South Africa

Question 1

What are the three main types of producers in South Africa?

Answer 1

1. Co-operatives - producer and market own wine or sell in bulk to merchants
2. Estate wineries - many with high reputations making wine from grapes grown on their own land only
3. Wholesale merchants - Buy in grapes and bulk wine to sell under their own label, some will also have their own vineyards. Also act as a distributor for many estates

Question 2

What are the six key facts about South African wine laws and labelling?

Answer 2

1. Wine of Origin legislation started in 1973
2. Certification seal awarded after tasting and guarantees label accuracy
3. 75% of vintage on label must come from that vintage
4. If a single variety is stated it must comprise of 85% of the total
5. 100% of grapes must come from any stated production area
6. Hierarchy in size of production areas Estate wine < Wards such as Franschhoek < Districts e.g. Paarl and Stellenbosch and Regions < Coastal Region

Question 3

For a South African wine to state the vintage on the label. How much wines must come from that vintage?

Answer 3

75%

Question 4

Labelling transparency in South Africa re vintage, variety and production area

Answer 4

75% of vintage on label must come from that vintage

If a single variety is stated it must comprise of 85% of the total

100% of grapes must come from any stated production area

Question 5

If a single variety is stated on a South African wine label, how much must it comprise of the total blend?

Answer 5

85%

Question 6

If a production region is mentioned on a South African wine label what percentage of the grapes must be grown in that region?

Answer 6

100%

Question 7

How many wine regions are there in South Africa?

Answer 7

There are 5 wine regions in South Africa

Question 8

How many districts are there in South Africa?

Answer 8

There are 28 wine districts including Stellenbosch and Paarl

Question 9

What is the climate in South Africa?

Answer 9

South Africa has a Mediterranean Climate. Vines planted from low altitude, cool coastal regions through to warmer inland regions such as Stellenbosch. The cold Benguela ocean current cools temperatures far inland. Low rainfall makes irrigation necessary in most sites.

Question 10

How many Wards are there in South Africa?

Answer 10

There are 77 Wards in South Africa, Franschhoek is one example

Question 11

What is the hierarchy of production areas in South Africa from biggest to smallest.

Answer 11

Regions - 5
Districts - 28
Wards - 77
Estates

Question 12

What is Western Cape?

Answer 12

A catch all appellation in South Africa which covers all the vineyards on the cape and allows blended wine of single varietals from different cape regions to be sold in the EU

Question 13

South Africa Coastal region 4 key facts:

Answer 13

1. Heartland of fine wine production
2. Covers the districts of Swartland, Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Point, Paarl and Darling.
3. Constantia Ward lies on the outskirts of Cape Town with a number of prestigious properties
4. Influenced by the sea. Producing ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc resulting in wines with the full spectrum of aromatic varietal characteristics

Question 14

Tygerberg District 4 key facts

Answer 14

1. South African wine district
2. Rolling hills 10 km from Cape Town, growing reputation for quality
3. Tygerberg is influenced by the sea producing ideal Sauvignon Blanc growing conditions resulting in wines with the full spectrum of varietal flavours
4. Durbanville is an outstanding ward within Tygerberg

Question 15

Stellenbosch 6 key facts:

Answer 15

1. South African wine district
2. Heart of quality wine production
3. Warm, Mediterranean climate
4. Granite and sandstone soils
5. Famous for Bordeaux blends and Pinotage
6. Home of the National Viticultural Institute

Question 16

What climate does Stellenbosch have?

Answer 16

Warm, Mediterranean climate

Question 17

What is the soil like in Stellenbosch?

Answer 17

Granite and sandstone

Question 18

What is the climate in Paarl district of South Africa?

Answer 18

Warmer Mediterranean climate, less maritime influence.

Question 19

Name two important Wards in Paarl district?

Answer 19

Franschhoek & Wellington

Question 20

Paarl district key facts:

Answer 20

1. South African wine district
2. Warmer, less maritime influenced climate
3. Soils vary from sand to decomposed granite
4. Large range of varieties grown due to differences in soil & climate across the district
5. KVW and a number of large estates based here
6. Two important Wards are Franschhoek and Wellington
7. Considerable variation of geography and climate

Question 21

Tulbagh District key facts

Answer 21

South African wine district

1. Small hot climate district surrounded by mountains
2. Varied climates due to the different topographical of vineyards
3. Low pH granite on slopes, deep sand and stone on clay on river banks
4. Showing promise with Shiraz

Question 22

What is Walker Bay district known for?

Answer 22

Producing the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in South Africa

Question 23

Breede River Valley Region key facts

Answer 23

1. Hot climate
2. Inland
3. Over the Bains Kloof Pass
4. Worcester and Robertson main wine districts
5. Modern canopy management has enabled production of pungent Sauvignon Blanc, crisp Chardonnay and sparking wines despite the heat

Question 24

What are the two key wine districts in the Breede River Valley Region?

Answer 24

Worcester & Robertson

Question 25

Where does much of the Langhorne Creek production end up?

Answer 25

In regional blended wines.

Langhorne Creek is a principle source of Jacob’s Creek

Langhorne Creek produced earthy full bodied Shiraz