SOUTH AFRICA Flashcards
What is the climate like in South Africa?
Warm to hot, Mediterranean
What are climatic influences in South Africa that assist with the growing conditions?
The Benguela current flows from the southern ocean, cooling coastal vineyards. Altitude also has an influence on vineyards.
What is the Cape Doctor?
The cape doctor is a cool ocean breeze that flows inland and cools vineyards.
What is a vineyard practice used in South Africa?
Planting on South facing slopes assists with cooler temperatures and the ripening process.
What does W.O stand for? Where is it used?
Wine of Origin, a labelling system in South Africa.
In South Africa, what are the geographic areas split into?
Regions, Districts, Wards
What is largest to smallest? Ward, Region, District?
Region, District, Ward
What are the 3 important regions in South Africa called?
Coastal region, Cape South Coast, Breede River Valley
What are examples of districts in South Africa?
Stellenbosch, Swartland, Elgin, Walker Bay
What are wards? What are the most important?
Wards are the smallest, most prestigious classification areas. Constantia, Hemel-en-Arde, Durbanville, Elim
What is an example of a GI in South Africa?
Western Cape
What is an estate wine in South Africa?
wine must come from a single estate area, wine must be processed and bottled on land. Same as Chateau and Domaine
What is the organic certification called in South Africa? How is it achieved?
Integrated Production of Wine (IPW). A voluntary certification!
What is a cape blend?
An IGT labelling term produces high volumes of wine containing pinotage and international varieties.
What are the 4 main white grapes of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc (most widely planted), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexandria
How is a premium quality Chenin Blanc produced in South Africa?
Introduction to oak
How is premium quality Chardonnay produced in South Africa?
Stirring of lees and barrel fermentation
What is the local term for Muscat in South Africa? What is it called if it’s a sweet wine from Constantia?
Hanepoot, a late harvest wine called Vin de Constance.
What is the most widely planted black variety in South Africa? What is it blended with?
Cabernet Sauvignon - often blended with Bordeaux varieties
Where are “Bordeaux Blends” popularly grown in South Africa?
Stellenbosch
What % of wine comes from “Western Cape”?
90%
What is the climate like in the Paarl district?
Warmer due to inland. Grows a variety of black grapes + white grapes.
What grapes is Swartland recognized for?
Old-vine Chenin Blanc and High quality Syrah
What farming practice is used in Swartland?
Dry-farming (without irrigation)
What is grown in Constantia? What moderating affects assist the climate?
Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Constance. Cape doctor assists in moderating the vineyards.
