South Africa Flashcards
KWV
Grower’s operation founded in 1918. Until 1998 determined production quotas, fix min prices, predetermine production area’s and limits. Favored bulk grower
When was the export boom
1994 after elections
Vineyards diseases
Planting material often virus infected, leaf roll, fan leaf, corky bark, powdery mildew, downy mildew
Cape soil issues
Excessively acidic, requiring heavy lime amendments, tartaric acid adjustments to must/wine, severe tartrate removal
Who brought and planted 1st vines
Jan Van Riebeeck 1652
Constantia
750 ha founded 1685 by Simon van der Stel
Phylloxera year
- Replanted heavily with high-yielding Cinsault, resulted in unsalable wines being dumped in rivers
Biggest wholeseller
Distell
Climate
Mediterranean. Benguela current cools
Hot irrigated areas for brandy and juice
River valleys of Orange, Olifants, Breede
Wind
Cape Doctor. Reduces humidity, mildew, fungal diseases, can batter vines
How to achieve higher ph in soils
Additions of lime
Avg planting density
3,300 vines per ha
Coastal climate yields
49-56 hl/ha
Trellising
Simple, vertical ‘hedge row’ from split vine cordon, supported by wire raised for easy pruning
White cultivars
CB 17%, SB 9.5%, Chard 7.9%, Colombard, Muscat of Alexandria, Sémillon, Viognier
Red cultivars
CS 12%, Shiraz 10%, Merlot 6%, Pinotage 7% (7,000ha), Cinsault 2%, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Zin, Ruby Cabernet, CF, Tinta Barroca
Ruby Cabernet
Carignan x CS crossed in CA in 1936. Slightly rustic
Pinotage
1924 PN x Cinsault. Previously called Hermitage in S Africa. Sometimes paint like pungency. Coffee Pinotage, mocha notes from oaking
Pinotage specialists
Kanonkop
Cape
Synecdoche used form S Africa, esp during apartheid
Cape Blend
Used to describe a red where Pinotage is a component
Estate Wine
Single geographical unit registered with the wine and spirit board