South Africa Flashcards
Top 8 varieties grown in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Chardonnay, Merlot.
Black varieties account for what percentage of plantings?
45%
When was Pinotage created?
1925
What is Pinotage a crossing of?
Pinot noir and Cinsault (Hermitage)
What is the climate of the Western Cape?
Warm Mediterranean
How is the climate of the Western Cape growing regions influenced?
Mountain ranges, slope and aspect.
How are most growing areas in South Africa cooled?
Proximity to the ocean, this allows cooler varieties such as Pinot Noir to be grown.
What is the name of the north flowing cool current?
Benguela Current
What are the positives of the Benguela Current?
Tempers viticultural regions and brings coastal fog and cooling breezes.
What is the name of the spring/summer south-easterly wind?
The Cape Doctor
Positives and negatives of the Cape Doctor?
Keeps fungal diseases at bay by circulating air through vines.
Can severely damage leaves and affect flowering and fruit set.
Is drip irrigation used?
In some drier areas drip irrigation is permitted however due to water pressure some areas e.g. Swartland are dry farmed.
Three principal soils in the Western Cape?
Sandstone- Low nutrient, poor water retention.
Granite- Water retaining, ideal for dry farming.
Shale- Nutrient rich, water retaining.
What is the vine density like in South Africa?
Low with larger vines carrying more fruit
Which viral diseases are prevalent and what measures are being taken?
Fanleaf and Leafroll
Contained and eliminated through planting virus-free vines
Do yields vary in South Africa?
Yes, chenin blanc yield is four times higher in Olifants River than Swartland.
How do expensive Chenin Blanc producers add complexity to wines?
3-9 months of lees ageing for tank fermented wines.
Oak age of 10-12 months.
Batonnage sometimes.
Characteristics of Chenin Blanc wines in South Africa?
Medium to pronounced intensity
Ripe yellow apple, peach and tropical fruit characteristics
High acidity
Medium body
Sometimes vanilla and toast from oak.
Premium wines made from Pinotage tend to be?
Fuller bodied and more tannic
How does Pinotage winemaking maximise colour extraction?
Cold soaking before crushing
Left on skins for 3-5 days post fermentation
How are premium Pinotage wines aged?
12-15 months in French oak barriques (old + new). Released two years after vintage.
How are inexpensive Pinotage wines aged?
Aged in stainless steel or used oak barrels with alternatives (chips/staves). Released 6-12 months after vintage.
Alongside varietal wines there are three main blends in South Africa, name them.
Cape Blend- Chenin dominated with some Rhone varieties.
Red Bordeaux
Red Cape Blend- Significant proportion of Pinotage/Rhone varieties.
What are the four stages of wine classification with an example?
Geographical Unit e.g. Western Cape.
Region- Large areas named after a feature e.g. Coastal Region.
District e.g. Stellenbosch or Walker Bay
Ward- Defined area within a district e.g. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
How are wards defined within a district?
Common soils, climate and ecological factors.
Estate wines must be?
Grown, made and bottled on the estate.
How does the Wine of Origin scheme ensure labelling is true?
100% of grapes MUST come from a stated region.
85% of wine MUST come from a stated vintage.
85% of wine MUST come from stated variety.
How is the Wine of Origin scheme certified?
With a certification seal containing an ID number on the packaging.
What is the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme 1998 (IPW)?
A set of guidelines for sustainable farming covering environmental impact, water usage, health + safety and biodynamic protection.
What percentage of South African growers are part of the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme 1998?
95%
What scheme focuses on ethical trade and fair treatment of workers?
Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA)
What are the two wards within the Cape Town district?
Constantia
Durbanville
Describe the climate, soil, grapes and wine styles of Constantia?
East-facing slopes with cooling sea breezes.
Low-vigour granite soils.
White= Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Red= Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
Famous for producing Vin de Constance. A SA dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains (muscadel).
Describe the climate, soil, grapes and wine styles of Durbanville?
100-300m altitude with cooling breezes from False Bay.
Shale soils.
Dominated by Sauvignon Blanc planted on cooler sites for greener flavour characteristics.
