Ch. 30 – South Africa Flashcards
South Africa general
History of more than 360 years
- bulk wine (KWN coop)
- high yield varieties - Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Cinsaut
- grapes for brandy industry
Modern industry transformed in 1994 - first democratic elections
Large export market (22mil L in 1992 to 450mil L 2017)
- low prices for inexpensive wines
Climate
warm Mediterranean (generalization)
- strongly influenced by mountain ranges, slopes and aspects
- cooled by proximity to ocean
cold Benguela current from South Pole
warm Mozambique current from Indian Ocean
- large temp. difference between ocean and land causes coastal fog and breezes
Cape Doctor - south easterly wind during spring and summer, extends impact of Benguela current
- lower disease pressure
- some rain
- damage to leaves and disrups flowering
Spring frost can be problem
Vines can fail to be dormant over winter
Rain
- mainly between May and August
- Stellenbosch 700mm
- decreased in north - less impact of Benguela current + protection of the mountains
- irrigation essential (drip) access is issue
Currents and winds
cold Benguela current from South Pole
warm Mozambique current from Indian Ocean
- large temp. difference between ocean and land causes coastal fog and breezes
Cape Doctor - south easterly wind during spring and summer, extends impact of Benguela current
- lower disease pressure
- some rain
- damage to leaves and disrups flowering
Grape varieties
Chenin Blanc 20% Colombard 12% Cabernet Sauvignon 11% Syrah 10% Sauvignon Blanc 10% Pinotage 7% Chardonnay 7% Merlot 6%
Pinotage
bred at University of Stellenbosch in 1925
Pinot Noir x Cinsaut (first known as Hermitage)
Early budding
Moderately susceptible to fungal diseases
Reaches high sugar in small berries (potential high alcohol with deep colour) requires only short time on skins
High proportion of new oak is quite common
Poor reputation for quality in past
- needs better vineyard practise and winemaking
- avoiding water stress and high ferment temperature
Soils
3 main types:
Table Mountain sandstone
- sand with low nutrient and water retention
- Irrigation and fertilization
Granite
- foothills of slopes in hilly areas
- good water-retention
- potential for dry-farming
Shale
- good nutrient levels
- good water retention
- potential for dry-farming
Mosly excessively acid and require heavy adjustments with lime
- otherwise nutrients would not be available - low yield
Vineyard management
Usually low density with more fruit per vine
- some high quality producers plant closer
Most comon training
- Cordon with VSP
- Short spur pruning for mechanization
Picking mainly by hand (availability of labour)
Problems with viral diseases
- leafroll and fanleaf virus
- Powdery mildew
Yields depend on irrigation, density, age of vine
Organic/biodynamic is rare but integrated pest management is very common
Association promoting Integrated pest management
Integrated Production of Wine
- governs all aspects of growing and winemaking
- carbon emissions
- staff trainings
- conservation of soil, rivers and wetlands
90% of producers
Production of high volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc
High yields
Vineyards are sprayed regularly
Minimal or no sorting
May be blended with up to 15% of less valuable variety (Colombard)
Acidification common
No Malo (preserving acidity)
Cultured yeast
Cool ferment in steel or concrete (primary fruit)
Rested in steel or old oak (chips or staves can be added)
Residual sugar may be adjusted by adding concentrated grape must
Stabilization, fining, filtering
Often transported in bulk and bottled in final market
Production of small volume premium Chenin Blanc
Low yields (often old, dry farmed) Small amount of botrytis can be allowed Careful sorting 100% Chenin Blanc Acidification usually avoided No malo (acidity retention) Ambient or cultured yeast Cool ferment in inert vessel (old barrels, eggs, amphora) or fermented in oak for better oak integration Lees ageing for 3-9 months (or 10-12 months for more oaked style) Varying amount of new oak Battonage if richer style is desired Bottled without adjustment of sugar Stabilized, light fining, filtering as required Bottled in South Africa
Expression of Chenin Blanc
Med to pronounced intensity
- ripe yellow apple, peach, tropical fruit
High acidity
Med alcohol and body
May have vanilla and toast aroma from oak
Producers: DeMorgenzon, Ken Forrester
Difference between traditional and modern style of Pinotage
Traditional
- fuller bodied, more tannic
- kept on skins for 3-5 days post-ferment
- deep ruby with red plum and blackberry fruit, high tannins, full body, high alcohol
Modern
- lighter, more elegant
- might be grown on cooler sites and picked at lower ripeness
- typically not macerated on skins post-ferment
- med ruby, red fruit aroma, medium tannins
Difference in ageing of inexpensive and premium Pinotage
Inexpensive
- stainless steel or used barrels
- oak alternatives may be added
- released early - 6-12 months after vintage
Premium
- aged for extended period (12-15 months) in French oak barriques (often more than 50% new)
- Released two years after vintage
‘Big six’ varieties
grown in almost all regions
Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage
Single varietal and blends
3 main blends in South Africa
White Cape blends
- Chenin dominated but with Rhone varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc
Red Bordeaux blends
Red Cape blends
- broader category
- significant proportion of Pinotage and/or black Rhone varieties
Cap Classique sparkling wines
Botrytis-affected wines and fortified wines
Wine law - certification
Wine of Origin
Geographical unit - very large areas (Western Cape - almost all vineyards) Region - large areas named after major feature - Coastal Region District - Stellenbosch, Walker Bay - based on common soils, climate (in broader sense than wards) Ward - defined area within district (some wards relate to region) - Simonsberg-Stellenbosch - based on common soils, climate and ecological factors
Requirement for ‘estate wines’
grown, made and bottled on the estate
Requirement for ‘single vinayard’ wines
Vineyard has to be registered, planted with single variety and not be larger than 6ha
Wine of Origin requirement
Packaging is true
for example Swartland
- 100% grapes from Swartland
- 85% of wine must be from given vintage
- 85% of wine must be of claimed variety
Ensuring good quality
All wines must be certified with seal with identification number on the packaging
South African wine regions
Olifants River Coastal Region Cape South Coast Breede River Valley Klein Karoo Region
Districts and Wards in Coastal region
Cape Town - Constantia - Durbanville Stellenbosch - Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Paarl - Voor Paardeberg - Simonsberg-Paarl Darling Swartland Tulbag Wellington
Districts and Wards in Breede River Valley Region
Breedekloof
Worcester
Robertson
Districts and Wards in Cape South Coast Region
Walker Bay - Hemel-en-Aarde - Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge - Bot River Elgin
Coastal region general
45% of area under vine but only 25% of production (low yields)
Cape town district wards
Constantia
Durbanville
Constantia ward
(Cape Town district)
wine history back to 1685
Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia (dried Muscat sweet wine)
South-east facing slopes of Constantianberg
False Bay 10km away bringing cool sea breezes
Low vigour granite over sandstone - good drainage
Relatively high rainfall 1000mm
Windy conditions
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Shiraz (NO Pinot due windy conditions)
Small number of quality focused producers: Klein Constantia and Steenberg
Durbanville ward
(Cape Town district)
includes northern suburbs of Cape Town
Shale soils of Tygerberg hills, East facing vineyards in 100-300m Rainfall 500mm (due to protection from Tygerberg hills)
High water retention soils - dry farming
Cooling breezes from False Bay in summer until evening mist rollls in.
Sauvignon Blanc (cooler sites - greener flavours)
Producers: Bloemendal and Diemersdal
Stellenbosch District
Stellenbosch University
Oldest region after Constantia
Established reputation for high quality wine (especially Cabernet and blends + Shiraz, Chenin Blanc)
- cooler mountain slopes
- varied soils
- breezes from False Bay
Valley floor (sand with alluvial soils) hills (granite and shale)
Rainfall 600-900mm
Picking time and yield plays important role in style and body
Base region of Distell (SA largest wine and spirit producer)
Cabernet, Merlot, Pinotage
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnnay, Chenin Blanc
Producers: Rust en Vrede and Raats Family Wines
Ward: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Ward Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
South-west of lower slopes of Simonsberg.
- warmer (further from False Bay)
- still open to ocean breezes - high diurnal range
Recognised for Cabernet Sauvignon (also blends) and Pinotage
Producers: Kanonkop and Rustenberg
District Paarl
Many mesoclimates, soils and aspects - variety of styles and grapes
- distinct ripeness and fuller body (compared to Stellenbosch)
Rainfall 800-900mm
Berg River (source of irrigation water)
Chenin Blanc, Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinotage
Viognier, Mourvedre
Wards: Voor Paardeberg and Simonsberg-Paarl
Producers: Nederburg (part of Distell), Vilafonte (premium)
Ward Simonsberg-Paarl
Slightly higher elevation than the rest of Paarl
- higher diurnal range
- longer and slightly cooler ripening season
Chardonnay (distinct freshness and intensity)
Shiraz and red blends
Producers: Glen Carlou, Plaisir de Merle
District Franschhoek Valley
wrapped on three sides by mountains
- shelter and warmth
- fresher fruit (blending component)
Valley floor (300m) to slopes (600)
Cooler climate and higher diurnal range
800mm of rain but free draining soils
- irrigation required
Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Shiraz
Old vine Semillon (over 100 years)
Producers: Boekenhoutskloof, Cape Chamonix
District Darling
Many different aspects
- benefit from ocean breezes
- often compared to Durbanville
Sauvignon Blanc
Fresher reds - Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot
Granite with high water holding capacity
- dry farming and bush wines
Producers: Neil Ellis, Groote Post
District Swartland
Warm dry climate (500mm)
- good proportion of rain in growing season
- irrigation for higher yields
- old wines and low yields (famous for)
Low fertility soils, granite and shale
Split between cooperatives (high yields, inexpensive)
- Perdeberg Wines and Riebeek Cellars
or talented winemakers
- Spice Route winery, Eben Sadie, Mullineux
- low yields, dry farming, often organic, old vines, ambient yeast, maturation in old oak
Centre of high quality wines together with Stellenbosch
Source of fruit for premium Western Cape white and red blends
Big six varieties and Cinsaut, Mourvedre, Marsanne, Roussanne, Semillon, Grenache Blanc, Viognier
District Tulbagn
No coastal influences
- very warm, dry, sheltered valley surrounded by horseshoe-shaped mountain range
Cooling influences
- altitude (400-500m)
- shade from mountains
- trapping cold morning air in the valley
Good water holding capacity of soil (and collecting rain fall water in ponds - irrigation) are key to success
Chenin, Shiraz, Colombard
History of inexpensive production
Producers: Saronberg
District Wellington
Reputation for Shiraz and powerful red blends
Alluvial terraces
Mesoclimates in Hawequa mountains
Many nurseries
Producers: Bosman Family Vineyards
Breede River Valley Region general
warm and dry
- irrigation from Breede River
Produces most wine in SA at high yields (also high quality producers)
Also grapes for distillation
District Breedekloof
Adequate rainfall (successful without irrigation)
Winter snow - spring frost can damage buds
Warm continental climate (allows longer hang time)
Cooling summer south-east winds moderate temperatures and reduce fungal diseases
Varied soil types and aspects
Chenin, Colombard, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet
Cooperative Du Toiskloof Cellars and Deetlefs
District Worcester
very low rainfall (400mm) due to rain shadow
- irrigation necessary
Loamy soils are very fertile (high volume production)
Grapes for distilling
Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Shiraz
District Robertson
Warm, very low rainfall
- irrigation necessary
South-east winds
- cooling influence
- moisture from Indian ocean
Relatively fertile flat lands (high yields)
(historically grapes for distillation)
Limestone (unusual for SA) - Chardonnay (still, sparkling)
Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Producers: Robertson Winery, Graham Beck (sparkling wine), De Wetshof (pioneer in Chardonnay)
Olifant River Region
Very dry (some parts below 200mm) warm climate - irrigation from Olifant River
High yields (distillation) Namaqua Wines (inexpensive successful producer)
Few wards produce wine from dry farmed old vines made into wine by prestigious producers in other regions.
450-500m, aspect and cooling influence from Atlantic make good conditions for quality wine
- Sadie Family Wines, Alheit Vineyards
Cape South Coast Region general
Strongly influenced by cooling inflence of Atlantic
Suitable for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Known for quality wines (but very recently planted 1990s on)
District Walker Bay
Cool region immediately next to Atlantic
Pioneering plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Tim Hamilton-Russell)
Wards:
- Hemel-en-Aarde
- Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
- Bot River
Ward Hemel-en-Aarde
+ 3 wards within this ward
Part of Walker River
Hemel-en-Aarde (collective name for 3 wards)
- cooling winds reduce risk of over-ripening and reduce vigour
- mainly Northern aspect (helps with ripeness in cool areas)
- high proportion of clay
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir mainly + big six + Albarino, Viognier
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- lowest altitude, closest to Atlantic
- Fresher, brighter with distinct ripeness
- Producer: Bouchard Finlayson
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Higher elevation
- Producer: Newton Johnson Family Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
- Deeper inland
- coldest, highest (face south and east)
- Babylonstoren Mountains act as cloud trap, collecting moisture, providing shade
- Producer: Creation
Ward Bot River
Walker Bay district
From Bot River Lagoon which funnels cold winds up to the slopes of nearby mountain range.
Cooler than Paarl or Stellenbosch
Relatively long growing season
- brighter, fresher styles of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin
- enough warm to ripen Rhone varieties and Pinotage
Producer: Beaumont
District Elgin
inland plateau 200-400m
Considerably cooler climate than rest of SA
- Altitude, cloud cover, cooling influence from ocean
- cold nights, cooling summer breezes
- slow growing season
- more elegance and acidity
Plenty of rainfall (over 1000mm)
- possibility of botrytised wines
Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz
Producers: Paul Cluver, Richard Kershaw Wines (super-premium Chardonnay)
Klein Karoo Region
best known for port-style wines from portugese varieties
Fortified Muscats
Chenin Blanc and Colombard for brandy industry
Initiatives and organisations
Integrated Production of Wine
- audited set of guidelines for sustainable farming
- 95% of SA growers
Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (90%)
- replaced by:
WWF-SA Conservation Champion Programme
- Commits to biodiversity conservation
Integrity and Sustainability
Sustainable Wine South Africa
The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trace Association
- around 50%
Fairtrade
- SA is largest producer of Fairtrade wine globally (accounts for 2/3 of Fairtrade wine sales)
Wine Business
Democracy since 1994
- trade sanctions removed
- open to export
- focus to quality
Wines of South Africa promotional body
50% of wine sold in home market
- value packaging (1litre bricks) are popular
- Distell group dominates the market (40% by volume)
Success of export
- 22 mil litres (1992) to 450 mil litres (2017)
- export to 135 countries
- UK, Germany, USA, China, African countries
- Average unit price still quite low
Bulk wine accounts for 61% of total export
- jobs lost in finishing and packaging
- farming often below sustaiable level of income
