South Africa Flashcards
Location South Africa
Western Cape is the heart of South African viticulture
When were the first Vines planted in South Africa
1655 in Cape Town
Climate Categories
Maritime climate on the coast
Mediterranean to hot moving inland
Cooling effect of Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Who was the original owner of the Constantia Estate
Governor Simon van der Stel
The Cape Doctor
This notorious strong southeasterly wind blows across the Western Cape throughout the spring and summer, inhibiting fungal diseases and moderating temperature but also ferociously bartering the Vines
Food and Beverage Pairing
Wines range from sparkling to light and crisp to rich and intense.
These are great recommendations for
those looking for a world class wine from an undervalued area.
What is the name of the South African Appellation system
WO - Wine of Origin System
When was the Wine of Origin system founded
1973
Wine of Origin System largest to smallest
Geographical Unit
Region
District
Ward
Wine of Origin System rules
If from a single appellation, must be 100% from the appellation. Rigorous process for certification.
Physical Features of South Africa
Indian Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Table Mountain
What is and where is Benguela Current (just name country it’s related to)
A frigid current in the Atlantic Ocean from Antarctica that cools portions of the South African coast
Old Vines Project and what country
Objective is to preserve old vines and promote sustainable viticultural practices to create more old vines
South Africa
Grape Growing in South Africa
(-) Strong winds that blow onto shore to the vineyards help mitigate pest issues.
(-) Cold Atlantic currents from Antarctica cool parts of the coast line
- it has to be less than 6 hectares
Cap Classique
A traditional method sparkling wine from South Africa
Winemaking in South Africa
History of distillation and brandy production, plus sweet, oxidative, fortified wines.
South Africa regions
Coastal Region
Cape South Coast Region
Klein Karoo
In which geographic region is most of the wine in South Africa made
Western Cape
Cape South Coast Region
Elgin
Walker Bay
Overberg
Cape Agulhas
What wines are in Klein Karoo Region
Sweet fortified wines and brandy
What is the Benguela Current
The current that flows north from Antarctica to cool the south western coastal areas of Africa
Coastal Region subregions
Paarl
Cape Town
Constantia
Swartland
Stellenbosch
Franschhoek Valley
White grapes in South Africa
⚪️ Chenin Blanc
⚪️ Chardonnay
⚪️ Sauvignon Blanc
What grape is known as Steen and is the dominate grape grown in South Africa
Chenin Blanc ⚪️
- makes up 20% of the nations vineyards
The dominate red grape of South Africa is
Pinotage 🔴
Cabernet Sauvignon 🔴
Pinotage is a cross of what two grapes
Cinsault x Pinot Noir
Most grown red grape in South Africa
Cabernet Sauvignon 🔴
Red grapes in South Africa
🔴 Syrah/Shiraz
🔴 Pinot Noir
🔴 Pinotage
What classic grapes are used to make Cap Classique
Chardonnay ⚪️
Pinot Noir 🔴
What is the most planted varietal in South Africa
Chenin Blanc
Where is Constantia
Coastal Region
Where is Stellenbosch
Coastal Region
True or False
The Southern Cape is not a geographical area of wine production in South Africa
True
What is Steen
Chenin Blanc
Has South African been hit with Phylloxera
Yes - later half of the 19th century
Phylloxera & Anglo-Boer War
Phylloxera Crisis - Late 19th Century the phylloxera epidemic devastated South African vineyards, drastically reducing grape production and forcing the industry to replant with phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, delaying recovery
Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902): The war disrupted the wine industry through labor shortages, damage to infrastructure, and reduced domestic and export demand, slowing industry growth.
Post-War Reconstruction: Recovery from the war and phylloxera was slow but prompted modernization in viticulture practices and a shift toward quality over quantity in South African wine production.
Impact on Global Positioning: Both events weakened South Africa’s wine export market, with competitors gaining ground during the recovery period
Apartheid and its effect on the export market
International Sanctions: During apartheid (1948–1994), global sanctions and boycotts severely restricted South African wine exports, isolating the industry from key international markets.
Limited Market Access: Export opportunities were confined to a few supportive countries, reducing market diversity and limiting exposure to global competition and innovation.
Stagnation in Quality: Isolation from international trade stunted the growth of premium wine production, as producers lacked incentives to meet global standards
Move from oxidative and fortified wine production to world class wines
Transitioned post-apartheid by modernizing winemaking techniques, focusing on terroir, refining varietals like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, and earning global recognition for quality and innovation.
