South Africa Flashcards
SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights
Categories of wine production?
2 main types
Inexpensive- carbonated sparkling wine
Traditional method – Cap Classique
SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights
what production is the inexpensisive wine and where is it sold?
carbonated sparking wine
primarily domestic market & exported to sub-saharan territories
Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria
SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights
describe traditional characteristics and market?
growing market for Cap Classique
Chard & PN, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage.
Acidity: Med+
ABV: Med
Flavors: ripe apple, citrus fruits, varying level of Autolytic flavors
Mid to premium price Good to very good
SOUTH AFRICA- Carbonated Sparking Wine
describe characteristics? what varitals and growth in industry?
range of varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinotage
simple, fruity wines off dry to sweet
represents 30-40% of sparking wine production
has grown as a serendipity as Cap Classique has become more popular 2014-2018
acceptable to good quality
SOUTH AFRICA- Cape Classique
Trademark
Methode Cap Classique (MCC) or Cape Classique is both a production method and the ____ of an association of growers & producers
- association was founded in 1992
- association produces 90% of bottled fermented sparking wine
SOUTH AFRICA- Cap Classique
wine laws require:
as Trad Method, 2nd ferm in same bottles that goes to market
3 bars pressure post-disgorgement
minimum 9 mts lees during 2nd ferm
updated to 12 mts min for members in 2020
SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing
Varietals used in Cap Classique?
make up 95% of the grapes in this category indclude:
Chardonnay
PN
Chenin Blanc
Pinotage
SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing
regions that grow sparking wine fruit?
Principally Darling
Tulbagh
Paarl
Stellenbosch
Robertson
SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing
higher quality has said to come from where? and describe region?
Robertson and Bonnievale (in the Breede River Valley)
-limestone significant amounts
Narrow valley
Warming slower in the morning /Mountain shading
temp drop in afternoon from ocean breeze at Cape Agulhas that runs up the Breede river
-biggest shift in diurnal shift in temps in these two regions -need these cooling influences other wise too warm
SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing
lower quality wines grown on what soil?
elsewhere, vines are grown on shale, clay, and decomposed granite
producers source fruit from number of regions
get more complexity
an availability of fruit
SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing
when is harvest?
90 days after flowering as prescribed by MCC (Methode Cap Classique)
- length of hang time achieved by adapting viticultural practices
- growers leave more growth on vine to create extra shading
slows down ripening and retains acidity
picked at potential ABV 9.5-11 with a view to the final wine being around 12% ABV
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Carbonated Sparkling wine production steps
typically made by stopping ferm early to retain RS
carbonated & release for early sale to preserve fruity character
low cost process
inexpensive wines
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Cap Classique- harvest and press?
whole bunch pick & press recommended but not required
better quality -press in fractions – then later for blending
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Cap Classique- fermentation
Acidification of must is common place
ferment fruit in old barrels for additional texture
MLF is choice of producer no general rule
Villiera does use MLF
Gram Beck avoids MLF
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Cap Classique- reserve wines
– around 10 %
used by premium houses to add depth of flavor
ensure consistency.
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Cap Classique- aging requirements
required 9 mth lees age opting for longer
MCC Association member have committed for 12 mts (some choosing 15-18) for NV and longer for Vintage & prestige cuvee wines
longer adds to cost
SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking
Cap Classique- rose
made either by blending white and red
control the tannins and color present prior to 2nd ferm
or maceration of black grape prior to 1st ferm
latter less common
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
Cap Classique Producer’s Association – proposal for Wine of Origin
1 of 2 proposal – submitted in March 2017
Requiring grapes to be certified- proving origin
12 Mts min lees age for all producers starting w/ 2020
Producers have to be members of association to help ensure same standards
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
Cap Classique Producer’s Association – two categories proposal- Standard’s category?
2of 2 proposal – not been finalized yet
Standard Category – based on existing rules
A higher category requiring wine be made from classic Champagne varieties + Chenin Blanc and Pinotage
whole bunch press
36 Mts lees age
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
Cap Classique growth?
fast growing- doubling every 5 years in recent decades
EXPORT: Graham Beck exports 50% of production
DOMESTIC: better quality carbonated wine Sauv Blanc
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
Cap Classique challenges in domestic market
attract the consumer who currently drinks Champagne to switch to domestic products
attract middle class consumers who are moving from beer to wine
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
Cap Classique- Export market highlights?
2018- 4.7million L exported
2x as much as the decade before
peeked in 2012 b/ unexpected changes of exchange rate and market fluctuations
Top market: Angola exports ¼ all volume to US and UK
SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business
How is the Cap Classique Producers’ Assoc funded?
levy according to volume production
it promotes wine through public tasting
annual tasting of base wines for producers
technical conferences every 2 years
wine promoted through promotional body Wines of South Africa
