South Africa Flashcards
At the most general level, South Africa is divided up into 6 ‘Geographical Units’.
Name them. Which one is responsible for almost all viticulture?
Northern Cape
Western Cape *
Eastern Cape
Kwazulu Natal
Free State
Limpopo
The Western Cape Geographical Unit is divided into how many regions?
Name them. Which two are the important regions for fine wine production?
5
Olifants River
Coastal Region*
Cape South Coast*
Breede River Valley
Klein Karoo
The regions of South Africa are divided up into _________, which are then divided up into smaller ____________.
districts
wards
In general, if a ward is listed on a label, what % of the fruit must come from there?
What if I blend fruit from 2 nearby wards within the same district, can I list both wards?
What if I blend grapes from 2 districts?
100%
You can only list the district on the label.
You can only list the region on the label.
What does ‘Cape Coastal’ on a label mean? When was it approved?
The one labelling exception, if you blend fruit from districts in both Cape South Coast and Coastal Region, you can use this designation instead of Western Cape. 2017
Breede River Valley region accounts for what percent of South African production?
What is most of it turned into?
35%
Brandy
What are the 3 districts of Olifants River region?
Citrusdal Valley
Citrusdal Mountain
Lutzville Valley
What are the 3 districts of Breede River Valley?
Worcester
Breedekloof
Robertson
The South African wine industry was dominated by what factors following WWII?
Apartheid led to international rebuke and sanctions, including wine trade. The industry had to turn increasingly to co-ops, the KWV came to have a near monopoly on the industry, which coupled with economic isolation, led to a floundering industry.
What changes would the end of Apartheid bring to the South African wine making industry?
First, access to better vine material, and ability to plant new areas.
More foreign investment and interest has grown the demand for quality wine.
With government reform, and time, the world is starting to realize the quality here.
Who planted the first vines in South Africa? First vintage?
The Dutch
The first crush was in 1659.
Who would plant the vineyards that would become Constantia?
Commander Simon van der Stel
What districts were developed first in South Africa, from the 1700’s into the early 1800’s?
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, the French quarter, who had arrived in the late 1600’s.
What events under British rule in the 1800’s would have a negative effect on the South African wine industry?
In 1825, Britain started moving away from preferential tarrifs, which crushed demand for South African wines. It also led to a glut of grapes.
In 1834 Britain abolished slavery, thus ending free black labor in vineyards.
When would the modern quality wine industry start to emerge in South Africa?
What 2 events would help set up success down the line?
In the 60’s and 70’s.
The Wine of Origin Scheme would arrive in 1973, in line with EU rules.
A small group of growers started rebelling against the KWV, looking at cellar hygiene, french oak, and exploring other grapes that could grow well here.
What publication started in 1980, taking a critical look at trends and vintage characteristics, as well as rating wines and identifying producers who were pushing quality over quantity. (S. Africa)
Platter’s South African Wine Guide
In 2018, what percent of South African wine was bulk production?
Since 1993, South African wine exports have soared, from what to what percent as of 2018?
over 50%
6.2% to 51%
Where does South Africa rank in plantings, and total production on the global stage?
15th in plantings
9th in production.
In what region is the Darling district?
And the Worcester district?
Coastal region
Breede River Valley region
In what region is Swellendam district?
And Wellington district?
Cape South Coast region
Coastal region
In what region is Robertson district?
And Overberg district?
Breede River Valley region
Cape South Coast region
In what region is Tulbagh district?
And Franschhoek Valley?
Coastal
Coastal
In what region is Elgin district?
And Calitzdorp?
Cape South Coast region
Klein Karoo region
In what region is Citrusdal Valley district?
And Langeberg Garcia?
Olifants River region
Klein Karoo region
In what region is Plettenberg Bay?
And Cape Agulhas?
Both are Cape South Coast.
