South Africa

Question 1

Describe the climate of South Africa.

Answer 1

Hot climate moderated by the Cape Doctor winds and Benguela Current. Many altitudes, aspects and soils.

Question 2

What is the South African GI system called?

Answer 2

Wine of Origin Scheme (WO)

Geographical Unit => Region => District => Ward

Single estates are also recognized; grapes must be grown and vinified on a single contiguous piece of land.

Question 3

What are the primary grapes of South Africa?

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage (Pinot Noir X Cinsault), Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Hanepoot.

Question 4

Where is most wine in South Africa made?

Answer 4

90% comes from the Western Cape, a geographical unit. (Most of the rest is inexpensive and comes from Orange River in the Northern Cape.)

Question 5

What is Stellenbosch know for?

Answer 5

Premium wines due to a variety of climates, aspects and soils; moderated by False Bay; Bordeaux and Cape blends.

Also Paarl, slightly hotter to the North.

Question 6

What is the Constantia ward known for?

Answer 6

Premium Sauvignon Blanc thanks to cooling influence of Cape Doctor; also Vin de Constance, a late-harvest Muscat.

Question 7

What is Swartland known for?

Answer 7

Old vine Chenin and Shiraz; also premium Cape blends and Sauvignon Blanc in the Darling district.

Question 8

Where is Durbanville ward and what is it known for?

Answer 8

Tygerberg District, Sauvignon Blanc

Question 9

Where are a lot of high volume brands produced?

Answer 9

Worcester and Robertson districts in the Breede River Valley region.

Question 10

What districts and ward in the Cape South Coast region are known for premium Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Answer 10

Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde for Chardonnay (also Pinot Noir).

Elgin and Elim for Sauvignon Blanc