South Africa Flashcards
When and why did wine production begin in South Africa?
- The Cape became a refueling and trade station for ships on voyages to India
- Then settlement for Dutch East India Company
- First vines planted 1655
- Flourished in 1688 with arrival of French Huguenots
When and how did Apartheid impact the wine industry?
- Came to an end in 1994 with democratic elections
- Boycotts lifted, giving full access to export markets
- KWV privatized, stimulating rebirth and modernization of industry
Where does South Africa rank in wine-producing countries worldwide?
Top 10
Summarize the creation, role, and impact of the KWV.
- Created in 1918
- Rescued industry from late 1800’s phylloxera and loss of exports
- Produced wine, stabilized prices, established quota system - quantity over quality
- Privatized when Apartheid lift 1997
Where is South Africa located?
- Southern tip of Africa
- Adjacent to both Atlantic and Indian Oceans
South Africa - climate?
- Maritime, cooling from oceans
- Very warm to hot inland
What ocean current affects South Africa and how does it moderate climate?
- Benguela Current
- Flows north from Antarctica to cool coastal areas
South Africa - soil?
Ancient and diverse
South Africa - white grape varieties?
- Chenin Blanc (aka Steen)
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
South Africa - red grape varieties?
- Pinotage (a Pinot Noir X Cinsault crossing)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
What is the local name for Chenin Blanc in South Africa?
Steen
What are the grape varieties and propagation method used to make Pinotage?
- Pinot Noir and Cinsault
- Cross Propogation
South African vineyards have a high occurrence of __________.
Vine virus
Describe the wind in South Africa and its impact on the vineyards.
- The Cape Doctor
- Southeasterly wind that blows across Western Cape
- Arrives spring/summer
- Pros: Suppress fungal disease, moderate temperatures
- Cons: Injures vines, disturbs flowering
What system is used to regulate wine in South Africa?
Wine of Origin System (WO)
When was the WO introduced in South Africa?
1973
How are wines approved for WO in South Africa?
A board tastes, tests, and approves
How do you know if a bottle of wine is WO approved?
A WO seal appears on the bottle
What are the WO labeling laws for Vintage?
85% of stated year
What are the WO labeling laws for Variety?
85% minimum
What are the WO labeling laws for Appellation?
100% of grapes must come from named Geographic Designation
How many Geographic Designations are there in South Africa?
5
List the Geographic Designations of South Africa in order from largest to smallest.
- Geographical Units
- Regions
- Districts
- Wards
- Estates
What defines a Ward in South Africa?
Soil, climate, and geological factors
Name 1 example of a Geographical Unit in South Africa.
- Western Cape
Name 1 example of a Region in South Africa.
- Coastal Region
Name 4 examples of a District in South Africa.
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- Swartland
- Walker Bay
Name 1 example of a Ward in South Africa?
Constantia
What defines Estates in South Africa?
Single vineyards
What is Constantia known for?
- Sweet wines among the best in the world
