Class 9 - M2 - Wines of South Africa and South America Flashcards
What is the 5th largest producer of wines?
Argentina
Argentina is known for its significant wine production, especially in regions like Mendoza.
Which province produces 70% of Argentina’s wine?
Mendoza
Mendoza is the most important wine region in Argentina.
What are the main grape varieties exported from Argentina?
- Malbec
- Bonarda
Bonarda is also known as Corbeau in France and Charbono in the US.
What geographical feature significantly influences wine production in Argentina and Chile?
The Andes Mountain range
The Andes serves as both a uniting and dividing force between Argentina and Chile.
What is the elevation range of vineyards in Mendoza?
3000-5000 feet
High elevation helps maintain reasonable temperatures for grape growing.
When does most of the rainfall occur in Mendoza?
November-March
Despite summer rains, Mendoza remains quite dry with less than 1 foot of rain per year.
What percentage of plantings in Mendoza are Malbec?
80%
Malbec is the most significant grape variety in Mendoza.
What is the most important white grape in Salta?
Torrontés
Salta is known for its high altitude vineyards and Torrontés is the most notable white wine produced there.
Which region is the most southerly wine region in Argentina?
Patagonia
Patagonia has a cool climate suitable for various grape varieties.
What are the three distinct varieties of Torrontés?
- Torrontés Riojano
- Torrontés Sanjuanino
- Torrontés Mendocino
All varieties are native to South America and are a cross between the mission grape and Muscat of Alexandria.
What is Bonarda known as in France?
Charbono
Bonarda is a different grape variety in Italy and is often misidentified in wine labeling.
What are the key characteristics of Bonarda wine?
- Bright fruit
- Spice
- Earth
Bonarda wines are straightforward and meant to be consumed young.
What flavor profile is associated with Torrontés wine?
- Sweet floral aromas
- Flavors of white peach and lemon zest
Torrontés is often dry despite its sweet aroma.
What percentage of Torrontés is grown in Argentina?
95%
Torrontés is exclusively grown in South America.
What historical figure is recognized for planting the first vineyards in Northern Chile?
Francisco de Aguirre Copiapó
He played a significant role in the early viticultural history of Chile.
What grape varieties were introduced to Chile by Don Silvestre Ochagavía Echazarreta?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon
- Semillon
- Riesling
These varieties form the basis of Chile’s wine industry.
What major event contributed to the growth of the Chilean wine industry in the 19th century?
Chilean revolution
This period marked significant development in viticulture in Chile.
What is the main factor that allows grapevines to thrive in Chile?
Climate adaptation
The climate of Chile is conducive to the growth of various grape varieties.
What served as the basis for the future wine industry of Chile?
The wines produced from the adapted grapevines.
What significant event changed the Chilean wine industry during the 1900s?
World War II.
What were the main challenges faced by the Chilean wine industry during the recession?
Higher taxes, stricter alcohol consumption laws, harsh political climate, and lack of funding for technological advancements.
What major change occurred in the Chilean wine industry in the 1990s?
The return of Democracy led to the re-growth of vineyards and renewed funding for wineries.
What are some key features that make Chilean wine popular globally?
- Flavor
- Color
- Centuries of experience
What climatic factors contribute to the quality of Chilean wines?
- Soil
- Sunlight
- Temperature
- Humidity
What is the significance of the Denominación de Origen (DO) system introduced in 1994?
It named DO regions based on river pathways from the Andes.
What percentage of a grape variety is required for wines to be consumed within Chile?
At least 75%.
What percentage of the varietal must be included in exported Chilean wines?
At least 85%.
What is the climate like in the Norte Chico region of Chile?
Hot and arid.
How does the climate in Southern Chile compare to Northern Chile?
Southern Chile has more rainfall, lower average temperatures, and fewer hours of sunlight.
True or False: Chile is the fourth largest exporter of wines in the world.
True.
What is unique about Chile’s phylloxera status?
Chile has remained free of the phylloxera louse.
What are some key grape varieties grown in Chile?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Malbec
- Pinot Noir
- Cabernet Franc
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Viognier
What is a notable characteristic of the Elqui Valley?
It is the hottest region in Chile and receives less water than the Gobi Desert.
What is the primary grape variety grown in the Aconcagua region?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
What type of wine is primarily produced in the Colchagua region?
Carménère.
Fill in the blank: Chile’s wine laws are similar to the _______ system.
US appellation.
What is the importance of the Andes Mountains to Chile’s wine production?
They provide irrigation and influence the climate.
What type of wines can be found in the Itata region?
- Red blends
- Cabernet Franc
- Pais
What is the typical soil composition in Chile’s vineyards?
- Clay
- Loam
- Limestone
- Sand
- Volcanic sand (in some regions)
What grape variety is highlighted for needing a long growing season?
Carmenere.
What was the impact of the phylloxera outbreak in the 1700s on Chile’s wine industry?
It destroyed vines, leading to a focus on quantity over quality.
What is the primary grape variety grown in the Casablanca region?
Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
What is a common feature of the climate in Chile’s wine regions?
Influence from the Pacific Ocean and the Humboldt Current.
What has been the trend in Chile’s wine production since the end of apartheid in 1994?
Flourished with a 50% growth in just 5 years.
What is the typical climate in the Bío-Bío Valley?
Cool and rainy.
True or False: Most of Chile’s premium wine regions depend on irrigation.
True.
What is a defining characteristic of the Malleco region?
It has less than 5 vineyards but produces benchmark Chardonnay.
What has dominated wine production in South Africa for the last century?
KWV, a government controlled coop.
What significant change occurred in the South African wine business after 1994?
It flourished with a 50% growth in just 5 years.
What percentage of South Africa’s grape vines are less than 15 years old?
Two-thirds.
What is Pinotage?
A uniquely South African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
Which two red grape varieties are the top in South Africa before Pinotage?
- Cabernet * Shiraz
What is the percentage of red wines produced in South Africa?
45%.
What is the most prominent white grape variety in South Africa?
Chenin blanc.
What percentage of wines produced in South Africa are white?
55%.
Where is the main wine area located in South Africa?
Westward along the South Coast from Cape Town.
What is the top wine area in South Africa?
Stellenbosch.
From where do the highest rated wines in South Africa typically come?
Vineyards on alluvial fans of the granite mountains.
What are the notable grape varieties mentioned that grow in Stellenbosch?
- Syrah * Chenin blanc * Viognier
What geographical unit is Stellenbosch a district of?
The Coastal region in the Western Cape.
What is a challenge when finding good wine from Stellenbosch?
There are so many producers.
What is the geological age of the granite mountains in South Africa?
Approximately 600 million years old.
What is the other great district next to Stellenbosch?
Paarl.
What percentage of grapes must be from the named appellation in South Africa?
100%.
What is the vintage requirement for South African wines?
85% of stated year.
What is the varietal requirement for South African wines?
85%.
How many geographical units are established in South Africa?
Six.
What is the best region for wine in South Africa?
Coastal.
Which district is the largest producer of wine in South Africa?
Worcester.
What percentage of total wine production does Worcester account for?
23%.
What is the percentage of total wine production from Robertson?
15.5%.
What types of wines are included in the Boberg appellation?
Fortified wines only.
What is a promising region for cool climate varieties?
Elgin.
Which wine varieties are noted for Walker Bay?
- Pinot Noir * Chardonnay
What is the name of the wine that is a humorous take-off of Cotes du Rhone?
Goats do Roam.
What might be the future of South African wine according to the text?
Inexpensive wines like Goats do Roam.
