South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights

Categories of wine production?

A

2 main types

Inexpensive- carbonated sparkling wine

Traditional method – Cap Classique

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2
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights

what production is the inexpensisive wine and where is it sold?

A

carbonated sparking wine

primarily domestic market & exported to sub-saharan territories

Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria

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3
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Highlights

describe traditional characteristics and market?

A

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

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4
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Carbonated Sparking Wine

describe characteristics? what varitals and growth in industry?

A

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

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5
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Cape Classique

Trademark

A

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
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6
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Cap Classique

wine laws require:

A

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

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7
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing

Varietals used in Cap Classique?

A

make up 95% of the grapes in this category indclude:

Chardonnay

PN

Chenin Blanc

Pinotage

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8
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing

regions that grow sparking wine fruit?

A

Principally Darling

Tulbagh

Paarl

Stellenbosch

Robertson

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9
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing

higher quality has said to come from where? and describe region?

A

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

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10
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing

lower quality wines grown on what soil?

A

elsewhere, vines are grown on shale, clay, and decomposed granite

producers source fruit from number of regions

get more complexity

an availability of fruit

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11
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Growing Env & Grape Growing

when is harvest?

A

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

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12
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Carbonated Sparkling wine production steps

A

typically made by stopping ferm early to retain RS

carbonated & release for early sale to preserve fruity character

low cost process

inexpensive wines

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13
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Cap Classique- harvest and press?

A

whole bunch pick & press recommended but not required

better quality -press in fractions – then later for blending

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14
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Cap Classique- fermentation

A

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

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15
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Cap Classique- reserve wines

A

around 10 %

used by premium houses to add depth of flavor

ensure consistency.

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16
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Cap Classique- aging requirements

A

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

17
Q

SOUTH AFRICA- Winemaking

Cap Classique- rose

A

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

18
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

Cap Classique Producer’s Association – proposal for Wine of Origin

A

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

19
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

Cap Classique Producer’s Association – two categories proposal- Standard’s category?

A

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

20
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

Cap Classique growth?

A

fast growing- doubling every 5 years in recent decades

EXPORT: Graham Beck exports 50% of production

DOMESTIC: better quality carbonated wine Sauv Blanc

21
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

Cap Classique challenges in domestic market

A

attract the consumer who currently drinks Champagne to switch to domestic products

attract middle class consumers who are moving from beer to wine

22
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

Cap Classique- Export market highlights?

A

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

23
Q

SOUTH AFRICA – Wine Law and Business

How is the Cap Classique Producers’ Assoc funded?

A

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