South Africa Flashcards
1
Q
Match the following areas with their place within South Africa’s WO scheme:
A. Kwazulu-Natal
B. Simonsberg-Paarl
C. Franschhoek Valley
D. Klein Karoo
A
A. Geographical Unit
B. Ward
C. District
D. Region
2
Q
What white grapes are grown in the cooler sites in Stellenbosch?
A
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc
3
Q
What is Pinotage a Crossing of?
A
Pinot Noir and Cinsault
4
Q
Due to the _____ Current, South Africa’s coastal climate is cooler than its latitude suggests.
A
Benguela
5
Q
KWV, created in 1918 had monopolistic powers, what happened once democracy in South Africa arrived?
A
- From 1992, KWV’s rights systematically repealed; reorganized as a private business
- It had tremendous powers such as:
- fixing prices (distilling & beverage wine),
- approve purchases of wine
- set quotas of plantings;
- control import, marketing, distribution of vine cuttings
- It had tremendous powers such as:
6
Q
What do the terms “Single Vineyard” and “Estate Wine” stipulate on a South African wine label?
A
Single Vineyard Wine may be used for wines sourced solely from the vineyard, provided it is appropriately registered and of less than 6 hectares.
Estate wines must be produced from contiguous parcels of vineyard land, and vinified and bottled on a single property.
7
Q
What grape is Durbanville District renowned for?
A
Sauvignon Blanc
8
Q
What is a South African red wine blend called when it is a blend of Pinotage and other International grapes?
A
Cape Blend
9
Q
Where would you find some of the oldest vineyards in The Cape?
A
Constantia Ward
10
Q
What are the 2 main style of wine produced in Klein Karoo?
What are the 2 most planted varietals there?
A
Sweet and Fortified wines.
Muscat and Tinta Barroca
11
Q
South African has enjoyed great export success since re entering the international markets in early 90s - what volume growth, what markets, bulk vs. packaged and price point?
A
- Export success
- 22 million litres in 1992 to 450 million litres in 2017
- From 20 export countries to over 135 countries
- The key countries are:
- UK – 23% of total exports by volume
- Germany is second…..
- USA
- China
- Countries in Africa
- Packaged wine is 39% of exports
- Bulk wine is the remaining 61%
- The average price for the wine is low
Many producers are below a sustainable level of income
12
Q
Chenin Blanc is the most popular white varietal, what % of plantings?
A
19%
13
Q
Main soil types - there are three generic ones - name and describe them
A
-
3 Main types of soils
-
Table Mountain Sandstone:
- Sandy; Low nutrients& water retaining properties
- need attention to irrigation & fertilization
-
Granite:
- Found on foothill slopes & hilly areas
- Good water retention; potential for dry farming
-
Shale:
- Good nutrient levels
- Water retentive
- Potential for dry farming
-
Table Mountain Sandstone:
14
Q
Certified Wines of Origin (WO) must contain __% of the stated cultivar and vintage.
A
85%
15
Q
What is the most planted white grape in South Africa, and what is its South African nickname?
What are 6 other important white grapes (2 with specific South African synonyms)?
A
Chenin Blanc aka “Steen”
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Cape Riesling (a synonym for Crouchen Blanc unrelated to Riesling), Hanepoot (Muscat of Alexandria), and Gewürztraminer.
16
Q
What is the climate of Stellenbosch?
What, if anything, provides cooling?
What are the top 2 grapes planted?
A
Warm Mediterranean climate
Moderated by:
Cool winds from False Bay funnel winds through mountains into valleys
Altitude with vineyards up to 600mRL
Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc - but Black grapes are in the majority
17
Q
Wine geographical hierarchy for South Africa?
A
-
Geographical Unit:
- Very large areas
- E.g. Western Cape – accounts for nearly all SA wine by volume!
-
Region:
- Named after major feature - Coastal region or Brede River valley
-
District:
- Wider categories of Soils, Climate, Ecology; Stellenbosch or Walker bay; like major center or mountain range; some have no wards
-
Ward:
- defined area within a district: based on common soils, climate, ecological factors
- some have no districts but relate to a region
18
Q
What are the different style of Pinotage made in S. Africa?
A
- Sometimes blended with int’l varieties to make a “Cape Blend”
- Can be made in a light, fruity style with red berry flavors.
- Wines from old bush vines may be very full-bodied, with rich, spiced berry fruit.
- When fermented with oak, Pinotage takes on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.
19
Q
Paarl is located to the ________________ of Stellenbosch.
A
Northeast
20
Q
The Olifants River Region is made up of which 3 Districts?
A
Citrusdal Mountain
Citrusdal Valley
Lutzville Valley
21
Q
Which South African producer makes the Bordeaux-style blend known as “Rubicon”?
Which District / Region / GU is it located in?
What grapes are used?
A
Meerlust
Stellenbosch / Coastal Region / Western Cape
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, w/ Merlot / Cabernet Franc / Petit Verdot
22
Q
In which District / Region / GI is the Ward of Constantia?
A
Cape Town District / Coastal Region / Western Cape GI
23
Q
Which winery has the queen stayed at, and is a favorite of Buckingham Palace?
A
Vergelegen
24
Q
Domestic consumption?
A
- Local consumption relatively low with 50% of the annual production consumed domestically
25
The most planted white grape in Stellenbosch is:
Sauvignon Blanc
26
What are the rules for 'Estate Wines' in South Africa?
Grapes must come from estate vineyards in one GI. Estate must process from grape to wine incl bottling
27
What is the signature black grape of South Africa?
What is the most planted black grape?
What are 6 other popular black grapes planted?
Pinotage.
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cinsault, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Tinta Barroca
28
What is Vin de Constance?
Who are 3 producers still making it?
An unfortified, dried grape wine made from Muscat de Frontignan (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains)
Klein Constance
Groot Constance
Buitenverwachting
29
30
What is 'Dry Farming', what outcome does it provide and which South African District often uses it?
Vine growing without irrigation
Reduced yields = more concentrated fruit flavours Swartland
31
South Africa produces Fairtrade wine - how much?
* SA largest producer of **Fairtrade wine** globally: 2/3rds of Fairtrade wine sales
32
What are 3 key Districts and 2 Wards in the Coastal Region in South Africa?
Stellenbosch District / Paarl District / Swartland District
Durbanville Ward / Constantia Ward
33
For the following South African producers, identify the specific area in which they are located, and the type of wine they specialize in:
A. Boekenhoutskloof
B. Meerlust
C. Groot Constantia
D. Hamilton Russell
A. **Boekenhoutskloof**: Franschhoek Valley (Coastal Region), specializes in Syrah
B. **Meerlust**: Stellenbosch (Coastal Region), specializes in Bordeaux blends.
C. **Groot Constantia**: Constantia (Cape Town, Coastal Region), specializes in Vin de Constance (in addition to dry whites/reds)
D. **Hamilton Russell:** Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Walker Bay, Cape South Coast Region), specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
34
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - details?
**Hemel-en-Aarde Valley** (ward):
* lowest in Altitude; closest to Atlantic; Original planting area
* PN & Chardonnay thrive here; fresher & brighter style than inland
* PN can reach 14% ABV here
* **BOUCHARD FINLAYSON** (Peter Finlayson) established in 1989
35
What are the 3 Districts that make up Breede River Valley Region in South Africa?
Worcester District
Robertson District
Breedekloof
36
What is Stellenbosch District most renowned for?
2 specific examples of this wine:
Top class red wines Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends with Merlot (Cape Blends), Syrah.
Warwick Estate’s “Trilogy”
Meerlust’s “Rubicon"
37
What are the 3 Districts that make up Breede River Valley Region?
Breedekloof, Worcester, and Robertson
38
The South African appellation system is goverened by which body?
What is the 4-part hierarchy of wines?
The Wine of Origin System (WO)
Geographical Units / Regions / Districts / Wards
39
rainfall of Olifants river
200mm and lower
40
What are the 6 Districts that make up Cape South Coast Region in South Africa?
**Districts**: Walker Bay / Elgin / Cape Agulhas / Overberg / Plettenberg Bay / Swellendam
41
What was Napoleon's favorite dessert wine?
Klein Constantia / Vin de Constance
42
Name 6 top producers in Stellenbosch, including one that specializes in Pinotage:
Rust en Vrede
Neil Ellis
Kanonkop (specializes in Pinotage)
De Toren
Warwick Wine Estate
Meerlust
43
Which region surrounds South Africa's Cape Town?
Coastal Region
44
Olifants river region is the source of ? and name some districts and wards
* Source of dry farmed, old vines
* **Districts**: Citrusdal mountain, Lutzville valley districts
* **Wards**: Bamboes Bay, Piekenierskloof wards in this region
45
"Trilogy" is a famous Bordeaux blend produced by ______________ Wine Estate.
Which district / GU is it located in?
What grapes are used?
Warwick
## Footnote
Stellenbosch / Coastal Region
Mostly Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Merlot.
46
What is the widest planted grape variety in South Africa by volume / acreage?
Chenin Blanc
47
Pinotage - describe the two styles that can be found in South Africa now
* Traditional:
* Deep ruby in colour
* Red plum, Blackberry fruit; High tannins;
* Full body; High Alcohol
* on skins post fermentation for 3 to 5 days to get deeper colour
* Lighter style:
* grown on cooler sites or picked earlier
* Medium Ruby colour and Red fruits
* Medium Tannins
* Typically, NOT macerated post fermentation
48
Which South African District is Hamilton Russell a producer in?
What is this winery known for?
Walker Bay District.
A pioneer in the district, Hamilton Russell was an early proponent of the Burgundy grapes as well as South Africa’s own Pinotage.
49
In which region of South Africa is the Fairview Winery located?
What line is their homage to Cotes-du-Rhone wines?
Paarl
"Goats do Roam"
50
What is SAWIT?
What is its mission?
South African Wine Industry Trust
It was established to speed transformation of South African wine and to empower black workers in an industry that had long relied on slave- and apartheid-era labor practices.
51
Although South Africa's wine history extends back several hundred years, its modern history did not really begin until \_\_\_\_\_.
The end of Apartheid in the early 1990's
52
In which century were the first vineyards planted in South Africa?
17th Century
53
Swartland is located within which region?
Coastal Region
54
What % of South African Wine is white?
55%
55
The Western Cape's southernmost district is:
Cape Agulhas
56
What is the name of the wind that brings cool air inland?
The Cape Doctor
57
What percentage of grapes must originate from a WO area in order to include it on a label?
100%
58
Maturation of inexpensive verus premium Pinotage?
* Also, the maturation given to the wines varies by price point:
* Inexpensive wines:
* Aged in stainless steel or used barrels
* Oak alternatives (staves or chips) may be used
* Released early – 6-12 months after vintage
* Good to very good in quality and inexpensive in price
* Premium wines:
* Aged for an extended period – 12 to 15 months
* In French oak barriques
* Often more than 50% new
* Released two years after vintage
* Recently more producers have cut the use of new oak
* Very good to outstanding in quality and mid to premium priced
59
Vineyard area has decreased by ? % in decade to 2017?
7%
60
What 2 white and 1 Black grape is Elim ward renowned for?
Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon
Syrah
61
Constantia vineyards are located on the Eastern flanks of which mountain?
Table Mountain
62
Recent climatic challenge has been?
* **Recent drought**
* Irrigation is essential in many areas
* Promotion of old vines and drought resistant varieties is necessary
* Water availability is a serious issue
* Areas like Swartland, which is mainly dry farmed, very dry seasons is a serious issue
63
What is the oldest of the Cape's winegrowing areas?
Constantia
64
What are the 6 Regions that make up Western Cape GI?
Coastal Region
Breede River Valley
Cape South Coast
Klein Karoo
Olifants River
Boberg
65
Constantia is constantly cooled by:
The Cape Doctor
66
What current cools South Africa?
The Benguela Current, in the Southern Ocean, from Antarctica
67
In South African wine law, if an area of production appears on the label, what % of grapes must come from that area?
100%
68
the climate of South Africa is ?
Warm mediterranean with warm summers
69
Hemel-en-Aarde is a collective name for 3 wards in Walker Bay region - what are some details.
**WARD: Hemel-en-Aarde**
* Collective name for 3 wards: projecting inland from seaside town of Hermanus
* Cooling wind: reduce over ripening & vigour
* Aspect generally North: achieving ripeness
* Soils: 55% clay in parts of Hemel- en- Aarde (similar to burgundy); improves water holding capacity in soil
* Cover crops grown to reduce evaporation
* Chardonnay & PN main varieties, big 6 grown as well
* Some Albarino & Viognier
70
Vin de Constance wines are made with which grape?
What are its 2 South African synonyms?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat de Frontignan / Muscadel
71
Most of South Africa's wine regions are located within which Geographical Unit?
Western Cape
72
What are the 6 Geographical Units/Regions of South Africa?
Northern Cape
Eastern Cape
Western Cape
Free State
Limpopo
KwaZulu-Natal
73
What are the 2 main white grapes grown in Constantia?
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
74
Describe the climate of Elgin
* **Climate**
* Cooler than other parts; ¾ heat summation days of Stellenbosch
* Altitude; Cloud cover; Cooling influence of ocean lowers temps overall
* Cold nights & cooling summer breezes**;** slow growing season= more elegance & higher Acidity
* Rainfall - 1000mm
75
"Hanepoot" is a regional synonym from which country for which grape?
South Africa / Muscat of Alexandria
76
What is the coolest wine-growing district in South Africa?
What 3 factors provide cooling for this district?
Elgin
Proximity to the Atlantic
Prevailing wind directions
Altitude
77
Name the famous golfer who jointly owns a prestige South African winery?
Which region is it located in?
Ernie Els
Stellenbosch
78
Which wine is regarded as the top 100% Shiraz produced in South Africa?
Which region does it come from?
De Toren's "The Black Lion"
Swartland and Stellenbosch
79
What grapes are typically used for Methode Cap Classique wines?
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir
80
Which country imports more South African wine than any other?
The UK
81
What 2 styles of wine are Robertson well known for?
Which varietal is emerging in popularity?
Cap Classique production as well as red wine production.
Here, Shiraz is emerging as one of the district’s finest varietal wines.
82
Largest plantings for black grapes?
Cabernet Sauvignon
83
Chenin Blanc is the biggest white wine varietal - describe the wines and the two styles they can be made in
* Typically, Chenin Blanc wines have:
* Medium to pronounced intensity
* Ripe yellow apple or peach fruit with tropical fruit notes
* High acidity
* Medium alcohol and body
* May have vanilla and toast aromas from oak
* Quality can vary from:
* inexpensive/mid-priced, high volume wines with acceptable to good quality
* Higher quality wines, mid to premium priced, with very good to outstanding quality
* Significant producers:
* DeMorgenzon and Ken Forrester
84
What climatic impact can be a problem in South Africa?
Drought
85
What grape is Darling District renowned for?
Sauvignon Blanc
86
describe the three types of producers in the South African wine industry
* main types of producers:
* **Co-operatives**: produce & market wine or sell wine in bulk to merchants = **80% of total harvest**
* **Estate wineries**: only from own grapes and vinification to take place on own premises.
* **Wholesale merchants**: buy in grapes and bulk wine to sell it under their own label. Might also vinify their vineyards’ grapes. Act as distributors for many estates
87
The Franschhoek wine district is an important premium wine producer, describe it in detail
**FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY DISTRICT:**
* ‘French corner”
* SE of Paarl
* Narrow valley encircled by mountains on 3 sides gives a varied shelter, warmth and topography
* 2 levels of sites
* Valley floor: 300m altitude
* Higher slopes: over 600m used
* Marginally cooler climate & higher diurnal range
* Rainfall: 800mm
* Irrigation essential as soils are fast draining
* **Sav Blanc, Cab Sav, Shiraz, plus Old vine Semillon**
* Fresher quality fruit (leading producers of Cap Classique wines)
* **BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF (**Chocolate brand) & **CAPE CHAMONIX**
* **MULLINEUX – a new up and coming producer**
88
Olifants River region - the climate
Climate
Mediterranean climate with Altitude 450-550m
& Cooling from Indian Ocean
Helps produces some very high quality fruit
89
Constantia ward is a famous winegrowing region in South Africa with a long history, give details.
**_Constantia ward_**
* Dating back to 1685
* located on the Cape of Good Hope; south of Cape Town
* Home of Vin de Constance - dried Muscat dessert wine from Klein Constantia (Muscat Blanc a Petit grains)
* Surrounded by Atlantic Ocean that cools down temperature to 19C during growing season
* East facing slopes of Constantiaberg which extend south from Table Mountain
* False bay, 10 kms away, bring cooling sea breezes
* Low vigour Granite soils sit on Sandstone; good drainage
* **Rainfall - 1000mm**; concentrated in the winter (no irrigation necessary
* Sav Blanc, Chardonnay, Cab Sav, Shiraz (no PN due to windy conditions)
* Small number of producers
* Proximity to Cape Town means wine tourism is strong here
* **KLEIN CONSTANTIA & STEENBERG**
90
What are the 3 main black grapes grown in Paarl District?
Cab Sav, Syrah and Pinotage
91
What White grape is Elgin renowned for?
Sauvignon Blanc
92
The three most common South African blends?
* The most common blends are:
* **White Cape blends**
* Typically, Chenin Blanc dominant with some Rhone varieties or Chardonnay, Semillon, or Sauvignon Blanc
* **Red Bordeaux blends**
* **Red Cape Blends**
* Broader category of blends
* Generally, features significant proportion of Pinotage and or Rhone varieties
93
South Africa has introduced many programmes around its sustainability, ethical farming, fairtrade, better working conditions for workers - name as many of them as you can.
**INITIATIVES for South African wine industry:**
* In addition to Wine of Origin & certification schemes, no of initiatives created forming common goals
* **Integrated Production of Wine**
* created in 1998
* independent audited guidelines for sustainable farming covering environmental impact
* water usage, health, safety, biodiversity protection
* 95% of growers & cellars adhere to these guidelines
* **Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI)**
* created in 2005; by 2015, 90% of SA Industry able to certify wine as environmentally friendly; Name changed to **WWF-SA Conservation Champion Programme**
* biodiversity conservation
* improvement of production practices; energy efficient measures; water stewardship
* **Integrity and Sustainability seal**
* The Wine and Spirits Board together with IPW & WOSA
* introduce the industry wide Integrity & Sustainability seal in 2010
* Guarantees certified wines environmental credentials such as chemical usage; water management;
* introduction of natural predators
* **Sustainable wine SA (SWSA**): alliance between WSB, IPW, WWF, WOSA
* **Wine & Agricultural Ethical Trade Assoc**:
* Voluntary assoc. of businesses committed to an audited scheme of ethical trade
* **Focus is on reasonable working conditions for workers**
94
The small Wellington district - details?
**WELLINGTON DISTRICT:**
* 45 mins from NE Cape Town and north of Paarl
* Reputation for Shiraz & powerful red blends
* Vineyards found on Alluvial Terraces (benches) towards Swartland’s rolling hills
* Some in foothills of Hawequa Mountains; Fold & Valleys create varied meso climates
* Home to many nurseries: 85% of SA cuttings with vineyards
**BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS**
95
What 1 black and 1 white grape is Swartland most renowned for?
Old Vine Chenin Blanc
High quality Syrah
96
Name 2 important Wards and their corresponding Disctricts in the Cape South Coast region?
Elim Ward (Elgin District)
Hemel-en-Aarde (Walker Bay)
97
Founded in 1918, what was the South African state-owned wine company called?
K W V (Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika Bpkt)
98
Black grapes are \_\_\_% of Ha.?
46%
99
Walker Bay district - details
**WALKER BAY DISTRICT:**
* Adjacent to Atlantic Ocean
* The coolest regions in SA
* Most vineyards on Slate soils at 300-600m
* Chardonnay & Pinot Noir planted by Burgundy lover Tim Hamilton Russell from 1975; others followed from 1989 onwards
* Divided into wards: Bot River; 3 wards related to Hemel-en-Aarde
100
In which Region is Stellenbosch located?
Coastal Region
101
what are the rules regarding single vineyard labelling in South Africa?
* **Single Vineyard**:
* If name used on label:
* Must be registered
* planted with single variety
* not larger than 6 ha
102
Swartland is a ___ within which region?
District / Coastal Region
103
Constantia is a ward within which District / Region / Geographical Unit?
Cape Town / Coastal Region / Western Cape
104
What is the climate of the Worcester district?
What styles of wine does it produce?
- Lies at the western end of the Breede River Valley
- Hot/dry climate that requires irrigation
- reliable source of high-volume red/white wines, but mostly wines made from Chenin Blanc and Colombard.
- Much of the wine is used for distillation.
105
In which Ward / District / Region would you be likely to find the best Pinot Noir in South Africa?
Hemel-en-Aarde Ward, Walker Bay District, Cape South Coast Region
106
What are some pros and cons of strong winds from the Cape Doctor?
PROS: -suppresses fungal disease -moderates temperature.
CONS: -can injure vines and disturb flowering
107
What is the "Cape Doctor" and what are its effects on grape-growing (both positive and negative)?
A notoriously strong southeasterly wind that blows across the Western Cape throughout the spring and summer.
Inhibits fungal disease and moderates temperature.
Ferociously batters the vines.
108
What is South Africa's most planted white and red grape varieties?
White (most overall): Chenin Blanc (Steen)
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
109
The Stellenbosch and Paarl WO districts are separated by _____ Mountain.
Simonsberg
110
How does South Africa rank in world production terms?
7th largest producer in the world thanks to high yields
111
Distell group dominates the South African wine market
* Distell group dominates the domestic market - 40% of the wine volume sold!
* Distell has beer, spirits, ciders and wine
* Amarula is one of their key brands
112
What is the name of the Ward in Walker Bay District renowned for high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
Hemel-en-Aarde
113
Latitude of main winegrowing areas?
32-35 degrees S
114
What is the name of South Africa's unique red grape, and what year was it created?
How did its name originate?
Pinotage
1925
At the time, the Cinsault varietal was known as "Hermitage" in South Africa, so "Pinotage" is a portmanteu of "Pinot Noir" and "Hermitage", hence, "Pinotage".
115
Who are the big six varieties of South Africa?
big six varieties – Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz
116
What is the order of South African plantings by varietal?
The order of plantings is:
* Chenin Blanc – 19%
* Colombard – 12%
* Cabernet Sauvignon – 11%
* Syrah – 10%
* Sauvignon Blanc – 10%
* Pinotage – 7%
* Chardonnay – 7%
* Merlot – 6%
117
What % of South African plantings are black grapes?
46%
