South Africa Flashcards
What are the four types of production areas in South Africa, in descending order of size:
geographical unit, region, district, and ward
In South Africa, the term Single Vineyard Wine may be used for wines sourced solely from a vineyard of what size?
less than 6 hectares
What is the Wine of Origin (WO) system of South Africa?
The Wine of Origin (WO) system, introduced in 1973, compels producers seeking certification to submit a sample of the wine for evaluation by a tasting panel, which confirms that the wine shows the correct organoleptic qualities for its cultivar (variety) and age. The wine also undergoes scientific analysis. An approved cultivar—approximately 75 are authorized, irrespective of region—must be used to attain WO status, and as of 2006 the wine must contain 85% of the stated grape. Blends may list several grapes, if vinification occurred separately and each listed grape comprises a minimum 20% of the wine. A minimum 85% of the stated vintage is also required. If an area of production appears on the label, 100% of the grapes from which the wine was made must come from the stated area. There are four types of production areas, in descending order of size: geographical unit, region, district, and ward. The term Single Vineyard Wine may be used for wines sourced solely from the vineyard, provided it is appropriately registered and of less than 6 hectares. Estate wines must be produced from contiguous parcels of vineyard land, and vinified and bottled on a single property. A WO seal appears on all bottles of South African wine that pass certification. While it is an entirely voluntary process, none of the above claims—vintage, varietal, or area of production—may legally appear on any bottle that forgoes certification.
What is the IPW in South Africa?
In 1998, South Africa launched the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW), a voluntary means of certification for WO producers wishing to comply with sustainable environmental standards. The IPW sets guidelines for agricultural, manufacturing, and packaging practices, and certification falls under the jurisdiction of the SA Wine & Spirit Board. Wineries are judged on a number of points, including worker safety measures, handling of wastewater, carbon emissions, use of pesticides and other chemicals, and vineyard biodiversity. Starting with the 2010 vintage, wines that meet a minimum score in IPW evaluation (60% or better) and qualify for WO certification will be marked with a joint seal, indicating a “sustainable wine of origin,” rather than the basic WO seal. By 2011, 85% of South African WO wine carried this new seal, and virtually all WO wines in the future are expected to qualify for the IPW scheme as well.
South Africa’s wine-producing areas are divided into which five large geographical areas?
Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
What is the Ward of the Eastern Cape?
St. Francis Bay
What are the Districts of the Northern Cape?
Douglas
Sutherland-Karoo
What are the Wards of the Northern Cape ?
Central Orange River (formerly Lower Orange)
Hartswater
Rietrivier FS
What are the Wine of Origin Regions of the Western Cape?
Boberg River Region (fortified wines from the districts of Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh)
Breede River Valley Region
Cape South Coast Region
Coastal Region
Klein Karoo Region
Olifants River Region
Other Districts and Wards of the Western Cape
What are the Districts of the Western Cape?
Ceres Plateau
What are the Wards of the Western Cape?
Cederberg (directly east of Piekenierskloof)
Lamberts Bay (directly south of Bamboes Bay)
Prince Albert Valley (northeast of Klein Karoo)
Swartberg (northeast of Klein Karoo)
What are the Districts of the Breede River Valley?
Breedekloof
Robertson
Worcester
What are the Districts within Cape South Coast?
Cape Agulhas Elgin Overberg Plettenberg Bay Swellendam Walker Bay
What are the Wards within Cape South Coast (without a district)?
Herbertsdale
Stilbaai East
Napier
What are the Wards within Cape Agulhas?
Elim
