Chap 38: South Africa Flashcards
1
Q
Where are most of South Africa’s wine regions found?
A
On the coast
2
Q
Why can South Africa produce a broad range of styles?
A
Proximity to the coast and the mountainous backdrop
3
Q
What is the latitude range where most vineyards lie in South Africa?
A
32° - 35˚ south of the equator
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, but Vineyards here are subject to cooling influences
5
Q
Where does South Africa’s most important cooling influence(s) come from?
A
- The Southern Ocean
- The cool Benguela current which flows past the tip and up the west coast of Africa, cooling coastal areas.
- The effects of the Benguela current are magnified by the regular strong SE summer winds, known locally as the Cape Doctor
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
7
Q
How is the cooling effect of the Benguela Current magnified?
A
By the Cape Doctor
8
Q
Describe the Cape Doctor
A
A regular, strong, south-easterly summer wind Brings air cooled by the ocean further inland and can reduce temperatures by an additional couple of degrees in some areas
9
Q
What is South Africa’s other defining cooling influence (other than oceans and currents)?
A
The mountain ranges that run through the wine regions
10
Q
What do the mountain ranges of South Africa offer producers?
A
A dramatic range of different altitudes and aspects
A multitude of different soils
All of which provide a range of different site climates
11
Q
What is the influence of altitude on winemaking in South Africa?
A
It has a marked impact on vineyard climate
Higher altitudes (mountains) are cooler
Lower altitudes (valley floor) are warmer
12
Q
What kind of aspect may be seen as preferable in South Africa? Why?
A
Southern aspects To benefit from cooler temperatures
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
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
15
Q
What is the most widely planted black variety in South Africa?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
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
17
Q
What style of wine can Merlot produce in South Africa?
A
Full-bodied, plummy wines
18
Q
What are the main black varieties of South Africa?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Pinot Noir
Pinotage
19
Q
Beside the Bordeaux varieties, what is the next most planted black variety in South Africa?
A
Syrah
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
21
Q
How does Syrah from cooler areas of South Africa differ from those of the warmer climes?
A
Less full-bodied Peppery
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
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
24
Q
Which varieties were crossed to make Pinotage?
A
Pinot Noir x Cinsault
25
Where was Pinotage developed?
South Africa
26
What is notable about the role of Pinotage in South Africa?
It's hardly grown anywhere else in the world
27
What style is Pinotage made into?
It's made in a range of styles
28
What is a 'Cape blend'?
Where Pinotage is blended with international varieties
29
What are the three most popular styles of Pinotage, single-varietal wine?
Light, fruity style with red berry flavours
Full-bodied from old bush vines, with rich, spiced berry fruit
Intense coffee and chocolate aromas when fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves, however premium pinotage is generally made in a way that will give much more subtle oak aromas
30
What is the most widely planted variety in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
31
Describe the importance of Chenin Blanc as a variety in South Africa
It's the most widely planted grape, but in decline
32
What style(s) of Chenin Blanc are made in South Africa?
Dry and sweet styles
33
Describe the various styles of Chenin Blanc produced in SA?
* At a basic level it produces easy drinking wine with simple stone-fruit flavours
* Barrel fermentation and ageing can contribute extra body and toasty oak flavors to some of the wines.
34
What is the increasing trend when making Chenin Blanc wine in South Africa? What is the effect on the wine?
An increasing number of producers are using Chenin from old bush vines --> It can offer more concentrated and complex flavours and a fuller texture
35
What is the second most widely planted white variety in South Africa? What is it used for?
Colombard
A significant portion is used in the production of brandy
36
What is a consistent feature between wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?
They often have a herbaceous character
37
Where in South Africa do the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc come from? What kind of flavours/aromas might these examples of Sauvignon Blanc display?
The coolest sites --> Very pure flavours of citrus and green fruit
38
How is the necessary acidity and flavours achieved in Sauvignon Blanc's warmer sites in South Africa achieved?
By picking earlier
39
Describe Chardonnay quality in South Africa
It can be exceptional
40
Which sites in South Africa produce the best examples of Chardonnay?
The cooler sites
41
Describe big contributing factors in the character of South Africa's best Chardonnays
The use of Burgundian techniques such as lees-stirring and barrel fermentation
42
What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?
Hanepoot
43
What is Hanepoot used for in South Africa? How is it made?
Late-harvest dessert wines - when grapes are left to shrivel on the vine. Noble can also be an influence in these wines.
44
Plantings of which white grape have increased dramatically in South Africa over the last couple of decades?
Viognier
45
What is the usual style of Viognier wines from South Africa?
Rich, perfumed whites with a hint of toasty oak
46
Which style of wine has recently emerged in South Africa, particularly in Swartland?
High quality blends, often made from Chenin Blanc with Rhône varieties such as Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier
47
Where does well over 90% of wine made in South Africa come from?
The Western Cape
48
What are the most important regions of the Western Cape?
Coastal Region
Breede River Valley
Cape South Coast
49
Where does the majority of wine NOT from the Western Cape come from in South Africa?
Orange River in the Northern Cape
50
Briefly describe conditions in Orange River
Very hot and irrigated
51
What is wine from Orange River mostly known for?
Mostly inexpensive whites the are rarely seen on export markets
52
In South Africa, some wineries located in certain districts or wards may source their fruit from... How may these wines be labelled? What is the quality level of these wines?
A wider area than the GI in which they're located and may be labelled with a region or a geographical unit e.g. Coastal Region or Western Cape
A # of premium wines are made this way
53
Where is the Stellenbosch region?
This district stretches from just inland of the coast at Somerset West right up into the mountains that surround the town of Stellenbosch itself
54
What is the long-time hub of fine wine in South Africa?
Stellenbosch
55
Describe the climate of Stellenbosch (Cool, Mod, Warm, Hot AND describe the seasons)
Moderate to warm depending on location
Sufficient rain in winter
Summers rarely too hot
56
Why are summers rarely too hot in Stellenbosch?
Thanks to cool winds from False Bay that are funnelled by the mountains into the valleys
57
What is largely credited for the success of Stellenbosch as a wine growing district?
The variety of altitude, aspect and soil that's available in such a relatively small area
58
What has Stellenbosch built a reputation for in recent years?
Top class reds
59
What reds in particular has Stellenbosch built a reputation for?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often made into Bordeaux-style blends)
Syrah
Cape red blends
60
What can the cooler sites in Stellenbosch produce?
High quality Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
61
Describe the Paarl district
A large district to the north of Stellenbosch
62
Describe the climate in Paarl
Less exposed to the cooling influences of the sea, being further inland
Temperatures tend to be hotter in summer although this can be moderated by cooler night-time temperatures
63
Describe the vineyards of Paarl
Variety of altitudes, aspects and soils offered by mountainous terrain
64
What are the most important reds of Paarl?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinotage
65
What are the most planted whites of Paarl?
Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay
66
How is the Coastal Region organized?
Into districts and many of the districts are then divided into various 'wards'
67
Where is the Cape Town District located and how is it organized?
It is situated on the land around SA's capital city and it includes 4 wards, of which the best known are Constantina and Durbanville
68
What is noteworthy about the Constantia ward?
It has some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape
69
Where is the Constantia ward located?
In the Cape Town District of the Coastal Region.
70
Where are the old vineyards of Constantia located?
On the eastern flanks of Table Mountain
71
How is temperature moderated in the vineyards of Constantia?
By the Cape Doctor
72
What do the producers of Constantina have a particular reputation for?
Sauvignon Blanc
73
What is the name of the sweet wine produced from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia?
Vin de Constance
74
Describe the vineyards south of Table Mountain and the grapes they're famous for
Closer to Cape Point
Well exposed to the cooling influence of the ocean
Made a speciality of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
75
What is planted in the warmer sites south of Table Mountain in Constantia?
Some Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
76
Which district lies to the north of Cape Town?
Swartland
77
What is Swartland's formative reputation?
As a source of inexpensive grapes and wine
78
What is the new reputation of Swartland?
As a centre of innovation and premium wine production
79
Swartland is recognised particularly as a source of what varietals?
* what quality it produced
* describe a common practice in the vineyards
Old-vine Chenin Blanc
High-quality Syrah
Both of which are often dry farmed (grown without irrigation)
80
What does 'dry-farming' mean?
Growing without irrigation
81
What is the effect of dry-farming Chenin Blanc and Syrah (as in Swartland)?
It lowers yields but enhances fruit concentration
82
Besides Chenin and Syrah, what else also comes from Swartland district?
A number of premium Cape blends (red and white)
83
What is to the south-west of Swartland?
The Darling district
84
Describe the climate in the Darling district
Its position near the coast means it receives cooling sea breezes
85
For what does the Darling district have its reputation?
Sauvignon Blanc
86
What is Darling's similarity with Swartland?
It is a source of old vines
87
What/where is Durbanville?
A ward in the Cape Town district
88
What are sites like in Durbanville?
Offers hillside sites north of Cape Town
Cooled by sea breezes that also blow through the Cape Point
89
Durbanville has built a reputation for what varietal?
Sauvignon Blanc
90
What are the most important districts of Breede River Valley?
Worcester District
Robertson District
91
Where in Breede River Valley is Worcester district?
At the western end of Breede River Valley
92
Describe the climate in the Worcester district
Hot and dry
93
What is the result of the climate in the Worcester district?
Irrigation, largely from the river, is essential
94
What are the soils like in Breede River Valley?
Fertile
95
What is the role of the Worcester district in South Africa's wine production? Why?
Due to it's fertile soils it can produce a significant proportion of South Africa's annual production
96
What is the majority of Worcester district wine made from?
Chenin Blanc and Colombard
97
Much of wine from Worcester district is used for...
Distillation
98
Other than wine for distillation, what else is Worcester district reputable for?
Well made red and white, high-volume, branded wines
99
Where is the Robertson district?
To the east of Worcester
100
What is the climate of Robertson district?
Similar but slightly cooler climate than Worcester district
101
Why is it cooler in Robertson district than Worcester district?
Thanks to south-easterly winds that are drawn into the valley
102
Of what is Robertson district a reliable source?
Well-made wines for high-volume brands
103
Besides high-volume wines, what else can be made in Robertson district? Why?
Due to the cooling influences and notable outcrops of less fertile soils, the region can also produce some excellent Syrahs and full-bodied Chardonnays
104
What is the most southerly region of South Africa?
Cape South Coast
105
What is the climate in the Cape South Coast region and why?
Relatively cool as it is well exposed to the Ocean
106
What is the best-established vineyard area of Cape South Coast area?
Walker Bay district
107
What is contained within Walker Bay district? What are they a source of?
The various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde --> these wards are a source of high quality Chards and Pinot Noir.
108
What is also grown in Hemel-en-Aarde with great success (besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)?
Sauvignon Blanc
Merlot
Syrah
109
What is to the north-west of Walker Bay?
The Elgin district
110
What is the important cooling influence in Elgin district?
Altitude
111
For what does Elgin district have a particular reputation?
Intense, fresh Sauvignon Blancs
112
Besides SB, which varieties are produced in the Elgin district? What level of quality are they?
High Quality:
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Syrah
113
What is to the south-east of Walker Bay?
The Elim ward (in the Cape Agulhas district)
114
For what does the Elim ward have a particular reputation?
Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah is also showing promise
115
What is the name of South Africa's GI system?
The Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)
116
What will wines stating Wine of Origin (W.O.) also carry?
A certification seal
117
How many different sizes of production area does South African law recognise? What are they?
Four different sizes of production area:
* Geographical Unit
* Regions
* Districts
* Wards
118
What is the only geographical unit in South Africa of any importance to wine?
Western Cape
119
What is the advantage of the Western Cape appellation?
It allows producers to blend the best parcels of fruit from different areas
120
What is the tendency as to how regions are defined in South Africa?
They follow dominant geological features
121
What are the most important regions for wine grape-growing in South Africa? How are regions divided up?
**Geographical Unit** : Western Cape--> divided into **Regions** :
* Coastal Region
* Breede River Valley
* Cape South Coast
Regions are then further split into **Districts** and then **Wards**.
122
What are the rules behind labelling wines as Estate Wines in South Africa?
Must come from a single estate
All grapes must come from estate vineyards that cover a single geographical area
Estate must have facilities on their land allowing them to process the grapes and the wine up to and including bottling
123
What does Estate Wine law allow in South Africa?
It allows top producers to release Estate Wines AND other W.O. wines under their brand name
124
What does IPW stand for in South Africa and what does it mean? How may it be displayed?
Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)
It's a voluntary sustainable agriculture scheme & certified producers can display their credentials as part of their W.O. seals
