South Africa Flashcards
What are the key climatic influences in South African wine regions?
Cooling effects from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, mountain ranges, and strong winds like the Cape Doctor.
How do the oceans influence South African wine production?
The cold Benguela Current cools coastal vineyards, slowing ripening and preserving acidity.
What is the South African wine law system?
Wine of Origin (WO) system, which classifies wines by geographical designation.
What are the key requirements for WO labeling?
100% of grapes must come from the stated WO region, estate, or single vineyard.
What are the main soil types in South African vineyards?
Granite (Stellenbosch), sandstone (Coastal regions), shale (Robertson), and alluvial soils (Breede River).
How is the South African wine production structure organized?
Geographical Units -> Regions -> Districts -> Wards -> Estates.
What are the five Geographical Units in South Africa?
Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo.
What are the principal wine regions of the Western Cape?
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Constantia, Walker Bay, Elgin.
What grape varieties are associated with Stellenbosch?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chenin Blanc.
What grape varieties are associated with Franschhoek?
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon.
What grape varieties are associated with Paarl?
Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage.
What grape varieties are associated with Constantia?
Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat de Frontignan (for Vin de Constance).
What grape varieties are associated with Walker Bay?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling.
What grape varieties are associated with Elgin?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling.
What are the major districts within the Coastal Region?
Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland, Constantia, Durbanville, Tulbagh, Cape Town.
What are the major districts within the Breede River Valley?
Robertson, Worcester, Breedekloof.
What does the term ‘Cape Blend’ indicate?
A red blend containing at least 30% Pinotage.
What is Cape Classique?
Traditional method sparkling wine made in South Africa.
What is Vin de Constance?
A historic sweet wine made from Muscat de Frontignan in Constantia.
