South Africa Flashcards
Climate of South Africa Western Cape
Warm Mediterranean influenced by mountains and proximity to ocean
Main cooling influence in Western Cape
Benguela current - coastal fog and cooling breeze
What is the cape doctor?
South easterly wind during spring and summer that extends the impact of Benguela current
Inhibits disease and brings rain to south coast
Can damage leaves, affect flowering and fruit set
Breedekloof ward hazard
Spring frost
South Africa top varietals
Chenin Blanc
Colombard
Cab Sauv
Sauv B
Shiraz
Pinotage
Chard
Merlot
Pinotage
PN x Cinsault
Early budding
Moderately susceptible to fungus
High sugar levels
Small berries
Soil types in Western Cape
Table Mountain sandstone- need irrigation and fertilizer
Granite- foothills good water retention for dry farming
Shale- good nutrients and water retention for dry farming
White Cape Blends
Chenin dominated with Rhone varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon, or SB
Red Cape blends
Pinotage and/or black Rhone varieties
Main blends in South Africa
White Cape Blends
Red Bordeaux Blends (some white)
Red Cape Blends
Wine of Origin production areas
Geographical unit- very large area - Western Cape
Region- large area named after major feature- Coastal Region
District- stellenbosch or Walker Bay
Ward- defined area within district - Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Wards are identified based on
Common soils, climate, and ecological factors
Wine of Origin certifies
Claims made on packaging are true
Wine is of good quality as certified by a wine and spirits board
Coastal Region
46% of vineyards
Many important Wards and Districts
Constatia Ward
Vin de Constance - dried Muscat desert wine from Klein Constatia
East facing slopes of Constatiaberg
False Bay for cooling breeze
Granite and sandstone for drainage and low vigor
High rainfall
SB, Chard, Cab, Shiraz
Durbanville Ward
Shale soils of Tygerberg hills
Drier due to Tygerberg
High water holding soils - dry farm
Sauv Blanc- greener flavor desired
Stellenbosch District
Known for quality especially cab
Cool mtn slopes, varied soils, breezes off False Bay moderate summer
Cab, Merlot, Pinotage, SB, Chenin, Chard
Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Ward
Lower slopes of western Simonsberg
Warmer but open to ocean for diurnal on flat land
Cab, blends, Pinotage
Paarl District
Beth River for irrigation
Riper more full bodied than Stellenbosch
Chenin, Cab, Shiraz, Pinotage
Simonsberg-Paarl District
Higher elevation
Diurnal- longer growth season
Chard/Shiraz
Franschoek Valley District
Protected by mtn on 3 sides
Planting at higher altitude
High rainfall but irrigation needed due to fast draining soil
SB, Cab, Shiraz
Old vine Semillon
Darling District
Varying aspects due to range of hills by hat run parallel to cold west coast
SB, Cab, Mer, Shiraz
Granite soil- high water holding for dry farming
Swartland District
Warm/dry
Low fertility soils
Older co-ops and new talented winemakers and grape growers re-inventing styles
Cab, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin, SB, Chard
Tulbagh District
Part of coastal region but has no coastal influence
Warm, dry, sheltered valley
Altitude for cooling
Shade from mtns
Soil that can hold water + rain collection from upper mtns
Chenin, Shiraz, Colombard - bulk production
