South Africa Flashcards
What is cap classique and what grapes are included in them?
South African sparkling blends usually of Sauv Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and/or Pinot noir.
What are some main grapes of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc Cab Sauv Pinotage Shiraz Sauv Blanc Muscat of Alexandria Cinsault Merlot Colombard Chardonnay
What historical/political event made it difficult for South Africa to become part of the international wine trade? When did that begin to change?
Apartheid. Trade bans were lifted in 1991.
Describe cape blends from South Africa.
Minimum 30% pinotage. The rest may include Merlot and other varietals.
What is constantia and how did it affect the South African wine trade?
A sweet Muscat-based wine. It became popular in the 1700s in Europe and that’s why South Africa considers itself old world.
What is steen?
Chenin Blanc in south africa
What is the name of the law/classification system of South Africa?
Wine of Origin System
In South Africa, what percentage of grapes must be from a labeled region? From a labeled vintage? if a grape is on the label, what percentage of that grape must be present in the wine?
Region 100%
Vintage and grape 85%
In South Africa, what is the order of the division of geographical areas?
Geographical units Regions Districts Wards Estates Single vineyards
In South Africa, what happens if wines are blended from different geographical units?
They cannot claim WO status
What is the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme?
South African voluntary certification for WO producers wishing to comply with sustainable environmental standards
What is the climate in South Africa?
Maritime on the coast, but more Mediterranean, warm and humid, inland.
What are three natural cooling mechanisms that effect the South African climate?
Benguela currents bring coolness from Antarctica
Cape doctor winds
Indian/Atlantic currents
What is another term for red cape sandstone?
Hutton
Where are most vineyards located in South Africa?
Souther third of the country conducive to grape growing.
Vineyards fan out around Cape Town, getting hotter and drier the further north they are.
What are five Geographical units of South Africa?
western cape Northern cape Eastern cape Kwazulu natal Limpopo
What are three major co-ops/large firms in South Africa?
KWV, Vrendenal and Distell
What do South African pinotage or shirazes pair well with?
BBQ
What is the leaf roll virus?
Red, curled leaf edges. Diminished yields and ripening abilities. spread through grafting infected materials. Found in South Africa.
What are three major regions for fortified wines in South Africa?
Boberg, Klein Karoo and Paarl
What is south Africa’s main region of production and what are its districts?
Coastal Region
swartland Tulbagh Darling Paarl Tygerberg Durbanville Constantia Cape point Stellenbosch
Which district of South Africa is located on the cape peninsula and what is the area known for?
Constantia
Muscat dessert wines
Which district in South Africa is home to the KWV co-op?
paarl
What are two subdistricts or wards of Paarl?
Wellington
Franschhoek Valley
What varietals are major in Stellenbosch?
Pinotage
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is a cool, coastal climate region of South Africa? What are the districts therein and what grapes are grown there?
Cape south coast region
Elgin
Walker bay
Overberg
Sauv Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot noir
What are the six regions of the Western Cape geographic unit in South Africa?
coastal Region Cape south coast Breede River valley Klein Karoo Olifants River No erg
What are two grapes commonly grown in Klein Karoo?
Tinta barroca
Muscat
What are two regions known for dessert wines in South Africa?
Klein Karoo
Constantia
What grapes are commonly grown in boberg, South Africa?
Shiraz
Pinotage
Where are Worcester and Robertson districts? What grape is common there?
Breede River valley region, western cape GU in South Africa.
Chardonnay
