South Africa

Question 1

State and explain four climatic influences of the western Cape in South Africa that make grape production possible:

Answer 1

1. Vineyards located between 27• and 35• South ensure sunlight and warmth
2. It is moderated first by the Benguela current from the Southern Ocean brings cool air up from the Antarctic to balance the heat/warmth

3.Second by the Cape Doctor, south-esterly wind often adds to this current cooling areas in land by a few degrees thus balancing the heat/warmth

4. Expansive mountain ranges across the Western Cape are a source of cooler mountain air, in addition to creating cooler higher-altitude sites and creating shadowed areas creating cooler temperatures in those sites

Question 2

By what other name does Chenin Blanc often go by South Africa?

Answer 2

Steen

Question 3

What is the most widely planted black grape in South Africa?

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 4

Which air current front Antarctica helps to regulate the cooler temperatures of the Cape?

Answer 4

Benguela

Question 5

Which regions lies on the eastern flanks of Table Mountain?

Answer 5

Constantia

Question 6

In the 18th and 19th century, dessert wines of Costantia were widely popular in Europe. Which grape was used in the production?

Answer 6

Muscat

Question 7

According to historians, when were grapes pressed for the first time to make wine in SA?

Answer 7

1652

Question 8

Pinotage is a crossing of which two grapes?

Answer 8

Pinot Noir and Cinsault

Question 9

Pinotage blended with other international varieties, is often referred to as what?

Answer 9

Cape Blend

Question 10

The famous districts of Stellenbosch and Paarl, belong to which Region?

Answer 10

Coastal Region

Question 11

Name Two areas in South Africa that arr well-know for quality Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 11

Costantia
Durbanville

Elgin
Elim
Walker Bay

Question 12

What climatic condition makes these areas well-suited to Sauvigon Blanc production?

Answer 12

They are coastal areas that experience cooling sea breezes such as the Benguela current or the Cape Doctor.

Question 13

What factors in the vineyard (in Swartland) account for this wine being premium?

Answer 13

The Swartland is an area well-known for old vine Chenin Blanc, which is often dry-farmed (without irrigation) which lowers yields and enhances the concentration of the wine.