South Africa Flashcards
When was Cape Town founded and by whom?
Cape Town was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company.
What was the first wine produced in the Cape Colony criticized for?
The first wines were criticized for their ‘revolting sourness.’
Who were the French Huguenots and what did they contribute to South African winemaking?
The French Huguenots were settlers who brought new winemaking knowledge to South Africa in the late 1680s and early 1690s.
What is Vin de Constance?
Vin de Constance is a sweet wine introduced by Governor Simon van der Stel at the Constantia estate.
What major challenges faced the South African wine industry in the late 19th century?
The industry faced powdery mildew, phylloxera, and competition from French wines after the abolition of preferential tariffs in 1861.
What is the KWV and what role did it play in the South African wine industry?
The KWV is a cooperative of wine producers and growers that fixed minimum prices and established production limits.
What significant change occurred in the South African wine industry after the end of apartheid in 1994?
The end of apartheid spurred a renewal in the industry and opened export markets.
What is the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT) and when was it established?
SAWIT was established in 1999 to speed transformation of the South African wine industry.
What does the Wine of Origin (WO) system ensure?
The WO system ensures that wines meet specific organoleptic qualities and contain a minimum percentage of the stated grape.
List the four types of production areas defined by the Wine of Origin system.
- Geographical unit
- Region
- District
- Ward
What is the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW)?
The IPW is a voluntary certification for WO producers to comply with sustainable environmental standards.
Which grape variety is the most planted white grape in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc, known locally as Steen.
What is Pinotage and why is it significant?
Pinotage is a crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir and is referred to as South Africa’s signature red grape.
What are the two most planted varieties in the Stellenbosch district?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Blanc
What is the climate like in the Western Cape region of South Africa?
The climate is Mediterranean with warm, sunny growing seasons.
What type of wines is produced in the Klein Karoo region?
Fortified and sweet wines.
What is the significance of Groot Constantia in South African wine history?
Groot Constantia was sold to Hendrik Cloete in 1778 and brought international acclaim to South African wines.
Fill in the blank: The Cape Doctor is a strong _______ wind that influences the climate in the Western Cape.
[southeasterly]
True or False: The majority of South African wine production occurs in the Northern Cape.
False
What are the main grapes grown in the Olifants River Region?
- Colombard
- Chenin Blanc
What is the significance of the Nederburg Wine Auction?
It is the oldest annual wine auction outside of Europe, showcasing rare Cape wines.
What is the role of the South African Wine and Spirit Board?
It oversees the certification processes for quality wines under the WO system.
What two districts are included in the Olifants River Region?
Citrusdal Mountain and Citrusdal Valley
The region is located to the north of Swartland.
What grape varieties are chiefly purposed for bulk wines in the Olifants River Region?
Colombard and Chenin Blanc
These varieties are significant in the region’s winemaking.
What is the name of South Africa’s largest co-operative winery located in the Olifants River Region?
Namaqua
This winery plays a crucial role in the local wine industry.
Which ward is well known for Grenache in the Olifants River Region?
Piekenierskloof
This ward is one of the most famous sites in the region.
What is notable about the single vineyard of Skurfburg in the Olifants River Region?
It is famous for old vine Chenin Blanc
Old vine Chenin Blanc is highly regarded in South Africa.
Where are South Africa’s highest elevation vineyards located?
Cederberg
Cederberg is an unincorporated ward located to the east of the Olifants River Region.
How many districts comprise the Cape South Coast Region?
Seven
This region includes various districts along the southwestern Atlantic Coast.
Which four districts line the southwestern Atlantic Coast of South Africa in the Cape South Coast Region?
Overberg, Elgin, Walker Bay, and Cape Agulhas
These districts are key to the region’s winemaking.
What is the geographical relationship of Plettenberg Bay to the other districts?
It lies over 250 miles to the east
Plettenberg Bay is along the southern coast of Africa.
What wards is Overberg divided into?
Klein River, Theewater, Elandskloof, and Greyton
These wards represent the diversity within the Overberg district.
What grape varieties are showing good results in the cooler maritime climate of Elgin and Overberg?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling
The climate contributes to the quality of these varieties.
What coastal town is surrounded by the Walker Bay district?
Hermanus
Walker Bay is known for its whale-watching opportunities.
Which grape varieties are successful in the Walker Bay district?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage
Walker Bay is recognized for consistently high-quality examples of these wines.
What winery is considered a pioneer in the Walker Bay district?
Hamilton Russell Winery
This winery was an early proponent of Burgundy grapes and Pinotage.
What are the top areas of production in the Walker Bay district?
Bot River and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
These areas are key for wine production in Walker Bay.
What is significant about Cape Agulhas in the Cape South Coast Region?
It sits on the southernmost point of the continent
This geographical feature influences the region’s climate.
In which ward are the vineyards concentrated in Cape Agulhas?
Elim
This ward benefits from the district’s cool climate.
What grape varieties are provoking excitement in the Cape Agulhas district?
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Shiraz
The cool climate contributes to the quality of these varieties.
