South Africa

Question 1

South Africa Geography

Answer 1

The southern tip of Africa adjacent to both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean

Question 2

South Africa Climate

Answer 2

• Mostly maritime with the cooling effect of the oceans
• The Benguela Current flows north from Antarctica to cool the coastal areas
• It becomes very warm to hot moving inland away from the coast

Question 3

South Africa Soil Type

Answer 3

Ancient and diverse

Question 4

South Africa Grape Varietals

Answer 4

White:

• Chenin Blanc (locally called Steen)
• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc

Red:

• Pinotage (a Pinot Noir x Cinsault crossing)
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir

Question 5

South Africa Viticulture

Answer 5

• High occurence of vine virus
• The Cape Doctor, a strong southeasterly wind, blows across the Western Cape in the spring and summer
• This wind can:
• —Help suppress fungal disease
• —Help moderate temperatures
• —Can injure the vines and disturb flowering

Question 6

South Africa Regional Wine Law

Answer 6

Wine of Origin System (WO)

• The WO system was introduced in 1973
• Producers looking for certification must adhere to specific standards
• Wines must be submitted to the board and are tasted and tested for approval
• A WO seal appears on all bottles of South African wine that pass this certification

Question 7

South Africa Wine Labeling Laws

Answer 7

• Vintage: minimum 85% of stated year
• Varietal labeling: minimum 85%
• Appellation: 100% of the grapes must come from the named Geographic Designation

Question 8

South Africa Geographical Designations

Answer 8

Geographical Units
-Western Cape

Regions
-Coastal Region

Districts

• Stellenbosch
• Paarl
• Walker Bay
• Swartland

Wards (defined by soil, climate, and geologic factors)

• Constantia
• —A rich history, with sweet wines long regarded among the best in the world

Estates
-Single vineyards