South Africa

Question 1

Where’s South Africa?

Answer 1

Western Cape is the heart of South African viticulture.

Question 2

Climate category of South Africa?

Answer 2

Maritime climate on the coast.
Mediterranean to hot moving inland.
Cooling effect of Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Question 3

Physical features of South Africa?

Answer 3

Indian Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Table Mountain

Question 4

Grape growing info?

Answer 4

Strong winds that blow onto shore to the vineyards help mitigate pest issues.

Cold Atlantic currents from Antarctica cool parts of the coast line.

Cape Doctor Wind: Strong, dry, south-easterly wind that blows onto shore and the vineyards from spring to summer. Helps mitigate pest issues.

Benguela Current: A frigid current in the Atlantic Ocean from Antarctica that cools portions of the South African coast.

Old Vines Project: Objective is to preserve old vines and promote sustainable viticultural practices to create more old vines.

Question 5

White grape variety names?

Answer 5

Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Question 6

Winemaking info?

Answer 6

History of distillation and brandy production, plus sweet, oxidative, fortified wines.

Cap Classique: a traditional method sparkling wine from South Africa.

Question 7

Red grape variety names?

Answer 7

Syrah/Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Pinotage.

Pinotage is a crossing of Cinsault x Pinot Noir

Question 7

Appellations?

Answer 7

Western Cape
Coastal Region: Swartland, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Constantia

Cape South Coast Region: Elgin, Walker Bay

Western Cape
Klein Karoo Region: Sweet fortified wines and brandy)
Coastal Region: Franschhoek Valley
Cape South Region: Cape Agulhas, Overberg

Question 7

Wine laws?

Answer 7

Wine of Origin System: If from a single appellation, must be 100% from the appellation. Rigorous process for certification.

From Largest Area to Smallest: Geographical Unit
Region
District
Ward

Question 8

What’s KWV?

Answer 8

KWV: Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Suid-Afrika. The Co-operative Winemakers Union of South Africa is important for creating laws and regulation.

Question 9

Producer/proprietary brands?

Answer 9

Graham Beck, Mulderbosch, Hamilton Russell, Klein Constantia, A. A. Badenhorst, Eben Sadie

Question 10

History of South Africa as it relates to winemaking?

Answer 10

1600s Dutch settlement, Simon van der StelPhylloxera & Anglo-Boer WarKWV (mentioned above)Apartheid and its effect on the export market.Move from oxidative and fortified wine production to world class wines.

Question 11

Food and beverage pairings?

Answer 11

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.