L3: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

Question 1

South Africa

Answer 1

Climate
Mediterranean
Baguela Current - Cools Peninsula off western cape

Grapes
Chenin Blanc (“Steen”)

Pinotage (Pinot Noir / Cisnault cross)

Notable Wines / Sub-Regions
First wine producing area in southern hemisphere

Constantia: First planting location. Mediterranean Climate
Originally muscat grape (18th century)
Bordeaux varieties today
TODAY: Chenin Blanc
Famous Desert Wine made of Muscat Blac

Stellenbosch: Tasted Cabernet

Swartland: Warmer area; Chenin Blanc in class

Question 2

Baguela Current

Answer 2

Cools Peninsula off western cape. South Africa

Question 3

Pinotage

Answer 3

Pinot Noir / Cisnault Cross

Extremely dark grape; high in tanin and anthocyanin.

Pinotage is dense in color and bold in flavor with notes of plum sauce, tobacco, blackberry, tar and licorice.

Question 4

Steen

Answer 4

Chenin Blanc (name in SA)

Question 5

What was the first wine producing area in the southern hemisphere

Answer 5

South Africa

Question 6

First planting location in South Africa?

Answer 6

Constantia; cost close to capetown

Question 7

Constantia

Answer 7

Famous South African desert wine made of Muscat Blanc

First planting location. Mediterranean Climate
Originally muscat grape (18th century)
Bordeaux varieties today
TODAY: Chenin Blanc and Desert Wine

Constantia is the oldest wine region. It is not a district, but a free-standing ward. Famous for its signature dessert wine made from Muscat Petit à Grains and favored by Napoleon, this wine can still be enjoyed at the Groot Constantia Estate. Sauvignon Blanc is the modern standout.

Question 8

Stellenbosch

Answer 8

South and East of Capetown. Cabernet in class.

Primary Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (W), Chenin Blanc (W)
Shiraz (R), Cabernet Sauvignon (R)

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest settlement, after Cape Town. Today it is the best known wine region in South Africa. The climate is relatively hot and dry, but maritime winds cool off the vineyards and keep them remarkably disease-free. Cabernet Sauvignon is the premier wine, while Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc are all planted here in large numbers. Stellenbosch is also notable for being the birthplace of Pinotage.

Question 9

Paarl

Answer 9

Primary Grapes: Chardonnay (W), Chenin Blanc (W), Shiraz (R), Pinotage (R), Cabernet Sauvignon (R)

Paarl, meaning “pearl”, is located just north of Stellenbosch and is the heart of production in South Africa. Located between two mountain ranges, the climate is generally warm and the soil is well-drained and nutrient-poor. Reds from Shiraz, Pinotage, and Cabernet Sauvignon are rich and robust, with a great intensity of fruit. Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are fruit-driven and lush.

Question 10

Swartland

Answer 10

Swartland is a large wine-producing area 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Traditionally a wheat-producing region, it now specializes in making rich, fruit-driven wines particularly from the Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage grape varieties.

Warmer area; had Chenin Blanc in class

Question 11

Cape Doctor

Answer 11

South Africa:
cooling, powerful wind that can ward off pests and disease, but has the potential to harm young vines

Question 12

Australia

Answer 12

Climate
South Australia: Mediterranean
Western Australia: Maritime
Yarra Yarra: Continental
Tasmania: ?

Grapes
Known for blends (Shiraz, Vigonier, GSM)

Western Australia: Cab / Merlot (e.g., Margaret River)

Notable Wines / Sub-Regions
South Australia
Eden Valley (w/ in Borossa < South Australia): Dry Reisling (German settled area, cooler part of region)

Borossa (< South Australia): Never had Phyloxera, strong quarantines; oldest vines in world (120 years)

Coonawara: Well draining limestone soil. Terra Rossa. Excellent Cabernet

Margaret River (< Western Australia): Most sophisticated wines; Bordeaux style blends)

Question 13

Margaret River

Answer 13

Far West Australia. Most Sophisticated Wines. Bordeaux Blends.

The Margaret River is Western Australia’s premier region for elegant wines. It is often referred to as Australia’s “little Bordeaux”. A coastal strip dotted with small producers and low yield vineyards, this emerging area focuses on Bordeaux red and white varieties, along with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.

Question 14

Eden Valley

Answer 14

South Australia. Cooler area. German settled. Within / near Borossa.

Dry Reislings.

German Settled Area

This cooler and topographically steeper extension of Barossa makes full-bodied and silky Shiraz. Cabernets exhibit noticeable structure and finesse. Age-worthy Riesling has a lush floral component and is loaded with citrus. Viognier gains full expression here, and is often blended with Shiraz to create a uniquely aromatic blend.

Question 15

Coonawara

Answer 15

South Australia.

Excellent Cabernet

Well draining limestone soil known as Terra Rossa

The best known region of the Limestone Coast and coolest in South Australia, this area is famous for its unique bright red soil called terra rosa. The soil is red-brown loam over free-draining limestone, a combination that results in luscious and mineral-driven Cabernet Sauvignons. This perfect marriage between grape and place made it one of Australia’s first widely-recognized delimited areas. Merlot and Cabernet Franc also thrive here.

Question 16

Terra Rossa

Answer 16

Australia.

Unique, bright red soil in Coonawara region.

Question 17

Borossa

Answer 17

South Australia. Shiraz focused

Never had Phyloxera; strong quarantines

Oldest vines in world - 120 years

Another subzone of Adelaide, Barossa is South Australia’s oldest and most important wine region. This mountain valley is an area of diverse microclimates that produces complex and balanced wines. It maintains strict quarantines against phylloxera, and boasts deeply-rooted bush vines. The main grape here has always been Shiraz, made in a style that magnifies its power and fruity intensity.

Question 18

Penfold’s Grange

Answer 18

South Australia. Producer of Australia’s most sought after wines

Question 19

South Australia Region

Answer 19

South Australia has been the hub of the nation’s wine industry since the 19th century. More than half of all Australian wine is produced in its Mediterranean climate. Subzones are clustered around the city of Adelaide, the country’s center for wine industry and education. All major wineries have a presence here, including Penfold’s Grange, the producer of Australia’s most sought-after wines.

Question 20

New Zealand

Answer 20

Climate
Maritime
Southern Alps: All vineyards on eastern side; benefit from rain shadow

Grapes
Marlborough: Sauvignon Blanc

Central Otago: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling

Hawke’s Bay (N. Island): Chardonnay

Notable Wines / Sub-Regions
Marlborough: Sauvignon Blanc
Vs. Bordeaux
→ Cooler in NZ
→ Single varietal in NZ (vs. blend in Bordeaux)
→ No oak in NZ
Strong “jalapeno” note
Stainless steel fermentation

Central Otago Pinot: Acidity like Burgundy; Fruity like New World

Question 21

Southern Alps

Answer 21

New Zealand

A mountain chain that runs along its western coast. Most vineyards are located in the rain shadow created by these peaks. Soils consist of volcanic and alluvial with sandstone. Its least temperate weather occurs in the far south, across from the Tasman Sea.

Question 22

Marlborough

Answer 22

Southern Island New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc focused

The temperate maritime climate of this region, in the northeast corner of the South Island, contains more vineyards than any other place in the country. It ranks as New Zealand’s most important region. Marlborough was made famous by Sauvignon Blanc, which became the commercial starting point of the wine industry. It is now home to over eighty-five percent of total Sauvignon Blanc acreage. Pinot Noir also shows well in its microclimate. Pinot Gris is catching on, and may be the area’s next star export.

Question 23

Hawke’s Bay

Answer 23

North Island New Zealand

Chardonnay Focused

This harbor on the North Island predated Marlborough (on the South Island) as the country’s key winegrowing area, and remains the second largest growing region. It is the driest region in the country with a wide variety of soil types. Hilly, gravelly, and naturally well-irrigated vineyards produce well-crafted Cabernet and lush, round Chardonnay. Alluvial soils in the Gimblett Gravels district produce standout reds of Merlot, Cabernet, and Syrah. It was the first place in New Zealand where a connection of place to grape was recognized.

Question 24

What is the Southern Most wine region in the world

Answer 24

Central Otago, NZ

Question 25

Central Otago

Answer 25

Southern Island; Most southernly in world

A difficult continental climate drives up production costs in one of the last regions to be planted. It is also the most southerly in the world. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling cling to hillsides that maximize exposure to light. The early standout grape appears to be Pinot Noir.

Central Otago Pinot: Acidity like Burgundy; Fruity like New World

Question 26

How does Marlborough compare to Bordeaux?

Answer 26

Marlborough: Sauvignon Blanc
Vs. Bordeaux
→ Cooler in NZ
→ Single varietal in NZ (vs. blend in Bordeaux)
→ No oak in NZ
Strong “jalapeno” note
Stainless steel fermentation

Question 27

South Africa Regulatory System

Answer 27

Wine of Origin System

Question 28

South Africa % requirements for geography, varietal, vinage

Answer 28

100% Geography
85% Vintage
85% Varietal

Question 29

Wards?

Answer 29

Ward < District < Region

Question 30

Regulated terms in South Africa

Answer 30

Estate: (Same as “grown, produced, bottled by”)

Single Vineyard: all grapes from one vineyard

Question 31

“Estate” - South Africa

Answer 31

Same as “grown, produced, bottled by”

Question 32

“Single Vineyard” - South Afrida

Answer 32

all grapes from one vineyard

Question 33

Australia Regulatory System

Answer 33

Geographic Indication System (GI)

Label Integrity Program

Question 34

Australia: % requirements for geography, varietal, vintage

Answer 34

Australia
85% Geography
85% Vintage
85% Varietal

Question 35

New Zealand Regulations

Answer 35

Geographic Indication System (GI) – introduced in 2010s to combat fraud; previously “Wines of Certified Origin”

85% Geography
85% Vintage
85% Varietal
*Most are in practice 100%

Question 36

Stelvin Enclosure

Answer 36

Screwtop
Australia Invented
Eliminated risk of cork infection (TCA)

Question 37

Name of screwtop?

Answer 37

Stelvin Enclosure
Australia Invented
Eliminated risk of cork infection (TCA)

Question 38

Dry Farmed

Answer 38

No irrigation; stress vines

Question 39

Bush Vines

Answer 39

Vines trained to grow as ‘bushes’ - common with Pinotage in South Africa. Head trained; no trellising. More shade for growth. Must be hand picked

Question 40

IPW Program

Answer 40

“Integrated Production of Wine” - Environmental Sustainability Scheme established by South African wine industry in 1998

Question 41

Yarra Yarra

Answer 41

Australia

The Yarra Yarra Valley, a cool continental climate region outside of Melbourne, is known for its Pinot Noir. A variety of wine styles are produced, including some of the world’s greatest dessert wine made from fortified Muscat and Muscadelle, as well as exceptional traditional-method sparkling wines.

Question 42

Martinborough

Answer 42

Part of Wairraprap region on North Island

Pinot and Chardonnay (Burgundian)

The best varieties in this region that includes Martinborough are the Burgundian varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These grapes thrive on the thin, poor soils and well-drained gravel and silt soil. Martinborough also experiences some of the highest diurnal temperature variations in the country. Coupled with mountains on its western side, the conditions are close to ideal for growing the delicate Pinot Noir grape. Styles range from plump and full to lean and earthy. Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are other popular varieties.