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South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

What is the KWV?

A

The Cooperative Winewakers Union of South Africa

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2
Q

Which Europeans first settled into South Africa?

A

The Dutch in 1652

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3
Q

Who is commander Jan van Riebeeck?

A

The Dutch commander that oversaw the first grape crush in South Africa in 1659

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4
Q

Commander Simon van der Stel is most associated with which famous South African wine?

A

Constantia

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5
Q

What a varietal is Steen?

A

Chenin Blanc

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6
Q

When was phylloxera first discovered in South Africa?

A

1886 - Resulting in over a quarter of South Africa’s vineyards being destroyed and widespread replanting delayed due to rootstock shortages

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7
Q

What was the Boer war and when did it take place?

A

The Boer War was between the Dutch and the British-held South African colonies. It took place from 1899 to 1902.

The result was a unification of the various South African colonies into one nation; the other was an economic depression

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8
Q

Why were cooperatives established in South Africa in the early 1900’s?

A

The government initially established cooperatives (9 in the beginning) because cooperatives streamline production, centralize resources and provide stable income for farmers.

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9
Q

When did apartheid start?

A

1948

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10
Q

What was the effect of the KWV on the South African wine industry.

A

It stunted the industry and encouraged high yields and high yielding varietals grown in warmer regions, quality drastically declined.

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11
Q

What was the effect of the KWV on the South African wine industry.

A

Established in 1918 the KWV cooperative which acted as an oversight between growers and co-ops but really ended up as a strong regulatory body. It stunted the industry and encouraged high yields and high yielding varietals grown in warmer regions, quality drastically declined and much of the grape yield was designated for brandy production

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12
Q

When was the KWV’s quota system eliminated?

A

1992

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13
Q

Which Atlantic current is incredibly influential to the South African wine growing regions?

A

The frigid Benguela current, that moves up from the Antarctic

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14
Q

Which wind effects the South Africa wine region?

A

The Cape Doctor wind blows from the the southeast. At its most intense it can damage vines by breaking canes and interfering with fruits set. But, generally, it helps stave off disease and pests in the vineyards

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15
Q

What type of climate does South Africa have?

A

A mediterranean climate

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16
Q

What’s a major climate threat to South Africa’s vines?

A

Drought

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17
Q

What are the primary soil types in South Africa?

A

Primarily Granite and sandstone.

South African soils are relatively simple - there hasn’t been major ice, volcanic or earthquake activities. Most of the mountains are made of granite capped sandstone, and these bedrocks have decomposed to form the basis of South African soils. Quartz is scattered throughout and there are pockets of slate and shale in some areas.

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18
Q

In South Africa, what varietal does Hermitage refer to?

A

Cinsault (Cinsaut - South Africa spelling)

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19
Q

Which is the most prominent red varietal in South Africa?

A

Pinotage

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20
Q

What is the OVP and when was it established?

A

The OVP (Old Vine Project) was established is 2002 by Rosa Kruger who began compiling a list of old vineyards and educating on the benefits of old vines in the hopes to protect the vines and demand higher prices for growers (so they don’t get ripped out)

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21
Q

In South Africa wine, what does MCC refer to?

A

Method Cape Classique - traditional method sparkling wine

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22
Q

Who first began method cape classique production in South Africa?

A

Simonsig

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23
Q

What varietals are permitted in Cap Classique?

A

All varietals

Many top producers (Graham Beck, Le Lude, Charles Fox) rely on classic Champagne varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (and go beyond the 9 month lees aging requirement)

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24
Q

What are the minimum aging requirements for Cap Classique?

A

9 months on lees

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25
What is Lieberstein?
A semi-sweet Chenin-based wine that debuted in South Africa in 1959
26
Which varietals were used for brandy production in the past in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc | Colombard
27
Constantia is produced from which varietal?
Muscat (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) which is called Muscadel in South Africa. South Africa’s Muscadel is NOT to be confused with the Bordelais Muscadelle.
28
What varietal is Hanepoot?
Muscat of Alexandria
29
In which style is Muscat of Alexandria (Hanepoot) produced in South Africa?
Sweet wine and can be fortified but left unfermented.
30
What is the overall hectares planted to vine in South Africa?
93,000 ha under vine 15th most widely planted nation in the world 825 million liters of wine produced - South Africa ranks 9th in global production
31
When was the first varietal Sauvignon Blanc bottled? (The grape was planted in South Africa since before 1909)
Sauvignon Blanc was varietally bottled in 1977 and the first Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend didn’t appear until 2001
32
Which is the most rapidly expanding varietal in South Africa?
Sauvignon Blanc As of 2018 it accounts for over 10% of all planted area.
33
What are the general characteristics of South African Sauvignon Blanc?
South African Sauvignon Blanc tends towards the greener and grassy side of the spectrum and is rarely tropical. In Constantia it is often blended with Semillon and occasionally aged in oak. It is also the most planted grape in Constantia
34
Which is the most widely planted grape in Constantia?
Sauvignon Blanc
35
For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, which was the most widely planted grape in South Africa?
Semillon
36
What varietal does Greengrape refer to in South Africa?
Semillon
37
What is the name of the red mutation of Semillon?
Semillon Gris. This used to exist in France as well, though no longer does, and French producers try to get their hands on cuttings.
38
The best known Cabernet Sauvingon’s hail from which regions of South Africa?
Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch Stellenbosch is especially successful with the variety and is similar to a “south African Napa Valley” with posh tasting rooms and Cab Sauvignon as the crown jewel of their portfolios.
39
How is oak used on South African Cabernet Sauvignon?
New oak is used, though compared, to other regions, it’s more restrained (than some overtly oaky Napa cabs)
40
What percentage of Cinsault is currently planted in South Africa?
Only about 2% Cinsault was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. When Chenin began to dominate, Cinsault died out. Now the 2% left is old vine and experiencing popular due to a new generation of producers.
41
In what style do you see Pinot Noir produced most often in South Africa?
As part of a Cap Classique Method blend. Though still Pinot Noir’s are starting to be made in Hemel-en-Aarde and Elgin. As of 2018 Pinot Noir accounts for only 1.3% of vineyard plantings
42
Pinotage is a crossing of which two grapes?
Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage)
43
Which is the most planted red varietal in South Africa?
Cabernet Sauvignon 11% Syrah 10.2% Pinotage 7.2% (Figures from 2018)
44
When were South African wine laws enacted?
1973 They ares some of the oldest and strictest in the New World. (The US didn’t start putting together appellations until the 1980’s)
45
What is the required varietal percentage for a South African wine to be labeled varietally?
85% Also 85% for minimum vintage requirement
46
What is South Africa’s wine appellation system called?
WO - Wine of Origin
47
Does the WO appellation regulate farming practices and winemaking techniques?
Nope but all wines are subject to chemical analysis and tasting test before certification is granted.
48
How are the South African wine regions distributed? What are the different levels?
Geographical Unit Region District Ward
49
Which are the 6 geographical units in South Africa?
``` Western Cape Northern Cape Eastern Cape Limpopo Free State KwaZulu-Natal ``` The VAST majority of wine is made in the Western Cape - very little viticulture is found outside of it.
50
Which are the Western Cape’s 5 regions?
``` Berede River Valley Klein Karoo Olifants River Cape South Coast Coastal Region ```
51
Of the Western Cape’s 5 wine regions, which are generally considered for bulk wine and which are generally considered to produce fine wine?
Fine Wine: Coastal Region Cape South Coast Bulk Wine: Olifants River Klein Karoo Breede River Valley This is a generalization, for example, Robertson makes great wines from Breede River Valley.
52
Until February 2019 there was a 6th region in the Western Cape geographical unit called Boberg. Which kind of wine did it produce? Where?
It was an unusual region that applied only to fortified wines specifically produced in Paarl, Franschhoek, Tulbagh and Wellington. Cape Ruby, Cape Vintage and Cape Tawny are far more popular names for this Port-like type of wine.
53
If wines from two wards within a district are blended, which ward can be on the label?
Neither. It will need to be declassified up to the district level. Same goes for 2 districts blended together within a region, the wine needs to be labeled regional, etc...
54
Which is the largest catch-all appellation allowed in South African wine (in the areas of primary production)?
Western Cape
55
Are there exceptions to the WO scheme?
Yes. Wards don’t necessarily have to be in districts. There are 18 wards that lie outside of established districts of the Western Cape geographical unit. Wards are added, tweaked and redrawn somewhat regularly.
56
Which is the most recent (Feb 2020) WO addition?
The Cape West Coast subregion. The first subregion. It contains the Western half of Swartland, Darling, Lutzville Valley and the wards of Groenekloof, St. Helena Bay, Lamberts Bay, Bamboes Bay and Koekenaap
57
What is Breede River Valley’s climate like?
Generally hot and dry. A chain of mountains run along its borders with the coastal region and cape south coast, so it doesn’t have the immediate influence of the ocean. Irrigation is deemed necessary here.
58
Where in the Breede Valley river are vineyards most typically situated?
In The Valley itself. Just recently a few growers have expanded to the hillsides.
59
How large of a producer, relative to the rest of South Africa, is Breede Valley?
It’s the largest producing region in South Africa and grows 34% of the nations grapes. It is home to massive operations, many which are cooperatives. So, you’ll see few wineries in the region, but lots of vines. Much of the production is cropped heavy and sent to distillers to become brandy.
60
Which are the 3 districts within Breede River Valley?
Breedekloof District - home to generally large scale producers and white wine, sold in bulk and stilled. The Breedekloof Makers are looking at the region from a terroir and quality perspective, however. Wards: Goudini, Slanghoek Robertson District - A cooler district within the Breede Valley river region. Lots of Chardonnay planted here because of this. Also many Methode Cap Classique producers are located here including Graham Beck. Worcester District: Hottest and driest of the three districts - least amount of wines planted here. Irrigation is always necessary. Planted to Brandy grapes - Chenin, Colombard, and then some Sauvignon Blanc
61
When did viticulture really take off in the Cape South Coast region?
Not until the 2000's. It was not legal allowed under the KWV. When the KWV abolished the quota scheime in 1992, growers began moving in.
62
Which varieties do you see in the Cape South Coast Region?
"Noble Varieites" (non-brandy grapes) ``` Sauvignon Blanc (783 ha) Shiraz (333 ha) Chardonnay (319 ha) Pinot Noir (309 ha) Cabernet Sauvignon (185 ha) ```
63
Which ward in the Cape Agulhas district (Cape South Coast Region) has the most development?
The Elim ward Tends to be very windy. Sauvignon blanc does well here
64
Which region does Walker Bay reside in?
Cape South Coast
65
What is Elgin's climate like?
Cool. One of the coolest in South Africa. And aslo humid, so mildew, botrytis and fruit dilution are a risk. As is frost.
66
The majority of Elgin's agriculture is planted to fruits other than grapes. What are these fruits?
Apple and pear trees (80% of the land is planted to apple and pear trees)
67
Which is considered the most successful variety of Elgin?
Chardonnay
68
Where is the Lismore Estate located?
The Overberg district, specifically in Greyton - a ward designate for the winery
69
The Malgas ward in Swellendam was created for which producer? What is special about this site?
The Malgas ward in Swellendam district was create for Sijnn (pronounced "sane"). The soils resemble chateaupneuf de pape with large, round, weathered stones. Rhone varieties are planted here: Roussane, Grenache, Mourverdre, Shiraz
70
Which is the most famous and developed of all the Cape South Coast's districts?
Walker Bay.
71
Where are Hemel-en-Aarde and Bot River wards located?
In the Cape South Coast. | Hemel-en-Aarde translates to heaven and earth in Afrikaans
72
Which varieties have gained success and recognition in Hemel-en-Aarde?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Here, they can come off as very Burgundian in style
73
Which are the significant varietals in Bot River?
Chenin and even old vine Chenin can be found in Bot River, which s really special. Pinotage and Syrah are also widely planted in addition to Semillon and Moureverde
74
Important wineries, Gabrielskloof and Beamont (the first operating winery of the modern era) are both located in which ward?
Bot River
75
When someone refers to Hemel-en-Aarde, which are the three wards they are referring to?
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Hemel-en-Aarde Ridget
76
Who first planted Hemel-en-Aarde and when?
Hamilton Russel in the 1970's
77
Which region is considered the histrorical heartland of the wine industry?
Coastal Region With famous areas such as Constant, Stellenbosch, Swartland and Paarl
78
Which major city is in the Coastal Region?
Capetown
79
Which is the most well-known and important ward in the Capetown region?
Constantia | Durbanville, Hout Bay, and Philadelphia are the other 3, lesser known, wards
80
When was the Constantia farm registered?
1685 - making it one of the first commercial wine endeavors not only in South Africa but in the whole of the so-called New World
81
Who established Constantia farm?
Simon van der Stel His sweet “governor’s wine” was the first critically acclaimed wine from South Africa. Later versions were simply known as Constantia.
82
Was the original Constantia white or red? Fortified or not?
There is a lot of debate over this, but Constantia was originally produced from both white and red grapes and generally believed to be unfortified.
83
After Simon van der Stel died in 1712, Constanta was broken up into three parts, what are their names?
Groot (Big) Constantia, Klein (little) Constantia, Bergvliet
84
What type of climate does Constantia have?
Constantia is considered a cold, maritime, climate It is in the path of the constant cape doctor wind and is surrounded on 3 sides by cold ocean currents. Heavy rains are also a signature of the region
85
What varietals are used in Vin de Constantia?
Muscat Blancs a Petits Grains (Muscat de Frontignan) Chenin, Muscat de Alexandria and (very rarely) Pontac, a teinturier grape
86
What does Franschhoek mean? Where did the name come from?
Franschhoek means French Quarter and was named so by the French Huguenots that came to the region in the late 1680’s / early 1690’s
87
What varietal is Franschhoek most famous for?
Old vine Semillon. La Collins is the most coveted area, believed to be planted in 1936. Side note on Franschhoek - Franschhoek is a big tourist attraction with it proximity to Cape Town and Stellenbosch.
88
Is Paarl planted to bulk wine or quality wine?
It produces both, which can bring tensions. The Valley floor, containing more clay is home to bulk wine production (generally). Paarl is also home to the KWV
89
Is Paarl a widely planted or sparsely planted district?
Paarl is one of the most widely planted districts - significantly larger than Swartland. Paarl covers 14,766 ha’s.
90
Which are the most significant varietals in Paarl?
A lot of varietals are planted in Paarl, below shows the diversity ``` Chenin - 2743 ha Cab Sauv - 2326 ha Shiraz - 2123 ha Pinotage -1304ha Chardonnay - 1208 Merlot - 1012ha Sauvignon Blanch 929ha ```
91
Which district is considered the heart of South Africa’s wine industry?
Stellenbosch Stellenbosch is located an hour outside of Capetown around a town of the same name (Stellenbosch) Only Constantia has a longer history under vine than Stellenbosch
92
What is Stellenbosch’s terrain like? Is it monotonous or varied?
It is varied with many microclimates, ranging from maritime to arid. There’s multiple dramatic mountain outcropping that interrupts the terrain which further varies the terroir
93
Where is the Kanonkop Winery located?
In the Simonsberg-Stellenboschis ward. Kanonkop is known especially for its Bordeaux blends and Pinotage.
94
What types of grapes are favored in Simonsberg-Stellensboschis?
Generally red varieties - cab Sauv, merlot, Shiraz, pinotage
95
Which varietals dominate the vineyards of the Banghoek ward (called by locals the “Banker’s ward”, referencing the area’s many wealthy estates - Jackson Family’s Capensis, Delaire Graffiti, Tokara, Rainbow’s End)
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay dominate the vineyards.
96
What are the primary soils of Stellenbosch?
Decomposed sandstone or decomposed granite mixed with varying proportions of clay. (Small pockets of shale can be found as well)

South Africa (1 decks)

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