South Africa Flashcards
Wset
Cooling influences in South Africa
The cold Benguela Current (cools coastal areas, flows up from Antarctic)
Strong south-easterly winds known as Cape Doctor (being cool air from the ocean further inland)
Mountain ranges provide region with different altitudes which results in sites with different climates. Vines may be planted on the southern slopes of mountains to benefit from cooler temperatures. Mountains can also provide a shadow, giving slightly cooler temperatures.
Syrah in South Africa
Very widely planted in South Africa. In hot climate, it gives rich, full-bodied reds that are often high in alcohol and display ripe black fruit flavours, sometimes with an earthy or meaty character.
It’s also grown in some cooler sites, giving leaner and peppery examples.
Describe wine made with Pinotage
Can be blended with international varieties to make ‘cape blend’
On its own, CNA be made in a light, fruity style with red berry flavours, whereas wines from old bush vine may be very full-bodied, with rich, spiced, berry fruit.
When aged with with heavily toasted oak staves, Pinotage can take on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.
In what style is Chenin Blanc made ?
At a basic level, Chenin Blanc can be an easyf thinking wine with simple stone fruit flavours.
An increasing number of producers, make Chenin Blanc form old bush vines, which can offer more concentrated flavour and a fuller texture.
District withing Coastal region that has built reputation for top class red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cape Blends
The Stellenbosch
District north of Stellenbosch with hotter temperatures due to cooking effect from the ocean, that grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
The Paarl
Ward in the Cape Peninsula with some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape.
Constantia
These vineyards are cooled by the Cape Doctor.
Produces have a particular reputation for Sauvignon Blanc.
Ward in the Tygerberg district with reputation for Sauvignon Blanc
Durbanville
The district north of Cape Town that used to to be an important source of bulk wines
Swartland
Districts and ward within Coastal region
The Stellenbosch district
The Paarl district
Constantia ward
Sweet wine made in Constantia ward
Vin de Constance made from late-harvested Muscat
Districts within Breeds River Valley
The Worcester (hot and dry climate, high-volume branded wine) The Robertson (similar, but slightly cooler climate, high-volume wines but due to cooking influences also a source of excellent Syrah and full-bodied Chardonnay)
Where do premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir come from?
Walker Bay district.
Ward within a Walker Bay district
Hemel-en-Aarde
District to the north-west of Walker Bay with cooking influences that produces intense, fresh Sauvignon Blanc
Elgin District
