S Africa, Australia & NZ Flashcards
Where are most of SAs vineyards, Why
Along the coastline of the Cape. To take advantage of the cooling effects of the Southern Ocean
Between what latitudes are SA vineyards
27 and 34 degrees south of the equator
What is the name of the current that flows up the W coast of SA from the antarctic
The Benguela Current
What is the name of the strong SE summer winds that bring cool Oceanic air
Cape Doctor
On what aspect of mtns are vineyards of SA planted - why
Southerly facing to benefit from cooler temps
How do mountains benefit the vineyards
Provide shade from the sun and also channel winds thru the vineyards
What is SAs Gi system. What will appear on bottles certifying wines compliant with this
WO Wine of Origin. A certification seal
What production areas does SA wine law recognise
Geographical Unit ( eg Western Cape ) - split into regions ( eg Coastal Region, Breede River Valley and Cape South Coast ) - split further into Districts then Wards
What are Estate wines in SA
All grapes grown on estate vineyards that cover a single geographical area. Producer must have on site facilities for processing grapes from harvest to bottling
What is the name for the sustainable agriculture scheme in SA. How is this displayed on a wine label
Integrated Production of Wine ( IPW ). Certified producers can include their credentials as part of the WO seal on the label
What is the dominant black grape of SA. What is it typically blended with
Cabernet. Merlot and Cab Franc
Apart from Cabernet, Cab Franc and Merlot what other black grapes are grown in SA
Syrah from warmer sites produces rich full bodied reds ripe black fruit, high ABV with an earthy meaty character. From cooler sites it is leaner and more peppery.
Pinot Noir though this is only grown in cooler coastal sites.
Pinotage
What are the range of styles of Pinotage. What flavors does it take on when fermented and / or stored with heavily toasted oak
Light, fruity with red berry flavors to full bodied, rich spiced berry fruit
Chocolate and Coffee
What is Pinotage a cross between
Pinot Noir and Cinsault
What is the most widely planted grape in SA. In what range of styles is it made
Chenin Blanc
Simple and light with stone fruit flavors to more complex concentrated with fuller texture grown from old bush vines. Oak fermenting and aging add complexity
What is the second most planted white grape in SA. What is this typically used for
Columbard is used to make Brandy
What can be said about SB from SA
Grown only on the cooler sites can display pure flavors of citrus and green fruit often with a herbaceous note
What can be said about Chardonnay production in SA
The best comes from cooler sites, Burgundy techniques such as barrel fermentation and lees stirring are common
What is Muscat of Alexandria known as in SA. What is it used for
Hanepoot is used to make late harvest sweet wines. Noble rot is often a factor in these wines
Apart from Chenin Blanc, SB, Chardonnay and Muscat of Alex what other whites are present in SA
Viognier ( rich and perfumed with a hint of oak )
Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc
Which SA region is producing high quality white blends of Chenin Blanc with Rhone varieties.
Swartland
Which region produces over 90% of SAs wine
Western Cape
Wineries in certain districts or wards are allowed to source fruit from outside of the Gi in which they are located. How must these wines be labelled
With a region eg Coastal Region or with a Geographical Unit eg Western Cape
Where is the Stellenbosch district
In the Coastal region. Stretches from the coast at Somerset West right up to the Mountains that surround the town of Stellenbosch
What is the climate of Stellenbosch. What provides a cooling effect
Moderate to warm depending on location. Rainfall is sufficient in winter and summers are cooled by the cool winds from False Bay
What are the major factors in the success of Stellenbosch
The variety of altitudes, aspect and soils available in a relatively small area
What wines is Stellenbosch famous for. What can be produced in the cooler sites
Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Cape red blends. SB and Chardonnay
What district lies to the North of Stellenbosch. What is its geography and climate
Paarl. Further inland and hotter than Stellenbosch. though this is moderated by cooler night temps. Mountainous
What grapes are grown in Paarl
Cabernet, Syrah, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay
Where is Constantia ward. What is it known for having
In the Cape Peninsula District has some of the oldest vines in the Cape which lie on the Eastern flanks of Table Mtn
What wine is Constantia known for - what weather effect makes this possible
SB. It is constantly cooled by the Cape Doctor
What is the sweet wine made in Constantia from late harvest Muscat
Vin de Constance
Apart from SB and Muscat what other grapes are planted in the Cape
Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet
Which district used to be known for bulk inexpensive wine but has reinvented itself as a producer of premium wines. What is it known for these days
Swartland. High quality Chenin Blanc and Syrah
What district is to the SW of Swartland. What wines is it known for
Darling. Primarily SB but now other varieties
Which ward in the Tygerberg district has a reputation for SB
Durbanville
What district lies at the Western end of the Breede River Valley. What is the climate and what market does it serve
Worcester. Hot and dry climate. Produces large volume wines from Chenin Blanc and Columbard.
What district is to the East of Worcester…how do the climates compare. What markets does it serve
Robertson is cooler than Worcester thanks to cooling SE winds. Reliable high volume wine. Can produce full bodied Chardonnay and excellent Syrah
In which district is the most well established vineyard area in Cape South Coast, Name a ward within it
Walker Bay. Hemel en Aarde
What wines is Walker Bay known for
Chardonnay, Pinot but also SB, Merlot and Syrah
What district is to the NW of Walker Bay. What is the cooling influence there and what wines is it known for
Elgin is at altitude. Known for SB but also grows Pinot, Chardonnay and Syrah
What district is to the SE of Walker Bay. What is it known for and in which ward in particular
Cape Agulhas. Elim ward is known for pungent herbaceous SB. Syrah also shows promise.
What 4 wines is Australia known for internationally
Full bodied Shiraz, lime flavored Rieslings, elegant Cabernets and ageable Semillon
What provides respite from the heat in the vineyard areas of Australia. What 2 effects can be a significant problem
Indian and Southern Oceans and the Murray River system. Adelaide Hills and Eden Valley are cooled by altitude. Drought and wildfires
What 2 areas rely on the Murray river for irrigation
Murray Darling and Riverland
Where are producers seeking cooler sites
High altitude sites on the mainland and in Tasmania
What is the principle black grape of Australia. Discuss the range of styles and where they are made
Hunter Valley ( hot ) and Barossa ( warm ) make full bodied concentrated shiraz with spicy earthy notes - leather with age. Cooler sites like Geelong and Heathcote produced leaner more peppery style
What function does Shiraz perform in blends with Cabernet
Gives softness and body in a similar way to Merlot
Describe Cabernet from Australia - how does it compare to Shiraz. What are it’s traditional sites
Darker with firmer tannins and higher acid than Shairaz, ripe black currant and black cherry with toasty oak. Coonawarra and Margaret River
True or False. In Australia Merlot tends only to be found in blends with Cabernet
true
Where are the best sites in Australia for Pinot. What is its typical profile
Cooler sites like Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Tasmania. Med body, med ABV, med to high acid cherry and strawberry
Australia’s hot climate is perfect for which grapes
Grenache, Mataro ( Mourvedre ), Petite Verdot, Sangiovese and Tempranillo
What is the most widely planted white grape in Australia. In what style is it made
Chardonnay. From Inexpensive peachy blends of regional fruit with no oak or with the addition of oak staves. To premium wines, often well balanced fresh vibrant fruit complemented by subtle use of lees, MLF and oak
Where are traditional sites for premium Chardonnay
Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley
What site is becoming known for premium SB. What is its profile
Adelaide Hills. Passion fruit and high acid
Where is known for Semillon in Australia. How is it handled in the winery. What is their flavor profile
Hunter Valley. Picked early with low sugar levels to preserve acid. Handled protectively in the winery, fermented / stored in inert vessels. Low Alcohol almost neutral in flavor when young they develop flavors of toast and honey with age ( can age 20 years or more )
How does Semillon made in Western Australia differ from Hunter Valley versions. What could it be mistaken as. Where else is it made
It is more herbaceous and could be mistaken for SB. Also made in the Barossa Valley in a fuller bodied softer style though early picked unoaked versions are no popular
Describe Australian Riesling
pronounced citrus flavors ( lime, lemon grapefruit ) when young but develop flavors of toast, honey and petrol with age. Unoaked, high acid dry or off dry
Where are the classic sites for Australian Riesling. What 2 additional sites are gaining a reptutation - how does the profile from these 2 differ
Eden and Clare Valleys. Tasmania and Frankland River in WA. These wines are more floral and less citrussy
What is the Australian GI hierarchy ( biggest to smallest )
Zones, regions subregions
Describe Zones under the Australian GI system. Do these appear on labels
Large areas with no qualifying attributes. Can be states eg S Australia or made up of several states eg SE Australia. Other than Barossa no
Describe regions under Australian Gi system
Vary in size and are smaller than zones ( eg Coonawarra, Margaret River, Clare Valley ). Must have distinct and consistent qualities from neighboring regions
Describe subregions under Australian GI system
Must have distinct or unique qualities
In which zone is the region of Eden Valley
The Barossa Zone, which is within the S Australia Zone which is within the SE Australia Zone
Which GIs are covered by the SE Australia Zone. What does this mean in terms of blending. What sort of wines are labelled in this way
S Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. A wine labelled SE Australia could be a blend from any of those states. High volume wines
Where do many of the grapes for high volume wines come from in Australia. Where might higher quality grapes to improve these blends come from
Riverland ( S Australia ), Murray Darling ( Victoria ) Riverina (NSW)
Barossa, McClaren Vale or Adelaide Hills
In addition to bulk wines what other style of wine is made in Riverina
Noble Rot wines
Which state produces the majority of Australia’s wine. Where are the vineyards concentrated. The state produces many of the countries best wines - what are they labelled as
S Australia. In the SE of the state. Labelled as S Australia
Where is Barossa and what is its climate
To the North of Adelaide. Warm and dry
What type of vines are predominant in Barossa. Which varietals
Old bush vines, Syrah, Cabernet, Grenache
Describe Barossa Shiraz
Full bodied, ripe tannins, concentrated black fruit and sweet American oak. Develops aromas of leather and spice with age
What is the most notable white made in Barossa
Semillon made in a fresh unoaked style.
Wine labelled Barossa can be made with grapes sourced from where
Barossa Valley and Eden Valley
Where is Eden Valley, What is its climate
To the East of Barossa. Cool to moderate climate varying with altitude.
What wines are famous from Eden Valley, Describe the profile. What else is grown there
High quality Riesling. Lime, Lemon and grapefruit. Develops marmalade and toast with age. Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet are also grown
Where is Clare Valley. What is the climate and what is its speciality.
In the NW of the Barossa Valley. Warm climate is tempered by cool afternoon breezes and nights are cold. Many vineyards are at 300 to 570 m. Speciality is Riesling
Describe Clare Valley Riesling. What other wines are made there
Dry high acid, lemon and lime. With age develop honey and toast. Shiraz is fragrant, powerful and structured. Excellent Cabernet is also made with long aging potential
Where is Adelaide Hills, what is its climate. What is it’s speciality
25 km east of Adelaide. Moderate climate where all the vineyards are planted above 400m. Rainfall is mainly in winter and soils have low water retention properties so irrigation is needed. Speciality is SB and Chardonnay ( high acid with flavors of peach and citrus )
Apart from SB and Chardonnay what other grapes are grown in Adelaide Hills
Pinot for still and sparkling wines
Where is McClaren Vale. What is its climate. What are its wines
On the coast south of Adelaide. Warm climate is tempered by cool afternoon sea breezes. Reds from Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet and Merlot. Intensely flavored with dark fruit and soft tannin
Where is Coonawarra
400 km SE of Adelaide. Narrow strip 1.5km wide by 15km long towards the border with Victoria.
What is the soil of Coonawarra
Terra Rossa soil over limestone subsoil
Describe the climate of Coonawarra. What moderates temperatures
Moderate Maritime. Moderated by cold currents from the Antarctic and cloud cover in summer.
What wines are made in Coonawarra
Concentrated and structured Cabernets with Cassis, Eucalyptus and Menthol aromas. Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay also made
Which state has some of the coolest sites in the country. Where is it cool enough to grow Pinot and Chardonnay
Victoria. Around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay which are cooled by ocean breezes. High altitude sites such as Upper Goulburn and those in the Macedon Ranges also produce Pinot and Chardonnay
Where in Victoria are Shiraz and Cabernet grown
Regions on the lower slopes of the great dividing range
where is the Yarra Valley. Climate & Speciality
NE of Melbourne. Cool to moderate maritime climate
Pinot is the speciality
Describe Yarra Valley Pinot
Rich in red fruit, strawberry, plums and dark cherries. Tannins are ripe and soft. Careful oak handling adds complexity
In addition to Pinot what other grapes are grown in Yarra. How do these compare to similar wines from warmer regions
Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet . Do not have the weight of wines from warmer sites
Where is Mornington Peninsula. What is its climate and what are its specialities
South of Melbourne. Cool to Moderate Maritime. Produces Pinot and Chardonnay
What can be said about vintage consistency in Mornington Peninsula
They are inconsistent due to the chance of cool wet windy weather at flowering or harvest
Describe Mornington Pinots and Chardonnays
Pinots range in style from light and delicate to more structured but all styles share very pure fruit character
Chardonnays show citrus, apple and pear with high acid. Usually softened with MLF
Where is Geelong, what is its climate and what wines is it known for
W of Melbourne has a similar climate to Mornington. Known for complex, concentrated, full bodied Chardonnay
Pinot is earthy and Shiraz is fresh and peppery
Where is Heathcote, what is its climate and what wines is it known for
In central Victoria further inland. Moderate climate due to its altitude. Shiraz with firmer structure and fresher fruit than some warmer sites. Cabernet and Chardonnay are produced as well as Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
Where is Goulburn Valley, What is its climate and what wines is it known for
East of Heathcote. Warm climate. Lakes and creeks of the Goulburn river offer some mitigation. Shiraz is planted but the speciality is Marsanne which shows citrus fruits in youth developing honeyed aromas with bottle age.
Which state has the longest tradition of wine making in Australia. What are 4 of the regions here. Where are most plantings
NSW. Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange and Cowra ( the latter 3 are cooler than Hunter ). Planted at altitude on W slopes of great dividing range
What is the climate of Hunter Valley. What can help mitigate this. What is essential to avoid the effect of one climate characteristic
Hot and humid. Cloud cover in summer can mitigate the heat. Canopy management is essential to avoid fungal disease in the damp conditions
What grapes are grown in Hunter Valley
Semillon, Chardonnay ( oaked and unoaked ). Shiraz makes wine with black berry and black cherry fruit, soft tannin, med body and earthy undertone
Where are the wine regions of WA
SW tip of the large state
Which is the only Australian region which is not part of the SE Australia super zone
WA
Where is Margaret River, what is its climate and what is it known for
200km south of Perth. Warm Maritime, higher rainfall than other Australian regions but falls mainly in the winter. Known for Cabernet / Merlot blends ranging in style from restrained and elegant to powerful and fruity
Apart from red Bordeaux blends what other wines is Margaret River known for
Chardonnay with conc stone fruit and high acid. Range of styles are made using barrel aging and MLF to add complexity.
SB is blended with Semillon producing gooseberry and tropical fruit with high acid
What area to the south of WA has opened up for wine production . What are 2 of its sub regions and what are they known for
Great Southern region. Mount Barker and Frankland River are known for deeply colored Cabernet, elegant peppery Shiraz and floral Riesling
What is the climate of Tasmania and what is it known for
Cool maritime. Originally known for base wine for sparkling it is now prime location for Riesling, Pinot, SB, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris
What is the climate of NZ and what does it enable in terms of grape ripening
Cool Maritime. N Island is a little warmer than the South. Long sunny days, nights cooled by sea breezes and long ripening period means the grapes can fully ripen with high levels of sugar, fresh fruit and high acid
Where are the vineyards of the S Island - why
On the E side where they are sheltered from rain bearing W winds by the Southern Alps
Why have NZ growers become experts in trellising and canopy management techniques
The overly fertile soil on flat land enourages overly vigorous vine growth that needs to be managed.
What is the name of the initiative that sets out standards for sustainable wine growing in NZ
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
What is NZs flagship grape - since when. What is its typical flavor profile
SB since the 1990s
Pungent aromas and flavors of elderflower and passionfruit with high acid
What is the difference between N and S island SB
South has higher acid, gooseberry and green bell pepper. N has more tropical fruit
Describe typical Chardonnay from NZ
Concentrated citrus and tropical fruit with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from new French oak
Apart from SB and Chardonnay which aromatic white grapes are also grown. What ensures these achieve aromatic ripeness
Riesling, Gewurz, Pinot Gris
Long autumn days and cool nights
What is the second most planted grape in NZ after SB. Where is it mostly planted and what is the general style
Pinot. Mostly on the S Island
vibrant red fruit, fine ripe tannin, often quite high in ABV
What is the second most planted red grape in NZ
Merlot which is blended with Cabernet mostly on the N Island
Apart from Pinot, Cabernet and Merlot what other red grape is planted. What are its wines often compared to in terms of style
Syrah produces elegant wines often compared to those of the Rhone rather than hotter sites in Australia
Where is Aukland, what is it’s climate, are there any grape growing issues stemming from it and what wines is it known for. Name a site with a growing reputation
N Island. Climate is warm and wet so disease pressure is high. Known for Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah
Waiheke Island
Where is Gisbourne, what is its climate and what wines is it known for
N Island on the east coast. Rainfall is high, warm temps and long sunny days during growing season. Most vines are Chardonnay making wines with distinct tropical fruit flavors.
Pinot Gris and Gewurz ( high quality ) are also planted
Where is Hawkes Bay, what is its climate and what wine is it known for
N Island East coast near the towns of Hastings and Napier. Warmest of the NZ sites with the longest sunshine hours. Wine styles can vary according to aspect and soil
Where in Hawkes Bay is famous for it’s Merlot / Cabernet. What else is grown there
Gimblett Gravels. Syrah
Where is Wairarapa, what is its climate and what is it known for. What is the typical profile of the wine
N Island southern tip. Most important area is Martinborough which is known for Pinot which is able to grow well in the hotter summer temps due to the large diurnal swing at night
Wines are med to full bodied with hints of ripe darl plum and spice.
Where is Marlborough, what is its climate and what is it known for
S Island northern tip. Climate similar to Martinborough and is known for SB and Pinot
Where are most of the vineyards of Marlborough
in 2 adjacent estuary valleys. Wairau and Awatere
What is unique about the Wairau Valley.
The valley is not uniform and a number of side valleys give growers a range of altitudes and aspects to work with
Compare the Awatere Valley to Wairau. What effect does this have on the SB from here
Drier, cooler and windier. SBs are higher in acid, pronounced herbaceousness and lack the tropical fruit character of Wairau
In addition to SB what other grapes are planted around Marlborough
Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Describe Pinot Noir from Marlborough
Medium body, fine tannin, flavors of cherry and cranberry
Where is Nelson, what is its climate and what is it known for
S Island to the NW of Wairau Valley. Cooler and wetter than Marlborough. Known for SB, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
Where is Canterbury, describe its 2 main centers of wine production and what is it known for.
S Island, Eastern coast between the ocean and the S Alps. One is the plain to the west of Christcurch the other is Waipara Valley to the North. Both are warmed by NW winds though the plain area is also cooled by the ocean.. SB and Pinot Noir are most planted. Waipara also known for high quality Riesling
Where is Central Otago, what is its climate and what is it known for
S Island. Inland in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Climate is continental and frost is an issue in spring and autumn. Summers warm but there is a large diurnal swing. Sunlight is intense causing high ABV.. Known for Pinot full bodied, juicy, vibrant with concentrated red fruit
Apart from Pinot what other grapes are important in Central Otago
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling
