South Africa Flashcards
What was South Africa’s wine industry like before the 1990s?
Dominated by giant cooperative KWV that had regulatory powers to determine production volumes and prices
What is the main cooling influence in South Africa?
cold, north-flowing Benguela Current; creates lower temps, coastal fog, and cooling breezes
What is the Cape Doctor? What effect does this have on vineyards?
a south-easterly wind during spring and summer in South Africa that extends the impact of the Benguela current; inhibits disease, but can affect photosynthesis, berry set, and flowering (reducing yields)
What is the world’s biggest producer of Chenin Blanc?
South Africa (double the area planted in the Loire Valley)
Describe Pinotage.
A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Early budding, and resistant to fungal diseases; only needs a short maceration to get a deep, full color; can be high sugar/high alcohol; much better quality now than in past
What are the three main soil types in South Africa?
Table Mountain sandstone (need irrigation/fertilization)
Granite (can be dry-farmed)
Shale (can be dry-farmed)
most Cape soils are very acid; require heavy lime adjustments to be able to grow grapes
___% of all South African export producers adhere to the Integrated Production of Wine (sustainability program)
90%
What are the “big six” varieties grown in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage Shiraz
What are White Cape and Red Cape blends?
White Cape: typically Chenin-dominant blends
Red Cape: significant proportion of Pinotage
From biggest to smallest, what is the hierarchy of the Wine of Origin scheme in South Africa?
Geographical unit - very large areas
Region - large areas named after major feature
District
Ward - defined area within a district
What sort of production levels and quality are wines from South Africa’s Coastal Region known for?
Lower yields, higher quality except for inexpensive wines that have been blended from across the region
Which ward is very close to Cape Town? How does this affect production?
Constantia ward; very old and historic, but not many producers. All focus on high-quality production and tourism
What district do Constantia and Durbanville belong to?
Cape Town district
What is the business and educational hub of South African wine?
Stellenbosch
Where is Paarl, and how do its wines compare to those of Stellenbosch?
north of Stellenbosch; wines are generally riper, fuller-bodied
