South Africa Flashcards
1
Q
When and where did South Africa’s wine making start?
A
- when European settlers arrived 360 years ago
- Cape of Good Hope
2
Q
South Africa’s wine industry before 1990s
A
- dominated by giant co-operative KWV
- it determined production volumes and prices
- high production Chenin, Colombard, Cinsault
- most for brandy, only 1/3 for wine
3
Q
Comparison of South African wine industry 1990 v 2017
A
- 1990 1/3 grapes (Chenin, Colombard, Cinsault) made into wine - rest brandy
- exports 22m litres
- 2017 4/5 made into wine
- Chenin Blanc still biggest, but 45% now black grapes
- exports 450m litres
- issues of low prices for inexpensive wines/ profitability remain
4
Q
What transformed the South African wine industry?
A
- 1994 ANC (African National Congress) won first democratic elections
- KWV’s rights repealed and became private business in 1997
- WOSA (Wines of South Africa) funded by export levies to promote SA wine in international markets
5
Q
Climate of South Africa’s Western Cape
A
- Latitude 33-35o (like California/ Israel)
- generally warm Mediterranean BUT sea, mountains, slopes, aspect, most cooled by proximity to ocean
- cold Benguela current flowing from South Pole
- flows north up western coast
- cools warm Mozambique current (Indian Ocean) between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas
- high temp diff between land and sea causes beneficial coastal fog and cooling breezes
- Cape Doctor south-easterly spring/summer extends impact of Benguela current
6
Q
What is the Cape Doctor and its effect?
A
- south-easterly wind in spring and summer in S Africa
- positive
- extends impact of cold Benguela current
- inhibits disease
- brings occasional rain to South Coast
- negative
- can damage leaves, affect photosynthesis/ripeness
- affect flowering/ berry set, reducing yields
7
Q
water in South Africa
A
- rainfall between May and August
- usually enough for grape growing (Stellenbosch 700mm)
- less in north of Western Cape as
- less impact from Benguela current
- protection of mountains that follow coastline
- irrigation or old vines essential in drier areas
- many vineyards have drip irrigation but recent prolonged drought makes water availability major issue - esp in Swartland where predominantly dry-farmed
8
Q
is there frost in South Africa?
A
- yes, occasionally, esp in the Breedekloof ward
- a lack of consistent winter freeze can cause issues with vines failing to rest over winter
9
Q
over 80% of South Africa’s plantings come from eight varieties (2017)
name them and their percentage of plantings)
A
- Chenin Blanc (19%) - double the Loire
- Colombard (12%)
- Cabernet-Sauvignon (11%)
- = Syrah (10%)
- = Sauvignon Blanc (10%)
- = Pinotage (7%)
- = Chardonnay (7%)
- Merlot 6%
10
Q
how much did South African plantings increase in the decade to 2017?
A
- they didn’t
- steady decrease by 7%
11
Q
one slide on Pinotage
A
- 1925 Stellenbosch Uni cross of Pinot Noir & Cinsault (then called Hermitage)
- early budding (no Spring frost in warmer parts of Cape)
- q good resistance to fungal disease
- reaches high sugar levels in small berries = high alcohol, deep colour after short time on skins after fermentation (3 days light, 5 days full-bodied style)
- previously reputation for poor quality
- now improved: better grown (eg avoid water stress), better made (avoid hot fermentation)
12
Q
Colombard in South Africa
A
- 2nd most planted grape (12% plantings)
- as in SW France produces neutral white medium to medium(+) acidity, typically used in blends (and brandy)
13
Q
three main soil types in Western Cape of South Africa
A
- Table Mountain sandstone (sandy, low nutrient and low water retention: may need irrigation/fertilisation)
- Granite soil: hilly areas/ mountain foothills - good water-retention, potential for dry-farming
- Shale: good nutrient levels and good water-retention, potential for dry-farming
14
Q
what usually needs adjustment in Cape soils?
A
- pH levels
- Cape soils excessively acid, so lime needed
- otherwise vines would not access nutrients in soil and yields would be lower
15
Q
vine training and density in South Africa
A
- commonly cordon with VSP at 2.4m for ease of pruning
- short spur pruning common, can be mechanised, but most picking by hand as labour readily available
- density typically low, with large vines carrying more fruit
- higher quality growers using closer spacing
16
Q
Issues in the vineyard in South Africa
A
- acidic soils (add lime)
- drought
- viral diseases : leafroll, fanleaf (replant vineyards)
- fungal diseases: powdery mildew (systemic fungicides, organic methods)
17
Q
why are average yields for Chenin Blanc in Olifant’s River four times those of Swartland?
A
- irrigation v dry farming
- heavily fruited vines v dense planting
- lareg scale, fertile v old vines
18
Q
Describe the Integrated Production of Wine system (IPW) in South Africa
A
- introduced in 1998
- governs all aspects of growing/wine-making
- carbon emissions
- to staff training,
- conservation of soils, rivers, wetlands
- 90% S African producers (95% all grapes) adhere to it
- mainly self regulated, but annual aduits/ spot checks
19
Q
organic and biodynamic wine production in South Africa
A
- few actually accredited
- but many adhere to philosophy of integrated pest management
- 90% follow IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) system introduced in 1998
20
Q
High volume inexpensive Chenin Blanc versus small volume premium wine-making in South Africa
Step 1. vineyard and blend
A
- High volume:
- fruit grown at high yields
- vineyards sprayed regularly to avoid all botrytis
- minimal or no sorting
- Blended up to 15% less valuable eg Colombard
- Small volume premium
- low yields, often on old, dryland vines
- may allow small botyrtis if desired in final wine
- careful sorting of harvest
- 100% Chenin Blanc
