South Africa Flashcards
Name 3 features that allow what would otherwise be a hot climate to be hospitable to grape growing.
Cooling influences from the Southern Ocean, the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic running up the west coast, the south-easterly summer winds known as the Cape Doctor. Additionally, the mountain ranges offering differing altitudes and aspects (vines can be planted on the southern slopes to benefit from cooler temperatures).
Name 5 black varieties in South Africa.
Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot, Pinotage (pinot x cinsault).
Which is the most widely planted black variety?
Cabernet. Most reds are matured in oak, some new, giving toasty aromas.
Describe the various styles of Pinotage.
From light, fruity, with red berry flavors to old bush vines that are very full bodied with rich, spiced berry fruit. With oak, it can take on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.
Name the principal white varieties in South Africa.
Chenin Blanc (most widely planted of either color), SauvBlanc, Chard. and Columbard (2nd most widely planted white - used in Brandy production).
How do the styles of SauvBlanc differ?
Generally herbaceous. Cool regions produce flavors of citrus and green fruit. Warmer regions need to be picked early to retain such flavors and acidity.
Name 2 techniques that contribute to premium Chard?
Barrel fermentation and lees-stirring.
What variety is used to produce late-harvest desert wines?
Muscat of Alexandria (Hanepoot). Grapes are left to shrivel on the vines. Noble rot can also influence these wines.
High quality blends of Chenin Blanc with Rhone varieties such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier have emerged from which area?
Swartland.
Where do 90% of the wines in South Africa come from?
Western Cape. The remainder come from the hot and irrigated Orange River in the Northern Cape (inexpensive whites that are rarely exported).
If a wine sources their fruit from a wider area than it’s GI, how are they labeled?
With a region (e.g. Coastal Region), or a geographical unit (e.g. Western Cape). Many premium wines are made this way.
Name the 3 wine regions in South Africa.
Coastal, Cape South Coast, and Breede River Valley.
Name 3 Districts in the Coastal Region.
Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Constantia.
What is Stellenbosch known for?
Top class reds, particularly cab and merlot, often blended.
What makes Stellenbosch ideal for grape growing?
Moderate to warm climate, sufficient rainfall in the winter, summers that are cooled by False Bay winds funneled from the mountains, but most importantly, the variety of altitude, aspect and soil.
Where is the Paarl District located?
Just north of Stellenbosch. More inland; therefore temperatures warmer in summer, but moderated by cool night-time temperatures. Mountains offer a variety of altitude, aspects and soils.
What grapes are grown in Paarl?
Cab, Syrah and Pinotage. Chenin Blanc and Chard.
Where is Constantia and what is it known for?
In the Cape Peninsula on the eastern end of Table Mountain. Cooled by Cape Doctor. Known for its SauvBlanc.
What is the sweet wine produced in this District from late harvest Muscat?
Vin de Constance.
What other varieties does Constantia grow?
SauvBlanc, Semillon. Some Sharaz and cab in the warmer sites.
What District lies to the north of Cape Town?
Swartland. Formerly known for inexpensive wine, now a center of premium wine production.
What is Swartland known for?
old vine Chenin Blanc and high quality Syrah (dry farmed without irrigation).
What District sits to the south-west of Swartland?
Darling. Receives cooling sea breezes. Built its reputation on SauvBlanc, but now has other varieties and is a source of old vines.
Name the two Districts in the Breede River Valley?
Worcester and Robertson.
What is Worcester known for?
Hot, dry, irrigated, Western end of Worcester. Fertile soils. Known for a significant proportion of South Africa’s production. majority of which is white from Chenin Blanc and Columbard. Much of it is used for distillation.
What is Robertson known for?
Also a reliable source of well-made wine for high volume brands. But due to cooling winds and outcrops of infertile soils, can also produce excellent Syrah’s and full bodied Chards.
Name 2 Districts in the Cape South Coast?
Walker Bay and Elgin. Walker Bay contains various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde.
What is Cape South Coast known for?
Some of the best fruit and wines, esp. Chard and Pinot.
What factor cools the Elgin District?
Altitude. It has a reputation for intense, fresh SauvBlanc and is showing promise for Pinot, Chard and Syrah.
In the east of Walker Bay is Elim Ward. What is it known for?
Pungent, herbaceous SauvBlanc.
