South Africa Flashcards
South Africa
Location: S of S Africa on Atlantic and Indian Oceans
City: Cape Town
History: 1652: Dutch East India Co. trading post, 1685: Simon Van der Stel planted French Muscat at Constantia (sweet wine), downers: Phylloxera, Anglo-Boer War, KWV min price, Apartheid
Climate: Maritime climate on coast, Mediterranean to hot moving inland
Moderators: Atlantic and Indian Oceans , Benguela Current
Growing season: Sept to Feb
Soil: Ancient granite and diverse
Viticulture: Lots of vine disease, Cape Doctor wind
Vinification: History of distillation & brandy, Sweet, oxidative, fortified wines, Sparkling wine
Style: Bold red wines and aromatic whites
Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/ Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Pinotage (Pinot Noir x Cinsault)
S Africa Wine Law
Wine of Origin System, introduced in 1973
Variety: Min 85%
Vintage: Min 85%
Appellation: 100%
Geographical units, regions, districts, wards, estates (207)
Cape Town
Climate: Hot & dry
Moderator: Cooling influence of water, elevation
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Bordeaux-style blends
Areas of Note: Constantia, Durbanville
Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek
Location: S Africa, Coastal Region inland
Climate: Hot
Moderator: High elevation sites, False Bay
Grapes: Bordeaux-style blends, Pinotage
Style: Big, ripe, rich styles
Swartland
Location: S Africa, Coastal Region
Climate: Hot and dry, big area on Atlantic coast
Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Grenache, Old Vines/lost varieties/lost vineyards
Style: Ripe, rich, round styles
Elgin, Walker Bay, Cape Aghaulas
Location: S Africa, Cape South Coast
Climate: Cooler climate
Moderator: Elevation, Indian & Atlantic Oceans
Grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
Style: Fresh, bright, crisp, lighter, Sparkling (Elgin)
