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WSET® Level 4 Wine > WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World > D3 - South Africa > Flashcards

D3 - South Africa Flashcards

Examines the regions, grapes, methods of production, and styles of South Africa.

1
Q

What is the general climate for South Africa’s Western Cape?

A

Warm Mediterranean

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2
Q

The 6 key influences that affect the climate of South Africa’s growing regions are:

A
  1. The Western Cape’s mountain ranges, slopes + aspects;
  2. The region’s proximity to the ocean;
  3. Benguela current (cold);
  4. Agulhas current (warm) mingling with Benguela current lowers water temperatures between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas;
  5. Large temperature variance between warmer land and cooler ocean creates regular beneficial coastal fog and cooling breezes;
  6. Cape Doctor (extends impact of Benguela current).
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3
Q

What is the Agulhas Current?

A

A warmer current from the Indian Ocean – the Benguela current intersects it and together they lower the water temperatures between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.

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4
Q

In South Africa, how is beneficial coastal fog formed along the coast?

A

The large difference in temperatures between the ocean and land.

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5
Q

What is the Cape Doctor?

What are four of its effects?

A

A southeasterly wind that blows in the spring and summer – it extends the impact of the Benguela Current;

  1. Inhibits disease;
  2. Brings occasional rain to the South Coast;
  3. Can damage leaves (affecting photosynthesis + ripeness);
  4. Can hugely affect the flowering process and berry set, reducing yields.
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6
Q

When does rain typically fall in South Africa?

A

May through August.

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7
Q

Why does rainfall drop dramatically north of the Western Cape (and regions become drier as one goes north)?

A

Benguela Current’s impact doesn’t reach this far north; plus, mountains along the coastline block Atlantic influence.

This is why irrigation or the promotion of old vines is essential in the drier northern areas.

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8
Q

What are the top two planted white grapes of South Africa?

A
  1. Chenin Blanc;
  2. Colombard.
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9
Q

What are the top two planted red grapes of South Africa?

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon;
  2. Shiraz.
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10
Q

What is the crossing of Pinotage?

A

Pinot Noir x Cinsault

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11
Q

Pinotage

  1. When does it bud?
  2. Why does it reach potentially high alcohol?
  3. What is a typical skin maceration time?
A
  1. Early budding;
  2. Small berries reach high sugar levels;
  3. 3 days for lighter colored wines, 5 days for darker colored wines.
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12
Q

What are the three main types of soils found in Western Cape?

What are their properties?

A
  1. Table Mountain sandstone: sandy, low nutrients, low water retention. Needs careful irrigation and fertilization;
  2. Granite-derived: found on mountain foothill slopes and hilly areas. Good water retention, can be dry farmed;
  3. Shale-derived: Good nutrient levels, good water retention, can be dry farmed.
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13
Q

Select the correct answer.

Most Cape soils are excessively:

  1. Acidic
  2. Alkaline
  3. Balanced
A
  1. Acidic – they need adjustments with lime to achieve suitable pH for viticulture.
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14
Q

What are the 3 diseases that have recently afflicted South African vineyards?

A
  1. Fanleaf virus;
  2. Leafroll virus;
  3. Powdery mildew (pretty common).
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15
Q

What is the most common form of pruning in South Africa?

A

Cordon with VSP with a fruiting wire at 0.75m for ease of pruning.

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16
Q

What are three factors that affect yields in South Africa?

A
  1. Irrigation;
  2. Vine spacing;
  3. Vine age.
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17
Q

Few South African producers are accredited as organic or biodynamic, but most of them follow the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) system.

What is the IPW system?

A

It oversees all aspects of growing and winemaking from carbon emissions, to staff training and conservation of soil, rivers and wetlands.

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18
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

How do their yields differ?

A

High volume – sprayed regularly to avoid botrytis, no or minimal sorting to keep yields high;

Low volume – typically dry farmed and managed for low yields, some botrytis if that style desired, careful sorting.

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19
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

How do the blends differ?

A

High volume – can have up to 15% other grape(s) blended in, usually of lesser value (e.g Colombard);

Low volume – 100% Chenin Blanc.

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20
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

What is the approach of each in regards to yeast, acidification, and malo?

A

High volume – cultured yeast and acidification normal, no malo;

Low volume – ambient or cultured yeast (producer choice), acidification avoided; no malo.

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21
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

What are the fermentation temps and vessels used for primary fermentation?

A

High volume – cool fermentation temps in stainless steel or concrete tanks to retain primary fruit;

Low volume – cool fermentation temps in inert vessels (large format, old oak, concrete eggs, amphora); if the wine is being oaked, they’ll use new oak for primary for better integration.

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22
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

In what vessels will the wine typically rest?

How does each approach oak?

A

High volume – stainless steel or old oak; if oak flavor desired, will use staves or chips;

Low volume – Rest sur lie 3-9 mos in inert vessel, maybe use bâtonnage if richer style desired, 10-12 mos in oak for maturation.

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23
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

What is the approach for residual sugar?

A

High volume – adjusted using RCGM to 5g/L or more, depending on target market;

Low volume – not adjusted (usually RS ends up being in the 1.5 - 6.0g/L range).

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24
Q

High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc vs. Low volume premium Chenin Blanc:

Where is the wine bottled?

A

High volume – wine transported in bulk and bottled in final market;

Low volume – wine bottled in South Africa and transported to final market.

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25
Q

Name two significant producers in South Africa.

A
  1. DeMorgenzon;
  2. Ken Forrester.
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26
Q

High volume inexpensive Pinotage vs. Low volume premium Pinotage:

How do their maturations differ, and when is each released?

A

High volume – matured in stainless steel or used oak with oak alternatives. Released 6-12 months after the vintage;

Low volume – matured in French oak for 12-15 months. Released 2 years after the vintage.

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27
Q

What are the ‘big six’ grape varieties of South Africa?

A
  1. Chenin Blanc;
  2. Sauvignon Blanc;
  3. Chardonnay;
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon;
  5. Shiraz;
  6. Pinotage.
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28
Q

What are the three main blends of South Africa?

What grapes do they consist of?

A
  1. White Cape blends – Chenin-dominant, Rhône varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc;
  2. Red Bordeaux blends – white Bdx blends are made, too;
  3. Red Cape blends – usually heavy proportion of Pinotage and/or Rhône varieties.
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29
Q

What is the Wine of Origin hierarchy in South Africa from largest to smallest?

A
  1. Geographical Unit – very large areas, e.g. Western Cape;
  2. Region – large areas, e.g. Coastal Region;
  3. District – e.g. Stellenbosch;
  4. Ward – smaller, defined area within a district defined by soil, climate, or geological factors.
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30
Q

In South Africa, what is the law regarding a bottle labeled ‘estate wine’?

A

Must be grown, made, and bottled on the estate.

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31
Q

In South Africa, what are the laws surrounding a wine that is labeled as a single vineyard?

A
  • Vineyard must be registered + planted with a single variety;
  • Must be 6ha or smaller.
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32
Q

What are the percentages for region, vintage, and variety if a wine uses the Wine of Origin term on the label?

A
  • 100% of the grapes must come from the stated region;
  • 85% of the wine must come from the stated vintage;
  • 85% of the wine must come from the stated variety.
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33
Q

What four regions of South Africa do you need to know for the exam?

A
  1. Coastal Region;
  2. Cape South Coast Region;
  3. Olifants River Region;
  4. Breede River Valley Region.
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34
Q

Coastal Region accounts for ___% of all the area under vine in South Africa.

A

46%

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35
Q

What are the important 8 Districts and 4 Wards of Coastal Region?

A
  1. Cape Town
    1. Constantia
    2. Durbanville
  2. Stellenbosch
    1. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
  3. Paarl
    1. Simonsberg-Paarl
  4. Franschhoek Valley
  5. Darling
  6. Swartland
  7. Tulbagh
  8. Wellington
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36
Q

The ward Constantia is known for Vin de Constance.

What is Vin de Constance?

A

Sweet wine made of Muscat (de Frontignan) by Klein Constantia.

Typically 14% abv, full bodied, fresh and vibrant layered with flavors of ginger, marmalade, and grapefruit.

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37
Q

Most vineyards in Constantia are planted on what kind of soil facing which direction?

A

Granite over sandstone soils facing east.

Good drainage.

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38
Q

Constantia receives cool breezes from this bay.

A

False Bay.

39
Q

Which one is correct?

Constantia is:

  1. Windy with high rainfall (1000mm per year)
  2. Windy with low rainfall (250mm per year)
  3. In a rain shadow with very high rain fall (1500mm per year)
A
  1. Windy with high rainfall (1000mm per year)
40
Q

Durbanville

  1. What are its soils?
  2. What is its rainfall?
  3. Which direction do the vineyards face and at what elevation?
A
  1. Shale soils (high water-holding capacity allows for dry farming);
  2. ~500mm rain per year;
  3. East at 100-300m asl.

Rainfall is half that of Constantia due to the protection of the Tygerberg.

41
Q

What mitigates warm summer weather in Durbanville?

A
  • Midday cool breezes off of False Bay;
  • Evening mists which can reduce the temperature by up to 5°C (9°F).
42
Q

Durbanville is known for this grape varietal made in this style.

A

Sauvignon Blanc made in a greener, fresher style.

43
Q

What are the three major contributors to quality for wines from Stellenbosch?

A
  1. Cool mountain slopes;
  2. Varied soil types;
  3. Cooling False Bay breezes that moderate summer temps.
44
Q

How does the soil in Stellenbosch change from the valley floor to the hilly slopes?

A

Valley floor close to False Bay has sandy/alluvial soils which turn to granite and shale soils on the slopes.

Shale soils are found on the slopes of Simonsberg, the Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch Mountain and Helderberg.

45
Q
  • What is the climate of Stellenbosch?
  • What is the rainfall there?
A
  • Warm climate;
  • 600-900m.
46
Q

What two factors play an important role in the final style and body of wines from Stellenbosch?

A
  1. Yield;
  2. Picking time.
47
Q

What does the ward Simonsberg-Stellenbosch have that leads to its Cabernet Sauvignons being recognized?

Describe the area.

A

Higher diurnal shift - Lower, warmer slopes close to False Bay that are open to ocean breezes (this creates the diurnal range).

48
Q

What three factors make Paarl, a warmer region than Stellenbosch, so successful at growing grapes and making various styles of wine?

A
  • Has many mesoclimates, soils, and aspects;
  • Moderately high rainfall (800-900mm);
  • Berg River (flows through Paarl; can provide water for irrigation).
49
Q

Select the correct answer.

Compared to the rest of the Paarl district, the ward Simonsberg-Paarl is:

a. Warmer and at a higher elevation
b. Cooler and at a lower elevation

What does this mean for the diurnal range?

What grape is this ward known for?

A
  • Warmer and at a higher elevation
  • Slightly higher diurnal range, which means a slightly cooler ripening season;
  • Known for Chardonnay.
50
Q

What environmental feature makes Franschhoek Valley so warm?

A

It is sheltered by mountains on three sides.

51
Q

At what elevations are vineyards planted in Franschhoek Valley?

A

Valley floor up to 300m, but higher sites (600m) are being planted now, which bring a slightly cooler climate and higher diurnal range.

52
Q

Why are dry farming and bush vines common in Darling district?

A

The weathered granite soils have a higher water holding capacity.

53
Q

Swartland: What are its climate, rainfall, and soils?

A
  • Warm + dry climate;
  • 500mm/year;
  • Low-fertility granite and shale soils.
54
Q

Describe the two different sectors of Swartland’s wine industry.

A
  1. Older: a lot of co-ops producing good to very
    good quality, inexpensive and mid-priced, everyday wines;
  2. Newer: up-and-coming talent reinventing styles through low yields, dry farming, organic farming, ambient yeasts, old oak.
55
Q

Which one is correct?

Tulbagh district is:

  1. On the coast with heavy coastal influence, is cooler, wet, and open to the ocean;
  2. Inland, warm, dry, and sheltered by a horseshoe-shaped mountain range, with no coastal influence.
A
  1. Inland, warm, dry, and sheltered by a horseshoe-shaped mountain range, with no coastal influence
56
Q

What are the three cooling influences of Tulbagh?

A
  1. Elevation - vineyards planted on higher slopes (400-500m);
  2. Shade from mountains;
  3. Cold morning air trapped by the valley.
57
Q

With Tulbagh being so warm and dry, how is successful viticulture possible?

A
  • Soils with good water-holding capacity;
  • Good water management systems (rainfall collected on upper slopes in a series of ponds that provide irrigation water).
58
Q

What are the three important districts of Breede River Valley Region?

A
  1. Breedekloof;
  2. Worcester;
  3. Robertson.
59
Q

Breede River Valley is best known for its:

A

Distillation industry (grapes with high yields).

60
Q

In Breede River Valley Region, which district(s) have adequate rainfall? Which district(s) require irrigation?

A
  • Adequate rainfall – Breedekloof (no need to irrigate);
  • Needs irrigation – Worcester + Robertson
61
Q
  • What is the climate of Breedekloof?
  • What environmental feature does it have to moderate temperatures?
A
  • Climate: warm continental;
  • Cool southeast summer winds (also reduces fungal diseases).
62
Q

What style of wine is Worcester known for?

A

It’s not known for wine – it’s known to grow high volume grape production on fertile, loamy soils for the brandy industry.

63
Q

What is it about the Robertson district that allows it to grow Chardonnay?

A

Limestone soils (in parts of the district).

64
Q

What styles of wine is Robertson known for?

A

Mostly for white wines made from high yields, but there are some quality-minded producers who make Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

65
Q

What is the climate of Olifants River Region?

A

Very dry and warm.

66
Q

Is irrigation necessary in Olifants River Region?

A

Yes (water from the Olifants River).

67
Q

What are the elevation and cooling influences of Olifants River Region that allow it to grow high quality fruit?

A
  • 450-550m asl (diurnal shift);
  • Atlantic Ocean.
68
Q

What are the districts and wards of Cape South Coast you need to know?

A
  1. Walker Bay District
    1. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
    2. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
    3. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
    4. Bot River
  2. Elgin

‘Hemel-en-Aarde’ is the collective name referring to three wards projecting inland from the seaside town of Hermanus.

69
Q

Cape South Coast Region is directly and strongly influenced by the cooling influence of the ______ Ocean.

A

Atlantic Ocean.

70
Q

In Hemel-en-Aarde, at what aspect are vineyards planted generally and what are the cooling influences?

A
  • North facing for greater solar interception to ripen the grapes in this relatively cool area;
  • Cooling winds off the Atlantic.
71
Q

Why does the soil in Hemel-en-Aarde ward have such good water holding capacity?

A

High clay content (up to 55%).

72
Q

What are the grapes grown in Hemel-en-Aarde ward?

A

Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also the ‘big six’.

73
Q

Rank the Hemel-en-Aarde wards in order of elevation from lowest to highest.

A
  • Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (lowest)
  • Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (middle)
  • Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (highest, coldest, smallest)
74
Q
  • Which direction do the vineyards of Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley face?
  • Which direction do the vineyards of Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge face?
A
  • Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – north and west
  • Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge – south and east

Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, located deeper inland, is the smallest, the coldest, and the highest ward with vineyards that approach 400m in elevation.

75
Q
  • Where are the Babylonstoren Mountains?
  • What role do they play in their environment?
A
  • Near Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge ward;
  • They act as a cloud trap, collecting moisture and providing consistent shade.
76
Q

What factor allows Bot River ward to be warmer than Hemel-en-Aarde but cooler than Paarl and Stellenbosch?

A

It stretches from Bot River Lagoon and acts as a funnel for cold winds that blow to the slopes of nearby mountain ranges.

77
Q

What are the factors that make Elgin such a cool and good place to grow grapes?

A
  • It’s on an inland plateau 200-400m asl;
  • Gets a lot of cloud cover;
  • Cooling ocean influence makes it a cooler place overall, but it also has cool nights and cool summer breezes which extend the growing season (hence more elegant fruit and higher acidity);
  • Moderately high rainfall (1000mm/yr).
78
Q

What style of wine does the rainfall in Elgin allow for that is hard to produce in other regions?

A

Sweet botrytized wines.

79
Q

What style of wine is Klein Karoo Region best known for and why?

A
  • Port-style wines made from Portguese varieties and Fortified Muscats;
  • It’s semi-arid.
80
Q

What are the six wine initiatives in place in South Africa?

A
  1. IPW (Integrated Production of Wine);
  2. BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative);
  3. WWF-SA Conservation Champion Programme;
  4. Integrity and Sustainability Seal;
  5. SWSA (Sustainable Wine South Africa);
  6. WIETA (Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association.
81
Q

South Africa’s “modern period” of the wine industry is marked as beginning in this year.

A

1994

82
Q

What sector of the market does The Distell Group dominate?

A

Value packaging (e.g. 1L bricks).

83
Q

Explain why South Africa has had a tough time repositioning itself from a bulk wine market to a packaged wine market.

A

The value of bulk wine has increased but it’s still inexpensive, meaning growers receive lower prices which means they cannot sustain a certain income for their business (they can’t afford to support employees).

84
Q

For premium South African Pinotage, how would a winemaker improve colour extraction?

A

The fruit may be given a period of cold soak before crushing.

85
Q

For both inexpensive and premium South African Pinotage, when do pumping over and punching down take place?

A

Typically at the beginning of fermentation (when the must is more aqueous [lower level of alcohol] and therefore less tannin is extracted).

85
Q

Describe a traditional fuller-bodied South African Pinotage.

A
  • Deep ruby with red plum and blackberry fruit;
  • High tannins;
  • Full body;
  • High alcohol;
  • Typically kept on the skins for 3–5 days post-fermentation.
85
Q

Describe a lighter, more elegant styled South African Pinotage.

A
  • Grapes may have been grown on cooler sites and picked at lower levels of ripeness;
  • Medium ruby in color;
  • Red-fruited;
  • Medium tannins;
  • Typically not macerated on the skins post-fermentation.
86
Q

What is the typical maturation of inexpensive, higher-volume South African Pinotage?

A
  • Aged in stainless steel or used barrels;
  • Oak alternatives (staves or chips) used to add oak flavors;
  • Typically released early, e.g. 6–12 months after vintage.
87
Q

What is the typical maturation of premium South African Pinotage?

A

Typically aged for an extended period (12–15 months) in French oak barriques (often more than 50% new) and released 2 years after the vintage.

While a high proportion of new oak used to be the norm with Pinotage there is an increasing number of producers who have dramatically cut their new oak content. Both the time and the use of new oak add significantly to cost.

88
Q

Franschhoek Valley receives 800mm a year of rain a year, though irrigation is often required.

Why?

A

The soils are fast draining.

89
Q

Wellington District has a reputation for what style of wine?

A

Shiraz and powerful red blends.

90
Q

Some of the wineries in Wellington District stretch over these two types of areas:

A
  1. Alluvial terraces (or benches) towards Swartland’s rolling hills;
  2. In the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains, where folds and valleys create varied mesoclimates.
91
Q

What moderates Robertson District’s warm temperatures?

A

Cooling southeast winds that bring moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.

Robertson also has very low rainfall, making irrigation necessary.

WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World (47 decks)

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