South Africa Flashcards
What happened in 1994 in South Africa?
African National Congress won the first democratic elections
Which organisation controlled the South African wine industry prior to the 1990s?
KWV co-op had regulatory powers determining production volumes and prices
What were the most planted grape varieties in South Africa prior to the 1990s? What were these used for?
Highly productive varieties:
Chenin Blanc
Colombard
Cinsault
Most wine was destined for the brandy industry
What percentage of plantings in South Africa are black?
45%
How much South African wine was exported in 2018?
420 million hl
South African vineyards are found between what latitudes?
33 to 35 degrees south
What is the general climate in South Africa?
Warm mediterranean
What is the Benguela current?
- Cool current flowing north up the African coast
- Mingles with warmer Agulhas current from Indian ocean
- Lowers water temperatures between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas
- Large temperature difference between coast and land causes regular beneficial fogs and coastal breezes
What is the Cape Doctor?
What effects can it have on vineyards?
- South easterly spring / summer wind
- Extends the impact of the Benguela current
- Reduces disease pressure
- Brings occasional rain to the south coast
- Can damage leaves (affecting photosynthesis and ripeness)
- Can affect flowering and fruit set, reducing yields
What is the average rainfall in Stellenbosch?
700mm (adequate)
When does most rain fall in South Africa?
May to August
Why is rainfall north of the Western Cape lower than further south?
- Decreased impact of the Benguela current
- Protection from the mountains following the coastline
Why can winter freeze be an issue in some areas of South Africa?
Lack of consistent winter freeze can cause issues with vines failing to rest over winter
What is the most planted grape in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
Did area under vine in South Africa increase or decrease by 8% from 2008 to 2018?
Decreased
Pinotage is a crossing of which two grapes?
Pinot Noir
Cinsault
Pinotage is ____ budding and moderately susceptible to ______ ____.
It makes vines with ____ berries and wines with ____ alcohol and ____ colour.
Early budding Moderately susceptible to fungal diseases Small berries High alcohol Deep colour
What do winemakers need to avoid to make better quality Pinotage?
Avoid water stress and high fermentation temperatures
Name and describe the three main soil types in Western Cape
SOILS DERIVED FROM TABLE MOUNTAIN SANDSTONE
- Sandy, low nutrients, low water retention
- Irrigation and fertilisation may be needed
SOILS DERIVED FROM GRANITE
- Foothill slopes of mountains and hilly areas
- Good water retention, potential for dry farming
SOILS DERIVED FROM SHALE
- Good nutrient levels and water retention
- Potential for dry farming
Which two soil types in Western Cape have potential for dry farming?
Soils derived from granite and shale
Are most Cape soils overly acidic or alkali?
What effect does this have on the vines?
What can be done to compensate?
Excessively acidic
Inhibits the vine from taking up nutrients
Lime adjustments are needed to correct the pH and make it suitable for vine growth
Is vine density in South Africa low or high?
Typically low, with large vines carrying more fruit
Some higher quality producers work with closer spacing
South Africa has a legacy of plants with viral diseases - which two in particular?
What is the effect of this?
Fanleaf and leafroll
Reduced yield and added cost where badly affected vineyards need to be replanted.
This is being tackled by planting virus tested vines, but this also adds cost
What is the most common fungal disease in South Africa?
Powdery Mildew
What type of vine training is common in South Africa?
Cordon with VSP with a fruiting wire at 2.4m for ease of pruning.
Short spur pruning is common (can be mechanised) but most is done by hand due to large availability of labour
What is the Integrated Production of Wine system (IPW)?
A very detailed system introduced in 1998
Governs all aspects of growing and winemaking from carbon emissions, to staff training and conservation of soils rivers and wetlands
What percentage of South African wine export producers adhere to the IPW system?
90%
Explain the typical winemaking choices for inexpensive South African Chenin Blanc
- High yields
- Spray against disease
- Minimal sorting of fruit
- May be blended with up to 15% of another grape
- Acidification
- No MLF
- Cultured yeasts
- Cool ferment in stainless steel / cement
- Short ageing in old oak or steel
- Addition of oak flavours
- Add residual sugar (concentrated grape must)
- Stabilise, fine and filter
- Early release
- Bulk transport
- Bottled @ destination market
Explain the typical winemaking choices for quality South African Chenin Blanc
- Low yields
- Often old dry farmed bush vines
- Sometimes small amount of botrytis
- Careful sorting
- Avoid MLF
- Ambient yeasts more likely
- Cool ferment in inert vessels
- Increased use of eggs and amphorae
- 3 to 9 months on lees
- Battonage for richer style
- No sugar adjustments
- Stabilise with light fining and filtration as required
- Bottled in South Africa
Give a typical tasting note for a South African Chenin Blanc
Medium to pronounced intensity fruit Ripe, yellow apple, peach, tropical notes High acidity Medium alcohol Medium body
(Some may have vanilla and toast from new oak)
Explain the typical winemaking choices for quality South African Pinotage
- Low yields
- Careful sorting
- Cold soak prior to crushing to improve colour extraction
- Pump overs and punch downs at the start of extraction (lower alcohol means less tannin is extracted)
- Post fermentation maceration varies: lighter style typically will avoid maceration, while a traditional style will stay on skins 3 to 5 days
- 12 to 15 months ageing in French oak (typically 50% new, although oak used is falling)
- Released 2 years after vintage
Give a tasting note for a traditional South African Pinotage.
How will a lighter style differ?
Deep ruby Red plum and blackberry fruit High tannin Full body High alcohol
Lighter styles: source from cooler sites and picked earlier, no post fermentation maceration
Medium ruby
Red fruited
Medium tannins
What sort of ageing would you expect for an inexpensive South African Pinotage?
Age in stainless steel or old oak
Staves or chips may be added to give oak flavour
Wines are released early - 6 to 12 months after vintage
What is a White Cape blend?
Typically a Chenin dominant blend but with white Rhone grapes, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Most South African wine regions grow “the big six” varieties - what are these?
Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage
How do red Bordeaux blends differ from Red Cape blends?
Red Cape blend is a broader category for blends with a significant proportion of Pinotage and / or Rhone varieties
What are the four levels of the South African Wine of Origin system?
- Geographical Unit
- Region
- District
- Ward
South African Geographical Units and regions are based on __________
Districts and Wards are based on ____
Political or geographical units
Common soils, climate and ecological factors
What regulations are in place in South Africa regarding single vineyards?
If the name is to be used as part of a label, the vineyard must be…
- Registered
- Planted to a single variety
- No bigger than 6ha
For South African wines of origin:
___% of grapes are from the named place
___% are from the named vintage
___% are from the named varietal
100% of grapes are from the named place
85% are from the named vintage
85% are from the named varietal
Coastal region accounts for ___% of all South African area under vine, but produces ___% by volume.
45% of area under vine
22% by volume (low yielding)
What are the two main wards in Cape Town district?
Constantia
Durbanville
What wine is famously produced in Constantia?
Vin de Constance
A dried Muscat from Klein Constantia
Describe the growing conditions in Constantia (aspect, cooling influence, rainfall and soils).
- Vines on east facing slopes of Constantiaberg which extends from Table Mountain
- Cooling breezes from False Bay
- 1000mm rainfall (relatively high)
- Low vigour granite above a sandstone layer: good drainage
Name two significant producers in Constantia
Steenberg
Klein Constantia
Describe the growing conditions in Durbanville (aspect, altitude, cooling influence, rainfall and soils).
- East facing
- 100- 300m
- Cooling breezes and evening mists from False Bay
- Lower rainfall than Constantia: Tygerberg acts as a rainshadow
- Shale soils of Tygerberg Hills: higher water holding capacity, ability to dry farm
What is the most planted varietal in Durbanville? What style is produced?
Sauvignon Blanc
Planted on cooler, exposed sites with a greener style
Name two significant producers in Durbanville
Bloemendal
Diemersdal
Name two significant Stellenbosch producers
Rust en Vrede
Raats Family Wine
What are major contributors to quality wines produced in Stellenbosch?
- Cooler mountain slopes
- Varied soil types
- Breezes from False Bay
How do soils on the valley floor close to False Bay and on the slopes differ in Stellenbosch?
VALLEY FLOOR:
- sandy and alluvial
SLOPES:
- Predominantly shale and granite
Stellenbosch is known for producing very good to outstanding wines from which grapes?
Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends)
Shiraz
Chenin Blanc
Describe the growing conditions in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
- Lower slopes of south-west facing Simonsberg
- Slightly warmer than sites close to False Bay
- Still open to ocean breezes with higher diurnal range than lower sites
What wines is Simonsberg-Stellenbosch recognised for?
Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends) Pinotage
Name two significant producers in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
Rustenberg
Kanonkop
Where is Paarl district located?
North of Stellenbosch
How does Paarl wine compare with Stellenbosch?
It has a distinct ripeness: Paarl wines are generally fuller bodied, as the climate is warmer
What is the average rainfall in Paarl?
Where might producers source irrigation water from if needed?
800-900mm
The Berg River
Name the ward in Paarl district that is becoming increasingly known for quality wines?
Voor Pardeberg
Name two significant producers in Paarl
Vilafonte (super premium)
Nederburg
Is Simonsberg - Paarl ward at a lower or higher elevation than the rest of Paarl?
How does this effect vines grown here?
What wines are produced?
Higher
Higher diurnal range, longer, slightly cooler growing season
Fresh and intense Chardonnays, Syrahs and red blends
Describe the growing conditions in Franschhoek Valley (topography, elevations, rainfall, soils).
- Surrounded by mountains on 3 sides giving varied topography
- 300m of valley floor, up to 600m (with higher diurnal range)
- 800mm rain per year
- Fast draining soils - irrigation often needed
Which three grapes dominate plantings in Franschhoek Valley?
There are also significant old vine plantings of which additional varietal?
Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
100+ year old Semillon
Fruit from Franschhoek is often prized for bringing ___ to blends.
Freshness
Name two significant Franschhoek producers.
Boekenhoutskloof
Cape Chamonix
Describe the topography of Darling District and the soils. How do these affect the growing environment?
- Range of hills running parallel to the cold west coast
- Slopes offer a range of aspects; vines benefit from Atlantic breezes
- Weathered granite soils have good water retention
- Dry farming is possible
Comparisons are drawn between Darling and which ward? Why?
Durbanville
Both are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc production and fresher styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz
Describe the climate in Swartland
Warm, dry climate
What is the Swartland Revolution?
Who are the key figures?
- Influx of talent to Swartland since 2000
- Follow principles of low yields, organic farming, ambient yeasts, low SO2, old vines, and old oak maturation
Charles Back (Spice Route), Sadie and Mullineux
What are the main soils in Swartland?
Diverse, but mainly low fertility granite and shale (particularly round Pardeberg)
What is the average rainfall in Swartland, and when does most of it fall?
500mm, mostly falling in the growing season.
Use of irrigation can guarantee yields
Why does Tulbagh District receive no cooling influence from the coast?
What other factors provide cooling relief in this district?
It is a warm dry sheltered valley surrounded by a horseshoe shaped mountain range.
- Altitude on higher slopes (400 to 500m)
- Shade from mountains
- Trapping of cool mountain air in the valley
What quality of wine is produced in Tulbagh?
History of inexpensive wines from Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Colombard
Some Pinotage grown here is blended into premium cape blends
Wellington District is building a reputation for what styles of wine?
Shiraz and powerful red blends
Where are wineries located in Wellington district?
- Some stretch over the alluvial terraces towards the rolling hills of Swartland
- Others are at the foothills of the Hawequa mountains where folds and valleys create unique mesoclimates
Breede River Valley is a ___ ___ region producing most of South Africa’s wines at high yields.
It also produces a lot of grapes for ____.
The ____ ____ is a key source of irrigation water
Warm, dry region.
Distilling
Breede River
What can delay budburst in Breedekloof?
Winter and spring snows
Spring frost
Where is Breedekloof located?
Describe the climate and soils here.
In the upper area of the Breede River Valley
Warm continental climate (longer hang time, later harvest)
Cooling summer south-east winds moderate temperature and reduce disease pressure
Soils and aspects are varied
Name the important co-op in Breedekloof.
Du Toitskloof Cellar
Why does Worcester have low rainfall (400mm)?
Describe the soils.
What are grapes from here used for mainly?
In the rain shadow of surrounding mountains
Relies heavily on irrigation
Fertile loamy soils
Still chiefly produces grapes for distilling
Describe the climatic conditions in Robertson District.
What are the soils like here?
Warm with low rainfall - irrigation is needed
South east winds act as a cooling influence and bring moisture
Land is flat, soils are fertile
Mostly high volume production
What is the most northerly region in the Western Cape?
What is the climate like here?
Olifants River Region
Dry, warm climate: needs irrigation from Olifants River
Name 2 districts and 2 wards in Olifants River known for producing dry farmed fruit.
What price and quality would you expect from these wines?
DISTRICTS:
Citrusdal Mountain
Lutzville Valley
WARDS:
Bamboes Bay
Piekenierskloof
Very good to outstanding, premium price
Name three cooling influences in Olifants River Region
- Altitude (450-500m)
- Aspect
- Atlantic ocean influence
Cape South Coast Region is strongly influenced by the ____ ____, and while plantings are ____ and ____, the area is well-known for producing ____ ____ wines.
Atlantic Ocean
Plantings are small and recent
High quality
What are the three most planted varieties in Cape South Coast Region?
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Where is Walker Bay located?
Immediately adjacent to the Atlantic - cooler climate
What is Tim Hamilton Russel known for?
He pioneered planting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Walker Bay
What are the names of the three wards in Hemel en Aard?
Hemel en Aarde Valley
Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley
Hemel en Aarde Ridge
Describe growing conditions in Hemel en Aarde (cooling influence, exposition, soils)
- Cooling winds: reduce vigour and risk of over-ripening
- North facing vineyards maximise sun exposure in a cool climate
- High clay content in areas improves water retention
- Cover crops prevent water evaporation
What styles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced in Hemel en Aarde Valley?
What growing conditions contribute to this
Fresh, bright wines with distinct ripeness (some high abv Pinots)
It is the lowest altitude Hemel en Aarde ward, but the closest to the cooling effects of the Atlantic Ocean
What effect do the Babylonstoren Mountains have on the Hemel en Aarde Ridge ward?
What aspect / elevation are vineyards here?
Act as a cloud trap, collecting moisture and providing regular shade
South and east facing, up to 400m above sea level
Bot River Ward is _____ than Hemel en Aarde but ___ than Paarl and Stellenbosch
What provides cooling influences here?
Warmer than Hemel en Aarde
Cooler than Paarl and Stellenbosch
The Bot River Lagoon funnels cold wines towards the slopes of nearby mountain ranges
What styles of wine are produced in Bot River Ward?
Fresh styles of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc (long growing season)
Warmth to ripen Rhône varietals and Pinotage
Describe the growing conditions in the district of Elgin (elevation, cooling influences, rainfall)
- Inland plateau 200-400m
- Cooling influences from altitude, cloud cover and ocean: cold nights and cool summer breezes
- 1000mm of rain (some disease pressure but also some botrytised wines)
What styles of wines are often produced in Elgin?
Fresher styles of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz
What styles of wine are produced in Klein Karoo Region?
- Port style wines from Portuguese varietals
- Fortified Muscats
- Some Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz show promise in cooler areas
What is the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) being replaced with in South Africa?
What does this initiative recognise?
WWF SA Conservation Champion Programme
Recognises producers who commit to biodiversity conservation and improvement of production practices, energy efficient practices and water stewardship
What is the Integrity and Sustainability Seal?
- Released in 2010 by the Wine and Spirits Board with IPW
- Guarantees a certified wine’s environmental credentials
- Seal links with Wine of Origin programme to increase traceability
What is the name of the alliance between the Wine and Spirits Board, IPW, Word Wildlife Fund and WOSA?
Sustainable Wine South Africa (SWSA)
What is the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA)?
- Voluntary scheme
- Businesses commit to an audited scheme of ethical trade with a focus on reasonable working conditions
How did the introduction of democracy in 1994 help the South African wine industry?
- Removal of trade sanctions meant that exports were possible
- Increased foreign investment (capital investment and new knowledge and insight)
- Starting in 1992, the rights of the KWV were repealed and it was reorganised into a private business by 1997
- The end of this highly regulated system meant producers could begin to focus on quality
What is the KWV?
A giant co-operative that dominated the South African wine industry
It had regulatory powers to determine production volumes and powers
Which organisation was established when South Africa re-entered the international arena to promote the wines abroad?
How was it funded?
Wines of South Africa
Funded mainly by export levies
How much South African wine is consumed domestically?
What styles dominate the home market?
50%
Value wines - packaging in 1l bricks is popular
____ ____ dominates sales domestically, representing 40% by volume sold in South Africa
Distell Group
Which country represents 25% of all South African exports by volume?
Which other countries are important export markets?
UK
Germany
Increasingly USA, China, and other African countries are becoming important
