South Africa Flashcards
What are the cooling inflences in South Africa?
- *The cold Benguela Current flows up from the Antarctic running to cooling coastal areas.
- *Strong south-easterly summer winds, known locally as the Cape Doctor. These bring air cooled by the ocean further inland and can reduce temperatures by a further couple of degrees in some areas.
- *Altitude ( those on valley floors generally much warmer than those in the mountains)
- *Aspect : In common with many other wine producing regions in the Southern Hemisphere, vines may be planted on the southern slopes of mountains to benefit from cooler temperatures.
- *Mountainous terrain casts shadows over nearby vineyards, giving slightly cooler temperatures during different parts of the day.
- *Nearer the coast the mountains can also help channel the winds through the vineyards.
What is a “Cape Blend”?
Pinotage (Pinot Noir x Cinsault) is made in a range of styles. It is sometimes blended with international varieties to make a ‘Cape blend’.
How does the Pinotage style change?
1- Can be made in a light, fruity style with red berry flavours
2- From old bush vine wines may be very full-bodied, with rich, spiced, berry fruit.
3-When fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves, Pinotage can take on intense coffee or chocolate aromas. (unique style,very popular)
What styles does the most widely planted variety of either colour has in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
• easydrinking wines with simple stone fruit flavours.
• old bush vines, which can offer more concentrated and complex flavours and a fuller texture.
• Barrel fermentation and barrel ageing can contribute extra body and toasty oak flavours to some of these wines.
How to keep the flavours and acidity for Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?
early picking
What techniques are used to make exceptional quality Chardonnay in South Africain cooler sites?
Burgundian techniques such as barrel fermentation and lees-stirring contribute to the character of many premium examples.
Where does the success of Stellenbosch lies in?
variety of altitude, aspect and soil that is available in such a relatively small area.
For what has Stellenbosch built up a reputation for ?
top class red wines:Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (which are often made in Bordeaux-style blends), Syrah and Cape red blends.
What does Constantia has a particular reputation for?
Sauvignon Blanc.
(has some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape
constantly cooled by the Cape Doctor)
Swartland recognized for being the source of which wine and the style?
It is recognised particularly as a source of old vine Chenin Blanc, and high-quality Syrah, both of which are often dry-farmed (grown without irrigation), lowering yields but enhancing fruit concentration.
Which district’s climate is hot and dry and irrigation, largely drawn from the river, is essential?
This district can produce a significant proportion of South Africa’s annual production with fertile soils.
Worcester
Where is the home to some of South Africa’s best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs?
Walker Bay district, ward of Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on earth)
What is the name of the south-easterly summer winds in South Africa?
Cape Doctor
What is the most widely planted grape in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
The Elgin district of South Africa has established a reputation for which grape?
Sauvignon Blanc
