South Africa Flashcards
What is the oldest winegrowing country in the New World?
South Africa is the oldest, with 17th-century wine history at the Cape. Hard to call “New World” given its long heritage.
Why was Constantia historically famous in Europe?
Sweet wines from Groot Constantia were sought after by European nobility in the 18th/19th centuries, rivaling top sweet wines of the world.
Which organization historically controlled South African wine production and prices?
The KWV (Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging) from 1918, eventually stifling innovation until post-Apartheid reforms.
Name the system that replaced KWV’s stranglehold, focusing on empowerment and quality.
SAWIT (South African Wine Industry Trust) established in 1999, plus the IPW scheme for ethical and environmental standards.
What is the main regulatory system for origin labeling in South Africa?
The WO (Wine of Origin) system, introduced in 1973, controlling areas, cultivars, blending rules, etc.
What is the minimum variety, vintage, or area content for a WO wine label?
85% for the stated variety, vintage, or GI. If labeled with an area, 100% of the grapes must come from that place.
Explain “estate bottled” under the WO system.
All grapes from a single contiguous vineyard area, vinified and bottled on the estate property.
What is a “Cape Blend”?
A red blend requiring 30-70% Pinotage; the rest can be any red varieties (often Bordeaux grapes). Official but loosely defined category.
Name the main “traditional method” sparkling term in South Africa.
Cap Classique (or MCC – Méthode Cap Classique), typically from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sometimes Chenin Blanc.
Which climate zone does most of South Africa’s wine region occupy?
Primarily the Western Cape, with a Mediterranean climate near coastal areas, hotter/drier further inland.
Define the “Cape Doctor.”
A strong southeast wind in the Western Cape that blows in summer, moderating vineyard temps, reducing fungal disease, but can stress vines.
Which is the most planted grape variety in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc (locally called Steen), used for dry whites, off-dry, sparkling, and brandy distillation.
List three major red varieties in SA besides Pinotage.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot. Bordeaux-style blends are common in regions like Stellenbosch.
Where does the Benguela Current come from and how does it affect SA vineyards?
It flows north from Antarctica along the Atlantic coast, bringing cool air/mist to coastal vineyards, tempering summer heat.
Which soils are common around Stellenbosch?
Tukulu (acidic granite-based), Oakleaf (loam/clay), plus some sandstone or shale on slopes, providing good drainage.
Name a signature dessert wine from the Constantia area.
“Vin de Constance” from Klein Constantia (late-harvest Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains, historically famous).
What is Pinotage?
A crossing of Pinot Noir x Cinsault, created by Abraham Perold in 1925, known for unique, sometimes smoky/earthy red wines.
Which region is famed for “Vin de Constance”?
Constantia (part of Cape Town District in Coastal Region), on the slopes near Table Mountain and False Bay.
How do SA wines align with “IPW” certification?
They must meet specific ethical and environmental standards, ensuring sustainability and fair labor practices.
Name two major districts in the Coastal Region.
Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland, Tulbagh, Wellington, Darling, etc. (Stellenbosch & Paarl are the best known).
Describe Stellenbosch’s general wine style focus.
Bordeaux-style red blends (Cab, Merlot), Syrah, Chenin, plus whites (Chardonnay, SB). Known for premium, terroir-driven wines.
Give one iconic Stellenbosch producer.
Meerlust (Rubicon blend), Kanonkop (Pinotage, Paul Sauer), Warwick Estate, De Toren, Tokara, Rustenberg, etc.
Which region north of Stellenbosch is historically linked with KWV co-op presence?
Paarl – known for big brandy distilleries, fruit-forward reds (Shiraz, Cab) and some whites.
Name a top producer from Paarl.
Examples: Nederburg, KWV themselves, Glen Carlou, or Backsberg.
What sub-area within Paarl is known for Simonsberg mountain influence?
Simonsberg-Paarl Ward, cooler slopes with higher elevation for refined Cab, Chardonnay.
Where is Swartland, and what is it famous for?
Northwest of Cape Town, known for dry-farmed old-vine Chenin Blanc, Rhône reds (Shiraz, Grenache), and a young wave of artisanal producers.
Name one leading Swartland producer.
Ebenezer “Eb” Sadie (Sadie Family Wines), AA Badenhorst, Mullineux & Leeu Family are some top examples.
How does Tulbagh’s climate help sparkling production?
Surrounded by mountains, large diurnal shifts, enabling fresh acidity. Some MCC sparkling houses operate here.
Which region historically overshadowed by Stellenbosch is gaining recognition for diverse wines?
Wellington District, with old-vine Chenin, local cultivars, plus a growing number of boutique wineries.
Which large river valley region is more inland/hot in Western Cape?
Breede River Valley (Worcester, Robertson), known for brandy distillation, large co-ops, though Robertson has good Chardonnay, etc.
Which region is well-known for chalk/limestone soils for good Chardonnay, near the Breede River?
Robertson District – sometimes called SA’s “Valley of Wine and Roses,” producing crisp sparkling too.
Which region is near the southern tip, known for cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir?
Cape South Coast sub-areas like Walker Bay (Hemel-en-Aarde wards), Elgin, Cape Agulhas for maritime SB, PN.
Name a top Walker Bay Pinot Noir producer.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is classic, plus Crystallum, Bouchard Finlayson, Storm Wines, etc.
Where is Franschhoek located, and what styles is it known for?
It’s a valley within the Coastal Region (technically part of Paarl District historically, now Franschhoek Valley District). Known for Semillon (old vines), Cap Classique, plus Cab, Syrah.
Why is the Northern Cape region less relevant for high-end wines?
Hot, arid climate along the Orange River, primarily table grapes or high-volume wines. Less premium focus compared to Western Cape.
In the Klein Karoo, what type of wines are typical?
Mainly semi-arid climate, producing brandy, fortified dessert wines, plus some sweet Muscat. Not widely known for premium table wines.
Summarize “Cape Blend” requirements.
Between 30-70% Pinotage in the blend, the rest can be any other red varieties (often Bordeaux grapes or Shiraz).
Which current merges with the Benguela near Cape Agulhas?
The warm Mozambique (Agulhas) Current from the Indian Ocean meets the cold Benguela current from the Atlantic, creating unique coastal climates.
Which producers in Stellenbosch are famous for Bordeaux blends?
Meerlust (Rubicon), Rustenberg, Warwick Estate (Trilogy), De Toren (Fusion V).
List a recognized Chenin Blanc “specialist” in SA.
A good example is Mullineux in Swartland, Ken Forrester in Stellenbosch, or Raats Family Wines focusing on Chenin.
Which GI includes Table Mountain and the historical Constantia wards?
Cape Town District (amalgamating wards like Constantia, Durbanville, Hout Bay, etc.).
Name the maximum size for a single vineyard designation under WO rules.
6 hectares maximum. Must be contiguous and 100% from that vineyard to use “Single Vineyard Wine.”
Which style from the Western Cape matches sweet Muscat-based dessert wines?
“Hanepoot Jerepigo” or just “Muscat de Frontignan” styles, plus late-harvest specialities from various regions.
How is Pinotage typically integrated in a Cape Blend?
It’s combined with Bordeaux reds (Cab, Merlot) or Rhône reds (Shiraz), aiming for 30-70% Pinotage to provide distinct fruit/spice notes.
Why is IPW certification important?
It signals sustainable, ethical farming and production, giving international consumers confidence in worker welfare and environmental stewardship.
Which region is known for the iconic “Vin de Constance”?
Constantia, near Cape Town, producing that famous sweet Muscat-based dessert wine at Klein Constantia.
When did the official “Wines of Origin” system start?
1973, requiring areas, cultivars, and percentages to be declared accurately. Introduced “Estate Wine,” single vineyard, etc.
Who historically recognized Hendrik Cloete for re-establishing Groot Constantia’s fame?
Early 19th-century European aristocrats prized Cloete’s sweet Constantia, overshadowing top French Sauternes at times.
What are the main grapes for MCC (Cap Classique)?
Typically Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sometimes Pinot Meunier or Chenin Blanc, using traditional champagne methods with bottle fermentation.
Which region’s wines might show a smoky or rubbery note from older Pinotage clones?
That can appear in older stylings of Pinotage from various areas, but historically in warmer zones like Paarl or inland. Modern clones/techniques have mitigated it.
Name two wards in Stellenbosch.
Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Polkadraai Hills, Bottelary, Jonkershoek, Banghoek, Vlottenberg, Devon Valley are all wards there.
Why is Swartland a hotspot for new-wave winemaking?
Old dry-farmed bush vines (Chenin, Cinsault, Syrah), minimal intervention, and a collaborative “Swartland Revolution” focusing on quality and terroir expression.
Which district in Coastal Region is historically brandy-oriented but evolving?
Paarl historically had KWV brandy facilities, but now it’s pivoting to quality table wines as well.
Summarize how apartheid ended in 1994 impacted wine.
It re-opened global markets (previously boycotted), spurred modernization, allowed small producers to flourish, and increased outside investment and recognition.
Which region in SA is considered more continental with hotter summers, used for brandy and basic wines?
Robertson in the Breede River Valley, though it also makes improved Chardonnay and sparkling. Worcester, near it, is also brandy-oriented.
Name a signature Cape Agulhas wine style.
Sauvignon Blanc with intense, herbaceous notes, thanks to strong maritime influence and cooler breezes from the southernmost tip.
Which top Swartland wine might you mention?
Sadie Family “Columella” (Rhône-style red blend) or “Palladius” (white blend), recognized worldwide for complexity.
Which region in SA focuses on cooler-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay near Hermanus?
Walker Bay District (particularly Hemel-en-Aarde wards) fosters refined PN, Chard, plus some white blends.
What is Paarl’s sub-area known for smaller, terroir-driven projects?
Simonsberg-Paarl ward near the Simonsberg mountain, bridging Stellenbosch and Paarl, with quality reds.
Why is “Columella” from Sadie Family important?
It’s a leading Swartland red blend showcasing old-vine Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, reflecting the region’s minimal-intervention ethos.
What is the general climate and setting of the Klein Karoo region?
It’s a semi-arid area in the Western Cape, with hot, dry summers, occasional cold winters, and scattered vineyards requiring irrigation.
Name the major route crossing Klein Karoo.
Route R62, which traverses valleys and foothills where vines are planted in varied soils and microclimates.
Which sub-region in Klein Karoo is known as “Port Capital” of South Africa?
Calitzdorp District is nicknamed “Port Capital,” focusing on Portuguese varieties for fortified “port-style” wines.
Which soils help Portuguese grapes thrive in Calitzdorp?
Shallow, stony soils on slopes; more alluvial or sandy-loam near riverbeds, ensuring drainage and moisture retention in the hot climate.
Name two key Calitzdorp producers famous for fortified “port-style” wines.
De Krans and Boplaas lead in Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional fortifieds, and some table wines from Portuguese cultivars.
What broader styles define Calitzdorp’s wine scene?
Primarily fortified sweet reds (“Port-style”), plus some dry reds from Portuguese grapes, with robust fruit and chocolatey notes.
How does Langeberg-Garcia differ from Calitzdorp in soils/climate?
Langeberg-Garcia sits between arid inland areas and cooler western zones, with limestone-infused loams. Still hot, needing irrigation.
Name typical grape varieties in Langeberg-Garcia District.
Sauvignon Blanc for crisp whites, Cabernet Sauvignon for robust reds. Many wines bottled under broader “Klein Karoo” labels.
Summarize the Olifants River region’s main environment.
Spans from the Cederberg Mountains northward to the Atlantic, typically warm/hot with reliance on the Olifants River for irrigation.
Which district in Olifants River includes mountain terroir with older bush vines?
Citrusdal Mountain District, featuring Table Mountain sandstone soils, high elevations, cooler nights, old-vine Chenin.
What are Citrusdal Valley soils and climate like?
Alluvial soils in the valley, very hot and dry in summer, with irrigation from the Olifants River. Typically produce fruit-forward whites (Chenin, Colombard).
Name two typical wine styles from Citrusdal Valley.
Value-driven Chenin Blanc, Colombard for crisp whites or brandy base; also some robust reds (Cabernet).
What is the key difference between Citrusdal Mountain and Citrusdal Valley?
Citrusdal Mountain is higher altitude with cooler nights, enabling more intense, complex old-vine Chenin. Citrusdal Valley is lower, hotter, more volume-oriented.
Describe the Northern Cape GI’s central Orange River region.
It’s an inland, desert-like climate along the Orange River. Deep alluvial soils, requiring irrigation. Hot daytime temps, cooler nights.
Which key varieties are grown in the Central Orange River region?
Chenin Blanc for fresh, fruit-driven whites; Pinotage for robust reds; also Colombard, Muscat. Much goes into distilling or bulk wines.
Name the main cooperative in the Northern Cape’s Orange River area.
Orange River Cellars, operating multiple facilities, producing table wine and distillates.
How extensive is the Eastern Cape GI for wine production?
Very minimal, with only a handful of vineyards. Mostly experimental plantings or small-scale growers near cooler, windier coastal or mountainous sites.
Mention the likely focus for Eastern Cape producers.
Aromatic whites or possibly cooler-climate reds (Pinot Noir) in higher-altitude pockets – but production is tiny.
Summarize the Free State GI’s climate.
High-altitude plains with cold winters, hot summers, and variable rainfall. Vineyards remain scattered, relying on irrigation.
Which commercial wineries operate in Free State?
Very few exist; it’s mostly small-scale or local projects. It’s an emerging region with experimental plantings.
What is the significance of KwaZulu-Natal’s GI?
Relatively new, with limited vineyard area, mostly in cooler, higher-altitude parts. Coastal areas are too humid for easy viticulture.
Name a style that could thrive in KwaZulu-Natal’s cooler subzones.
Sparkling wine from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir in mountainous Midlands, where climate is cooler, somewhat like a mild high-altitude zone.
Describe Limpopo GI’s general location.
Northeastern corner of South Africa, near Zimbabwe and Botswana, with hot lowveld savannah and some mountainous pockets.
What are Limpopo GI wines like?
Mostly small-scale, dealing with heat and summer rainfall. Some Chenin, Colombard, or possible reds (Pinotage, Cab) in cooler pockets. Very limited.
Why is the Coastal Region so important in SA wine?
It’s a “super-region” along the Atlantic, containing historical and commercial powerhouses: Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland, Cape Town, etc.
What climate shapes Stellenbosch District?
Mediterranean with maritime influence from False Bay, plus varied mountain slopes. Warm, dry summers, cooler nights in higher altitudes.
Which variety is Stellenbosch most famous for?
Cabernet Sauvignon leads, though Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, and top whites (Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc) also excel.
Name two wards in Stellenbosch.
Examples: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Valley, Bottelary, Polkadraai Hills, Devon Valley, Banghoek.
List a hallmark Stellenbosch producer.
Kanonkop (Pinotage, Cab), Meerlust (Rubicon), Rust en Vrede, Thelema, Jordan, De Toren.
What major brandy/tradition is Paarl known for historically?
Paarl hosted KWV brandy facilities. Brandies remain important, though table wines (Shiraz, Cab, Chenin) are also key.
Summarize Paarl’s climate.
Mediterranean, slightly hotter than Stellenbosch. Some wards see altitude moderation, but generally warm, dry conditions.
Mention a well-known Paarl estate.
Fairview (Rhône varieties, goats cheese), Glen Carlou (Chardonnay), Backsberg, KWV, Babylonstoren (diverse wines).
What sets Swartland apart in terms of viticultural approach?
Dry-farmed bush vines, minimal irrigation, producing robust, terroir-driven reds (Rhône styles) and Chenin with intense character.
Name a top Swartland producer for old-vine Chenin or Rhône blends.
Sadie Family Wines (Eben Sadie), AA Badenhorst, Mullineux, Lammershoek, Porseleinberg (for Syrah).
Highlight a typical Swartland red blend composition.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault – often referred to as a “Mediterranean” or “Rhône-style” blend.
Which district includes Constantia and Durbanville wards?
Cape Town District, once called “Cape Peninsula.” Emphasizes maritime-influenced whites and some reds.
Why is Constantia historically significant?
It’s the oldest area of continuous winemaking in SA, famed for sweet “Vin de Constance” from Muscat in the 18th–19th centuries.
Which Constantia producer revived “Vin de Constance”?
Klein Constantia reintroduced Vin de Constance (late-harvest Muscat) in the 1980s, recapturing historical prestige.
What styles are Durbanville wards known for?
Sauvignon Blanc in particular, thanks to cool Atlantic breezes, also some Cabernet and Merlot in warmer pockets.
Name a recognized Durbanville estate.
Durbanville Hills, Nitida, Diemersdal – known for crisp Sauvignon Blanc and some Cap Classique.
Which Atlantic coastal ward is known for Bordeaux blends and Syrah?
Philadelphia Ward, north of Durbanville, with moderate maritime influence for well-structured reds.
What’s the typical soil in Cape Town District?
A mix of granite, sandstone, and shale on mountainous slopes around Table Mountain, providing varied terroirs for both whites and reds.
Why do many smaller wards in Cape Town focus on cooler varieties like Sauvignon Blanc?
Proximity to the ocean fosters strong coastal breezes, lowering summer temps, supporting crisp whites (SB, Semillon) and refined reds.
List two major takeaways for regions outside the Western Cape.
They face more extreme heat (Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, etc.), smaller scale. Emerging GIs are mainly experimental with limited commercial impact so far.
What is the biggest factor uniting these lesser-known GIs (Klein Karoo, Olifants, Northern Cape)?
Harsh, hot climates and reliance on irrigation from major rivers (Orange, Olifants). Many produce large-volume or fortified wines.
Why is Chenin Blanc so prevalent even in inland regions?
It handles heat/dryness well, can be used for basic table wines, distilling, or off-dry styles. Also a historical legacy from brandy days.
How do mountainous pockets help in some of these hot GIs?
They provide cooler nights, higher diurnal ranges, letting certain vineyards produce more characterful, aromatic wines (like in Citrusdal Mountain or Calitzdorp).
What sets Calitzdorp’s port-style wines apart from those of Portugal?
They mimic traditional Douro grape varieties (Touriga, Tinta Barroca) but have their own South African personality—often robust fruit, chocolatey sweetness, younger drinking style.
Which region might you find old bush vine Semillon historically important?
Far up the Olifants? Actually, old bush vine Sémillon is more typical in areas like Franschhoek. In Olifants, the old bush vine focus is more on Chenin.
Which region has wards focusing on brandy aside from Paarl?
Robertson and Worcester in the Breede River Valley also have large brandy production.
How does Walker Bay differ from Cape Town District for maritime influence?
Walker Bay is further southeast near Hermanus, specifically known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in cooler, coastal wards (Hemel-en-Aarde). Cape Town is more urban/coastal wards near Table Mountain.
