South Africa

Question 1

Identify and describe three climatic influences that makes Western Cape cooler.

Answer 1

1. Cold Benguela Current - flow from the west coast of Africa cooling coastal areas
2. Cape Doctor - regular strong south-easterly summer wind = reduce the temperature
3. Altitude = influence on vineyard climate

Question 2

Wine of Origin Scheme

Answer 2

Region > Districts > Wards

Question 3

Estates wines

Answer 3

• single estate vineyards that cover a single geographical area
• process the grapes and the wine up to and including bottling by the estate

Question 4

Describe Chenin Blanc

Answer 4

1. mostly planted varieties of either colour in South Africa
2. range of sweetness and style
3. basic level easy drinking to more concentrated wine from old vine
4. oak fermentation and maturation

Question 5

High volume region in South Africa

Answer 5

Breede River Valley
1. Roberston District
2. Worcester District

Question 6

Describe Constantia Ward

Answer 6

• oldest vineyard in the Cape
• constantly cooled by Cape Town
• some vineyards planted south of Table Mountain
• historic sweet wine Vin de Constance = late-harvested Muscat

Question 7

What is Swartland District famous for?

Answer 7

• old vine Chenin Blanc

Question 8

Describe Pinotage

Answer 8

• cape blend = blended with international varieties
• fruity and lighter style = red berry flavours
• old bush vines = full-bodied, rich, spiced, berry
• oak-aged = chocolate / coffee aromas = now more subtle

Question 9

What is the district under the Coastal Region

Answer 9

1. Stellenbosch District (False Bay)
2. Paarl District
3. Swartland District (old vine Chenin blanc)
4. Darling District

Question 10

What is the ward under Cape Town District?

Answer 10

1. Durbanville Ward
2. Constantia Ward

Question 11

What is the District under Cape South Coast Region?

Answer 11

1. Walker Bay District (Hemel-en-Aarde Ward)
2. Elgin District
3. Cape Agulhas District (Elim Ward)

Question 12

What percentage of the grapes must come from a stated region of production on a South African wine label?

Answer 12

100%

Question 13

Why Worcester District is suitable for high volume and inexpensive wine

Answer 13

1. hot and dry
2. irrigation is possible
3. soils are fertile

Fyi:
- under Breede River Valley
- mainly Chenin Blanc. Colombard - volume branded wines and distillation

Question 14

Describe the wine making techniques that makes Chenin Blanc as a high quality wine

Answer 14

1. old bush vines = produce more concentrated and complex flavours with fuller texture
2. Barrel fermentation and ageing = extra toasty note and body