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Advanced Sommelier > South Africa > Flashcards

South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

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

A

Chenin Blanc

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2
Q

What is the most widely planted red grape variety in South Africa?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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3
Q

What is South Africa’s signature red grape variety?

A

Pinotage

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4
Q

What is the significance of the Wine of Origin (WO) system in South Africa?

A

A geographical classification system similar to France’s AOC, established in 1973

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5
Q

What are the four levels of the Wine of Origin (WO) classification?

A
  • Geographical Unit
  • Region
  • District
  • Ward
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6
Q

What percentage of grapes must come from a stated region under the WO system?

A

100%

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7
Q

What percentage of a stated variety or vintage must be present in South African wine labeling?

A

85%

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8
Q

What is the role of the Cape Doctor wind in South African viticulture?

A

Reduces disease pressure and cools vineyards but can also stress vines

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9
Q

What is the climate of most South African wine regions?

A

Mediterranean, with warm, sunny days and cooling maritime influences

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10
Q

What is the primary export market for South African wine?

A

The United Kingdom

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11
Q

What is the primary red grape variety of Stellenbosch?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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12
Q

What is the climate of Stellenbosch?

A

Mediterranean, with cooling influences from False Bay

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13
Q

What is a notable producer in Stellenbosch?

A

Kanonkop, known for its premium Pinotage

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14
Q

What is the typical style of Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch?

A

Rich and full-bodied, with stone fruit and honeyed notes

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15
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Paarl?

A

Shiraz

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16
Q

What is the significance of Nederburg in Paarl?

A

Hosts the prestigious Nederburg Auction and is a pioneer in premium South African wines

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17
Q

What distinguishes Chardonnay from Paarl compared to cooler regions?

A

Fuller-bodied, with riper tropical fruit notes

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18
Q

What is the role of the Berg River in Paarl viticulture?

A

Provides irrigation in this relatively warm and dry region

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19
Q

What is a notable producer in Paarl?

A

Fairview, known for its Shiraz and Rhône-style blends

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20
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Swartland?

A
  • Shiraz
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Rhône varieties
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21
Q

What is the significance of the Swartland Independent Producers (SIP)?

A

A group of winemakers focused on natural and terroir-driven wines

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22
Q

Describe Chenin Blanc from Swartland.

A

Dry-farmed, concentrated, and often mineral-driven

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23
Q

What is a notable producer in Swartland?

A

Sadie Family Wines, known for its terroir-focused wines like Columella and Palladius

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24
Q

What is the climate of Swartland?

A

Warm and dry, with limited rainfall and significant diurnal range

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25
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Walker Bay?

A
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
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26
Q

What distinguishes Chardonnay from Walker Bay compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Higher acidity and more restrained, with citrus and mineral notes

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27
Q

What is a notable producer in Walker Bay?

A

Hamilton Russell Vineyards, known for its Burgundy-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

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28
Q

What is the climate of Walker Bay?

A

Cool maritime, with strong ocean influences

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29
Q

What are the soils of Walker Bay?

A
  • Clay
  • Shale
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30
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Elgin?

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
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31
Q

What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Elgin?

A

High-acid and aromatic, with citrus, green apple, and herbaceous notes

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32
Q

What is the role of altitude in Elgin vineyards?

A

Elevations up to 500 meters create cool conditions, preserving acidity

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33
Q

What is a notable producer in Elgin?

A

Paul Cluver, known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling

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34
Q

What is the annual rainfall in Elgin?

A

Approximately 1,000 mm, higher than most South African regions

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35
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Franschhoek?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chardonnay
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36
Q

What is the historical significance of Franschhoek?

A

Settled by French Huguenots in the 17th century, introducing winemaking to the area

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37
Q

What is a notable producer in Franschhoek?

A

Rupert & Rothschild, known for Bordeaux-style blends

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38
Q

What distinguishes sparkling wines (MCC) from Franschhoek?

A

Elegant, traditional method sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

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39
Q

What is the role of the Berg River in Franschhoek viticulture?

A

Provides essential irrigation in this warm region

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40
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Durbanville?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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41
Q

What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Durbanville?

A

Herbaceous and crisp, with tropical and citrus notes

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42
Q

What is the climate of Durbanville?

A

Cool maritime, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean

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43
Q

What is a notable producer in Durbanville?

A

Durbanville Hills, known for its Sauvignon Blanc

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44
Q

What are the primary soils of Durbanville?

A

Decomposed granite, contributing to minerality in wines

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45
Q

What is Pinotage a cross of?

A

Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage)

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46
Q

What is the typical style of Pinotage in South Africa?

A

Medium- to full-bodied, with red fruit, smoke, and earthy notes

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47
Q

What is Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)?

A

South Africa’s term for traditional method sparkling wine

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48
Q

What are the primary grape varieties used for MCC?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
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49
Q

What is a notable producer of MCC?

A

Graham Beck, known for its premium sparkling wines

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50
Q

What is the significance of Constantia in South African wine history?

A

Constantia was one of the first wine regions established in South Africa, known for producing Vin de Constance, a historic sweet wine.

Vin de Constance was highly prized in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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51
Q

What is the role of decomposed granite soils in South African viticulture?

A

These soils provide good drainage and retain heat, ideal for ripening grapes like Chenin Blanc and Shiraz.

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52
Q

What is the difference between Chenin Blanc in South Africa and Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?

A

South African Chenin Blanc is often riper and fuller-bodied with tropical and stone fruit, whereas Loire Chenin Blanc is more mineral-driven with higher acidity.

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53
Q

What is the role of bush vines in South African viticulture?

A

They are often used for older vines to manage yields, maintain concentration, and protect grapes from sun exposure.

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54
Q

What is the average vineyard altitude in South Africa?

A

100–600 meters above sea level, with some vineyards reaching up to 1,000 meters.

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55
Q

What is the role of biodiversity in South African vineyards?

A

South Africa’s vineyards are integrated into the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, and many producers practice sustainable or organic farming.

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56
Q

What percentage of South Africa’s vineyards are planted with red grape varieties?

A

Approximately 44%.

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57
Q

What is the significance of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) certification?

A

Ensures sustainable farming and winemaking practices in South Africa.

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58
Q

What is the most planted grape variety in South Africa’s Cape South Coast?

A

Sauvignon Blanc.

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59
Q

What is the influence of altitude on cool-climate grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?

A

Altitude preserves acidity and aromatic complexity in these varieties.

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60
Q

What distinguishes Syrah from Stellenbosch compared to Swartland?

A

Stellenbosch Syrah is more elegant and structured, while Swartland Syrah is riper and spicier.

61
Q

What is the significance of Helderberg in Stellenbosch?

A

Known as the “Golden Triangle,” this subregion produces premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

62
Q

What is a notable biodynamic producer in Stellenbosch?

A

Reyneke, known for its natural winemaking.

63
Q

What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Stellenbosch compared to Elgin?

A

Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc is riper and tropical, while Elgin’s is more herbaceous and high-acid.

64
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

13.5–15%.

65
Q

What is the significance of the Paarl Rock granite outcrop?

A

Influences the soils of Paarl, providing excellent drainage for vines.

66
Q

What is the role of dry farming in Swartland?

A

Reduces water usage and enhances concentration in grapes like Chenin Blanc and Shiraz.

67
Q

What is a notable producer of Rhône-style blends in Swartland?

A

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.

68
Q

What is the typical style of Chardonnay from Paarl?

A

Fuller-bodied with ripe tropical fruit and toasty oak influence.

69
Q

What distinguishes Chenin Blanc from Swartland compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Swartland Chenin Blanc is often more concentrated with pronounced minerality.

70
Q

What is the primary style of Sauvignon Blanc from Durbanville?

A

Crisp and aromatic, with flavors of green pepper, lime, and tropical fruit.

71
Q

What is a notable producer in Durbanville?

A

Diemersdal, known for Sauvignon Blanc.

72
Q

What distinguishes red wines from Durbanville compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Durbanville reds tend to have softer tannins and fresher acidity due to cooler conditions.

73
Q

What is the influence of the Cape Doctor on Durbanville vineyards?

A

Reduces disease pressure and enhances ripening by cooling the vines.

74
Q

What is the role of clay soils in Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Retains moisture, preserving freshness and acidity in the grapes.

75
Q

What is the typical style of Pinot Noir from Walker Bay?

A

Elegant and light-bodied, with red cherry, cranberry, and floral notes.

76
Q

What is the primary soil type in Elgin?

A

Sandstone and shale, providing excellent drainage.

77
Q

What distinguishes Riesling from Elgin compared to Central Otago?

A

Elgin Riesling is more aromatic and floral, while Central Otago Riesling is more mineral-driven.

78
Q

What is a notable producer of Chardonnay in Walker Bay?

A

Creation Wines.

79
Q

What is the average annual rainfall in Elgin?

A

Around 1,000 mm, making irrigation less necessary.

80
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Cape Agulhas?

A

Sauvignon Blanc.

81
Q

What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Cape Agulhas compared to Durbanville?

A

Cape Agulhas Sauvignon Blanc is more herbaceous and mineral-driven due to cooler temperatures.

82
Q

What is a notable producer in Hemel-en-Aarde?

A

Bouchard Finlayson, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

83
Q

What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Hemel-en-Aarde compared to Walker Bay?

A

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir is richer and more structured.

84
Q

What is the influence of ocean breezes on Cape Agulhas vineyards?

A

Provides significant cooling, preserving acidity in white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc.

85
Q

What is the historical significance of Constantia?

A

Home to Vin de Constance, a sweet wine highly prized in the 18th and 19th centuries.

86
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Franschhoek?

A

Bordeaux-style blends and sparkling wines (MCC).

87
Q

What is a notable producer of Vin de Constance?

A

Klein Constantia.

88
Q

What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Constantia compared to Elgin?

A

Constantia Sauvignon Blanc is more tropical, while Elgin’s is higher in acidity and herbaceous.

89
Q

What is the role of granite soils in Franschhoek?

A

Contributes to minerality and structure in red and white wines.

90
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Breedekloof?

A

Chenin Blanc.

91
Q

What distinguishes Chenin Blanc from Breedekloof compared to Swartland?

A

Breedekloof Chenin Blanc is often fresher and fruitier, with less minerality.

92
Q

What is a notable producer in Breedekloof?

A

Bosman Family Vineyards.

93
Q

What is the role of irrigation in Worcester vineyards?

A

Necessary due to the warm, dry climate.

94
Q

What is the primary use of grapes from Worcester?

A

Often used for bulk wines and fortified wines.

95
Q

What is the significance of old-vine Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

A

Produces concentrated, high-quality wines with intense flavors and complexity.

96
Q

What is the role of spontaneous fermentation in South African natural wines?

A

Preserves the terroir expression and complexity of the wine.

97
Q

What is the typical oak aging period for premium Pinotage?

A

12–18 months, often in French oak.

98
Q

What is the role of carbonic maceration in Pinotage production?

A

Softens tannins and enhances red fruit flavors.

99
Q

What is a notable producer of natural wines in South Africa?

A

Testalonga, known for its minimal-intervention approach.

100
Q

What is the role of old bush vines in South African Chenin Blanc production?

A

Produce lower yields of concentrated, high-quality fruit with intense flavor.

101
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for premium South African Chenin Blanc?

A

12.5–14.5%

102
Q

What percentage of South African wine production is exported?

A

Approximately 55%

103
Q

What is the historical significance of the KWV (Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging)?

A

Established in 1918, it played a major role in regulating South Africa’s wine industry during the 20th century.

104
Q

What is the average annual rainfall in South Africa’s wine regions?

A

300–600 mm, with irrigation often necessary.

105
Q

What is the role of the Agulhas Current in South African viticulture?

A

Brings cool maritime influences to coastal vineyards, moderating temperatures.

106
Q

What is the most common pruning method in South African vineyards?

A

Guyot or bush vine pruning, depending on the grape variety and climate.

107
Q

What is the primary style of rosé wines from South Africa?

A

Typically dry, with vibrant acidity and flavors of red berries and citrus.

108
Q

What is the average diurnal range in South Africa’s cooler regions?

A

10–15°C, which helps preserve acidity and aromatics.

109
Q

What is the role of the Table Mountain sandstone soils in viticulture?

A

Provide excellent drainage and contribute to the minerality of wines.

110
Q

What distinguishes Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley Cabernet?

A

Tends to have more savory and earthy notes, with moderate alcohol and fine tannins.

111
Q

What is a notable Stellenbosch producer of Bordeaux-style blends?

A

Rust en Vrede.

112
Q

What are the three key subregions within Stellenbosch?

A
  • Helderberg
  • Simonsberg
  • Bottelary Hills
113
Q

What is the typical aging potential of Stellenbosch Bordeaux blends?

A

10–20 years, depending on vintage and producer.

114
Q

What is the significance of Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch?

A

Known for its terroir-driven Bordeaux blends and Shiraz.

115
Q

What is the climate of Paarl compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Paarl is warmer and drier, producing riper, fuller-bodied wines.

116
Q

What distinguishes Shiraz from Paarl compared to Swartland?

A

Paarl Shiraz is fruitier and rounder, while Swartland Shiraz is spicier and more structured.

117
Q

What is a notable producer of Rhône blends in Paarl?

A

Spice Route Wines.

118
Q

What is the role of granite soils in Paarl’s red wines?

A

Provide structure and minerality to the wines.

119
Q

What is the typical style of Chardonnay from Paarl?

A

Rich, full-bodied with tropical fruit and toasty oak influence.

120
Q

What distinguishes Swartland from other Coastal Region districts?

A

Focus on natural, low-intervention wines and Rhône-style blends.

121
Q

What is the significance of Eben Sadie in Swartland?

A

A pioneer of terroir-driven, natural wines, particularly through his Sadie Family Wines.

122
Q

What is the average vine age in Swartland’s premium vineyards?

A

Many vineyards are 40–60 years old, especially for Chenin Blanc and Cinsault.

123
Q

What is the role of minimal irrigation in Swartland viticulture?

A

Enhances concentration and reflects the region’s dry conditions.

124
Q

What is a notable Swartland producer of Chenin Blanc?

A

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines.

125
Q

What is the role of limestone soils in Walker Bay?

A

Enhances minerality and acidity, especially in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

126
Q

What is the primary style of Sauvignon Blanc from Walker Bay?

A

Elegant and mineral-driven, with citrus and green apple notes.

127
Q

What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley compared to Burgundy?

A

Riper with softer tannins and higher fruit intensity.

128
Q

What is a notable producer of sparkling wine in Walker Bay?

A

Domaine des Dieux.

129
Q

What is the significance of the Bot River subregion in Walker Bay?

A

Known for full-bodied Syrah and Chenin Blanc.

130
Q

What is the primary influence on Elgin’s cool climate?

A

Altitude and proximity to the ocean.

131
Q

What distinguishes Chardonnay from Elgin compared to Walker Bay?

A

Crisper and more citrus-driven, with less oak influence.

132
Q

What is the role of shale soils in Elgin’s Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Contributes to the aromatic complexity and minerality of the wines.

133
Q

What is a notable producer of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc in Cape Agulhas?

A

Strandveld Vineyards.

134
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Sauvignon Blanc from Cape Agulhas?

A

12.5–13.5%

135
Q

What is Franschhoek’s primary focus for sparkling wines?

A

Traditional method (MCC) sparkling wines, often made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

136
Q

What distinguishes Cabernet Franc from Franschhoek compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Often more floral and less tannic.

137
Q

What is a notable producer of MCC in Franschhoek?

A

Haute Cabrière.

138
Q

What is the significance of Boschendal in Franschhoek?

A

A historic estate producing a wide range of premium wines.

139
Q

What is the role of sandstone soils in Franschhoek vineyards?

A

Retains water, supporting vine health in the warm climate.

140
Q

What is the primary grape variety of Robertson?

A

Chardonnay.

141
Q

What distinguishes Robertson Chardonnay from Elgin Chardonnay?

A

Richer and often oak-influenced, while Elgin Chardonnay is more citrus-driven.

142
Q

What is a notable producer in Robertson?

A

De Wetshof Estate, renowned for its Chardonnay.

143
Q

What is the role of limestone soils in Robertson?

A

Enhances minerality and acidity in white wines.

144
Q

What distinguishes Chenin Blanc from Breedekloof compared to Stellenbosch?

A

Fresher and more fruit-forward.

145
Q

What is the typical aging potential of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)?

A

5–10 years for premium examples.

146
Q

What is the significance of ‘wild ferment’ wines in South Africa?

A

Wines fermented with native yeasts to enhance complexity and reflect terroir.

147
Q

What is the role of Cinsault in South African blends?

A

Adds freshness, red fruit, and softness to blends, especially with Shiraz and Pinotage.

148
Q

What is the typical style of fortified Muscadel from South Africa?

A

Sweet, high-alcohol dessert wine with floral and raisin flavors.

149
Q

What is the role of amphorae and concrete eggs in modern South African winemaking?

A

Enhances purity of fruit and preserves minerality in both whites and reds.

Advanced Sommelier (24 decks)

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