South Africa Flashcards
What is the KWV
Briefly discuss its’ history and decline
A centralized cooperative that nearly all growers in South Africa joined to monopolize the export market, though the organization quickly became aligned with the Nation Party who formed apartheid
The organization declined in power in the 60s and 70s but still maintained influence until the 90s
Apartheid’s abolition in 94 opened the country to the world and destroyed the KWVs monopoly
What year was Apartheid abolished
1994
What two oceans meet at South Africa
Indian Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
What Antarctic current cools the coastal regions of South Africa
Benguela Current
What fierce current originates in the southeast of South Africa
The Cape Doctor
What effect does the Cape Doctor have on South African vineyards
It helps mitigate disease pressure
Can damage vines when at its’ fiercest
What is the overall climate of South Africa’s major wine growing areas
Mediterranean
What is South Africa’s major threat to viticulture
Water access
What effect does the Benguela Current have on the coastal wine regions of South Africa
It provides a cooling effect
Define Méthode Cap Classique
Champagne method sparkling wine produced in South Africa, often from the classic varietals of Champagne
What are the aging requirements for Méthode Cap Classique
Min. 12 months sur lie aging
What is the synonym for Muscat of Alexandria in South Africa
Hanespoot
What is Jerepigo
Vin de Liqueur produced in South Africa from Hanespoot (Muscat of Alexandria) fortified prior to fermentation
What is Pinotage
A crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault created in Stellenbosch to retain Pinot Noir’s elegance while adding Cinsault’s resistance to drought and more reliable yields to thrive in South Africa
What system does South Africa for geographic indication
Wine of Origin System
What are the 5 tiers of the Wine of Origin System
Geographical Unit
Region
District
Ward
Single Vineyard
If a wine is labeled by varietal, what is the minimum required percentage of the stated varietal in the wine in South Africa
85%
What are the labeling laws for blended wines in South Africa
If two or more grapes combine to make up at least 85% of the blend, they can be stated on the label in order of most percentage within the blend
What are the 6 Geographical Units of South Africa
Western Cape
Northern Cape
Eastern Cape
Limpoo
Free State
KwaZulu-Natel
What Geographical Unit in South Africa is home to most of the countries’ viticulture
Western Cape
If a wine is labeled by Ward, what is the minimum required percentage of grapes that must be sourced from the named ward in the wine in South Africa
100% must be sourced from named Ward
What are the 3 major districts of the Breede River Valley Region
Breedekloof District
Robertson District
Worcester District
What is the climate of the Breede River Valley Region
Warm continental with minor coastal influence
Where is the Breede River Valley Region located in, in relation to the Coastal Region
Separated from the Coastal Region by mountain ranges, farther east inland
What are the soils of the Breede River Valley Region
Sandstone
Schist Soils
What quality level of production is most of the wine produced in the Breede River Valley Region
Bulk wines from co-ops
What are the three major grapes of the Breedekloof District
Chenin Blanc
Colombard
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the quality Ward found in Breedekloof District
Slanghoek
What is the notable quality producer of Breedekloof District
Olifantsberg
Known for Rhône varietals
What is the coolest district in the Breede River Valley Region
Robertson District
What is the dominant varietal of the Robertson District
Chardonnay
What district in South Africa produces nearly 25% of the nations’ Chardonnay
Robertson District
What style of wine is popular in Robertson District
Sparkling wine
What are the two major red varietals of Robertson District
Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
What are the two major white grapes of Worcester District
Chenin Blanc
Colombard
What is the synonym for Chenin Blanc in South Africa
Steen
What is essential for viticulture in Worcester District
Irrigation
What styles of wine are mainly produced in Worcester District
Brandy
Fortified and sweet wines
Name 3 major districts of the Cape South Coast Region
Walker Bay
Elgin
Overberg
Cape Agulhas
Where is the Cape Agulhas District located
In the Cape South Coast Region at the southernmost tip of Africa
What region is the Robertson District located in
Breede River Valley Region
What region is the Worcester District located in
Breede River Valley Region
What region is the Breedekloof District located in
Breede River Valley Region
What region is Elgin District located in
Cape South Coast Region
What region is Walker Bay District located in
Cape South Coast Region
What region is Overberg District located in
Cape South Coast Region
What region is Swellendam District located in
Cape South Coast Region
What is the major threat to viticulture in Cape Alguhas District
Fierce ocean winds
What is the soil found in the best vineyards of Cape Alguhas District
Koffieklip (Coffee Stones)
What is the geography of Elgin District
A bowl surrounded by mountains
What is the climate of Elgin District
Cool & rainy
What are the two major white varietals of Elgin District
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
What is the climate of Overberg District
Cold, windy
What quality producer in Overberg District has their own ward
Lismore Estate
What is the ward of Lismore Estate
Greyton