

The Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)

120
Q

What will wines stating Wine of Origin (W.O.) also carry?

A

A certification seal

121
Q

How many different sizes of production area does South African law recognise? What are they?

A

FourGeographical UnitRegionsDistrictsWards

122
Q

What is the only geographical unit in South Africa of any importance to wine?

A

Western Cape

123
Q

What is the advantage of the Western Cape appellation?

A

It allows producers to blend the best parcels of fruit from different areas

124
Q

What is the tendency as to how regions are defined in South Africa?

A

They follow dominant geological features

125
Q

What are the most important regions for wine grape-growing in South Africa?

A

Coastal RegionBreede River ValleyCape South Coast

126
Q

What are the rules behind labelling wines as Estate Wines in South Africa?

A

Must come from a single estateAll grapes must come from estate vineyards that cover a single geographical areaEstate must have facilities on their land allowing them to process the grapes and the wine up to and including bottling

127
Q

What does Estate Wine law allow in South Africa?

A

It allows top producers to release Estate Wines AND other W.O. wines under their brand name

128
Q

What does IPW stand for in South Africa and what does it mean?

A

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)It’s a voluntary sustainable agriculture scheme

129
Q

Where are most of South Africa’s wine regions found?

A

On the coast

130
Q

Why can South Africa produce a broad range of styles?

A

Proximity to the coast and the mountainous backdrop

131
Q

What is the latitude range within which South Africa lies?

A

27° - 34˚ south of the equator

132
Q

What should be the result of the latitude range of South Africa? Why does this not necessarily apply?

A

It should be hot Vineyards here are subject to cooling influences

133
Q

Where does South Africa’s most important cooling influence come from?

A

The Southern Ocean

134
Q

Describe the Benguela Current and its effects

A

It is cold It flows up from the Antarctic, past the tip and up the west coast of Africa, cooling coastal areas

135
Q

How is the cooling effect of the Benguela Current magnified?

A

By the Cape Doctor

136
Q

Describe the Cape Doctor

A

A regular, strong, south-easterly summer wind Brings air cooled b the ocean further inland and can reduce temperatures by an additional couple of degrees in some areas

137
Q

What is South Africa’s second cooling influence?

A

The mountain ranges that run through the wine regions

138
Q

What do the mountain ranges of South Africa offer producers?

A

A dramatic range of different altitudes and aspectsA multitude of different soils

139
Q

What is the influence of altitude on winemaking in South Africa?

A

It has a marked impact on vineyard climateHigher altitudes are coolerLower altitudes are warmer

140
Q

What kind of aspect may be seen as preferable in South Africa? Why?

A

Southern aspects To benefit from cooler temperatures

141
Q

Other than aspect and altitude, how else may mountains affect cooling in South Africa?

A

They may cast shadows over vineyards at certain times of the day

142
Q

What secondary effect may mountain ranges have on cooling in South Africa nearer the coast?

A

They can help channel the winds through the vineyards

143
Q

What is the most widely planted black variety in South Africa?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

144
Q

How may Cabernet Sauvignon be used in wines in South Africa?

A

Either as a varietal wine or in a blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for Bordeaux-style blends

145
Q

What style of wine can Merlot produce in South Africa?

A

Full-bodied, plummy wines

146
Q

What are the main black varieties of South Africa?

A

Cabernet SauvignonMerlotSyrahPinot NoirPinotage

147
Q

Beside the Bordeaux varieties, what is the next most planted black variety in South Africa?

148
Q

Describe Syrah wines from hot climates in South Africa

A

Rich and full-bodied High alcohol Ripe black fruit flavours Sometimes earthy or meaty character

149
Q

How does Syrah from cooler areas of South Africa differ from those of the warmer climes?

A

Less full-bodied Peppery

150
Q

Describe Pinot Noir’s role in South Africa

A

Less tolerant of the hot South African climate Planted in small amounts in the coolest coastal areas

151
Q

What is the role of oak in the vinification of South African reds?

A

The vast majority of premium reds are matured in oak At least a proportion of new barrels used for toasty aromas

152
Q

Which varieties were crossed to make Pinotage?

A

Pinot Noir x Cinsault

153
Q

Where was Pinotage developed?

A

South Africa

154
Q

What is notable about the role of Pinotage in South Africa?

A

It’s hardly grown anywhere else in the world

155
Q

What style is Pinotage made into?

A

It’s made in a range of styles

156
Q

What is a ‘Cape blend’?

A

Where Pinotage is blended with international varieties

157
Q

What are the three most popular styles of Pinotage, single-varietal wine?

A

Light, fruity style with red berry flavoursFull-bodied from old bush vines, with rich, spiced berry fruitIntense coffee and chocolate aromas when fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves

158
Q

How is Pinotage often marketed?

A

Often to highlight its unique style (dependent on what style its been vinified to)

159
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in South Africa?

A

Chenin Blanc

160
Q

Describe the importance of Chenin Blanc as a variety in South Africa

A

It’s the most widely planted grape, but in decline

161
Q

What style is Chenin Blanc made into in South Africa

A

Dry and sweet styles

162
Q

Describe basic wines from Chenin Blanc in South Africa

A

Easy drinking with simple stone-fruit flavours

163
Q

What is the increasing trend when making Chenin Blanc wine in South Africa?

A

An increasing number of producers are using Chenin from old bush vines

164
Q

What can be the effect on wine of making Chenin Blanc from old bush vines?

A

It can offer more concentrated and complex flavours and a fuller texture

165
Q

What may barrel fermentation and barrel ageing contribute to a Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

A

Extra body and toasty oak flavours

166
Q

What is the second most widely planted white variety in South Africa? What is it used for?

A

ColombardA significant portion is used in the production of brandy

167
Q

What is a consistent feature between wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?

A

They often have a herbaceous character

168
Q

Where in South Africa do the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc come from?

A

The coolest sites

169
Q

What kind of flavours/aromas might the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc display?

A

Very pure flavours of citrus and green fruit

170
Q

How is the necessary acidity and flavours achieved in Sauvignon Blanc’s warmer sites in South Africa achieved?

A

By picking earlier

171
Q

Describe Chardonnay quality in South Africa

A

It can be exceptional

172
Q

Which sites in South Africa produce the best examples of Chardonnay?

A

The cooler sites

173
Q

Describe big contributing factors in the character of South Africa’s best Chardonnays

A

The use of Burgundian techniques such as lees-stirring and barrel fermentation

174
Q

What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?

175
Q

What is Hanepoot used for in South Africa?

A

Late-harvest dessert wines

176
Q

Besides late-harvesting, how may South African dessert wines be sweetened?

A

Noble rot can have an influence

177
Q

Plantings of which white grape have increased dramatically in South Africa over the last couple of decades?

178
Q

What is the usual style of Viognier wines from South Africa?

A

Rich, perfumed whites with a hint of toasty oak

179
Q

Which style of wine has recently emerged in South Africa, particularly in Swartland?

A

High quality blends, often made from Chenin Blanc with Rhône varieties such as Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier

180
Q

Where does well over 90% of wine made in South Africa come from?

A

The Western Cape

181
Q

What are the most important regions of the Western Cape?

A

Coastal Region Breede River Valley Cape South Coast

182
Q

Where does the majority of wine NOT from the Western Cape come from in South Africa?

A

Orange River in the Northern Cape

183
Q

Briefly describe conditions in Orange River

A

Very hot and irrigated

184
Q

What is wine from Orange River mostly known for?

A

Mostly inexpensive whites the are rarely seen on export markets

185
Q

In South Africa, some wineries located in certain districts or wards may source their fruit from… How may these wines be labelled?

A

A wider area than the GI in which they’re located With a region or a geographical unit e.g. Coastal Region or Western Cape

186
Q

Where is the Stellenbosch region?

A

From just inland of the coast at Somerset West right up into the mountains that surround the town of Stellenbosch itself

187
Q

What is the long-time hub of fine wine in South Africa?

A

Stellenbosch

188
Q

Describe the climate of Stellenbosch

A

Moderate to warm depending on locationSufficient rain in winterSummers rarely too hot

189
Q

Why are summers rarely too hot in Stellenbosch?

A

Thanks to cool winds from False Bay that are funnelled by the mountains into the valleys

190
Q

What is largely credited for the success of Stellenbosch as a wine growing district?

A

The variety of altitude, aspect and soil that’s available in such a relatively small area

191
Q

What has Stellenbosch built a reputation for in recent years?

A

Top class reds

192
Q

What reds in particular has Stellenbosch built a reputation for?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often made into Bordeaux-style blends)SyrahCape red blends

193
Q

What can the cooler sites in Stellenbosch produce?

A

High quality Sauvignon BlancChardonnay

194
Q

Describe the Paarl district

A

A large district to the north of Stellenbosch

195
Q

Describe the climate in Paarl

A

Less exposed to the cooling influences of the sea, being further inlandTemperatures hotter in summerCooler night-time temperatures

196
Q

Describe the vineyards of Paarl

A

Variety of altitudes, aspects and soils offered by mountainous terrain

197
Q

What are the most important reds of Paarl?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinotage

198
Q

What are the most planted whites of Paarl?

A

Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

199
Q

What is noteworthy about the Constantia ward?

A

It has some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape

200
Q

Where is the Constantia ward?

A

In the Cape Peninsula

201
Q

How are the vineyards of Constantia Ward located?

A

On the eastern flanks of Table Mountain

202
Q

How is temperature moderated in the vineyards of Constantia?

A

By the Cape Doctor

203
Q

What do the producers of Cape Doctor have a particular reputation for?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

204
Q

What is the name of the sweet wine produced from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia?

A

Vin de Constance

205
Q

Describe the vineyards south of Table Mountain and the grapes they’re famous for

A

Closer to Cape PointWell exposed to the cooling influence of the oceanMade a speciality of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

206
Q

What is planted in the warmer sites south of Table Mountain in Constantia?

A

Some Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

207
Q

Which district lies to the north of Cape Town?

208
Q

What is Swartland’s formative reputation?

A

As a source of inexpensive grapes and wine

209
Q

What is the new reputation of Swartland?

A

As a centre of innovation and premium wine production

210
Q

Swartland is recognised particularly as a source of …and…

A

Old-vine Chenin BlancHigh-quality Syrah

211
Q

What does ‘dry-farming’ mean?

A

Growing without irrigation

212
Q

What is the effect of dry-farming Chenin Blanc and Syrah (as in Swartland)?

A

It lowers yields but enhances fruit concentration

213
Q

Besides Chenin and Syrah, what else also comes from Swartland district?

A

A number of premium Cape blends (red and white)

214
Q

What is to the south-west of Swartland?

A

The Darling district

215
Q

Describe the climate in the Darling district

A

Its position near the coast means it receives cooling sea breezes

216
Q

For what does the Darling district have its reputation?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

217
Q

What is Darling’s similarity with Swartland?

A

It is a source of old vines

218
Q

What/where is Durbanville?

A

A ward in the Tygerberg district

219
Q

What are sites like in Durbanville?

A

Offers hillside sites north of Cape TownCooled by sea breezes that also blow through the Cape Point

220
Q

Durbanville has built a reputation for…

A

Sauvignon Blanc

221
Q

What are the most important districts of Breede River Valley?

A

Worcester DistrictRobertson District

222
Q

Where in Breede River Valley is Worcester district?

A

At the western end of Breede River Valley

223
Q

Describe the climate in the Worcester district

A

Hot and dry

224
Q

What is the result of the climate in the Worcester district?

A

Irrigation from the river is essential

225
Q

What are the soils like in Breede River Valley?

226
Q

What is the role of the Worcester district in South Africa’s wine production?

A

It can produce a significant proportion of South Africa’s annual production

227
Q

What is the majority of Worcester district wine made from?

A

Chenin Blanc and Colombard

228
Q

Much of wine from Worcester district is used for…

A

Distillation

229
Q

Other than wine for distillation, what else is Worcester district reputable for?

A

Red and white, high-volume, branded wines

230
Q

Where is the Robertson district?

A

To the east of Worcester

231
Q

What is the climate of Robertson district?

A

Similar but slightly cooler climate than Worcester district

232
Q

Why is it cooler in Robertson district than Worcester district?

A

Thanks to south-easterly winds that are drawn into the valley

233
Q

Of what is Robertson district a reliable source?

A

Well-made wines for high-volume brands

234
Q

Besides high-volume wines, what else can be made in Robertson district?

A

Excellent Syrahs and full-bodied Chardonnays

235
Q

What is the most southerly region of South Africa?

A

Cape South Coast

236
Q

What is the reputation of the Cape South Coast area?

A

It is a regular source of some of the best fruit and wines in South Africa

237
Q

What is the best-established vineyard area of Cape South Coast area?

A

Walker Bay district

238
Q

What is contained within Walker Bay district?

A

The various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde

239
Q

What is home to some of South Africa’s best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs?

A

Hemel-en-Aarde

240
Q

What is also grown in Hemel-en-Aarde with great success (besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)?

A

Sauvignon BlancMerlotSyrah

241
Q

What is to the north-west of Walker Bay?

A

The Elgin district

242
Q

What is the important cooling influence in Elgin district?

243
Q

For what does Elgin district have a particular reputation?

A

Intense, fresh Sauvignon Blancs

244
Q

Besides SB, which varieties are showing promise in Elgin district?

A

Pinot NoirChardonnaySyrah

245
Q

What is to the south-east of Walker Bay?

A

The Elim ward (in the Cape Agulhas district)

246
Q

For what does the Elim ward have a particular reputation?

A

Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon BlancSyrah is also showing promise

247
Q

What is the name of South Africa’s GI system?

A

The Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)

248
Q

What will wines stating Wine of Origin (W.O.) also carry?

A

A certification seal

249
Q

How many different sizes of production area does South African law recognise? What are they?

A

FourGeographical UnitRegionsDistrictsWards

250
Q

What is the only geographical unit in South Africa of any importance to wine?

A

Western Cape

251
Q

What is the advantage of the Western Cape appellation?

A

It allows producers to blend the best parcels of fruit from different areas

252
Q

What is the tendency as to how regions are defined in South Africa?

A

They follow dominant geological features

253
Q

What are the most important regions for wine grape-growing in South Africa?

A

Coastal RegionBreede River ValleyCape South Coast

254
Q

What are the rules behind labelling wines as Estate Wines in South Africa?

A

Must come from a single estateAll grapes must come from estate vineyards that cover a single geographical areaEstate must have facilities on their land allowing them to process the grapes and the wine up to and including bottling

255
Q

What does Estate Wine law allow in South Africa?

A

It allows top producers to release Estate Wines AND other W.O. wines under their brand name

256
Q

What does IPW stand for in South Africa and what does it mean?

A

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)It’s a voluntary sustainable agriculture scheme

WSET Level 3 (46 decks)

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