South Africa, Argentina, and Chile Flashcards
To memorize for wine exam
What type of climate is South Africa considered in the context of winemaking?
Mediterranean climate
What are the summer months in South Africa’s winemaking climate?
November to April
What effect does the cold ocean current have on South Africa’s west coast?
Cools the west coast
What is necessary for irrigation in South Africa’s inland regions?
The inland climate makes irrigation necessary
What percentage of grape plantings in South Africa are red grapes?
44%
What percentage of all grape plantings does Cabernet Sauvignon represent in South Africa?
12%
Describe the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in South Africa.
Moderate yields, deep-coloured, tannic, full-bodied wines with blackcurrant aromas
What percentage of grape plantings in South Africa are Syrah and Shiraz combined?
10%
What are the flavor profiles of Syrah and Shiraz grapes?
Syrah: elegant and peppery; Shiraz: full-bodied, sweet, rich blackberry styles
What percentage of grape plantings does Pinotage represent in South Africa?
7%
What two varietals make up the Pinotage grape?
Pinot Noir and Cinsault
What are the flavor characteristics of Pinotage grapes?
Rich, spiced berry fruit with hints of meat, rubber, banana, or nail varnish
What grape variety represents 6% of South Africa’s plantings?
Merlot
What is a notable characteristic of South African Merlot?
Produces dark, plummy wines like Pomerol when grown on iron-rich clay soil
Where is Pinot Noir primarily grown in South Africa?
Mainly in the cooler areas
What percentage of total plantings do white wines account for in South Africa?
56%
What grape represents about 18% of white grapes grown in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc
What are the flavor profiles of Chenin Blanc?
Apple, floral, honeyed flavours
What percentage of white grapes does Sauvignon Blanc represent in South Africa?
10%
What percentage of white grapes does Chardonnay represent in South Africa?
8%
What is the significance of Muscat of Alexandria in South Africa?
Strong bouquet of flowers and intense honey flavours, often associated with dessert wines
What legislation was established in South Africa in 1972 regarding wine?
Wine of Origin legislation
List the geographical hierarchy of South African wine regions from largest to smallest.
- Regions
- Districts
- Wards
- Estates
What is required for a wine to carry the WO designation?
- 100% of grapes must be from the stated location
- Minimum of 75% of grapes must be of the vintage stated
- Minimum of 85% of the variety must be in the wine to be named on the label
Name the key wine regions of South Africa.
- Western Cape
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Kwazulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Free State
What is the temperature of Constantia during the growing season?
19˚C
What type of soils are found in Constantia?
Sandstone soils with a high concentration of loam and granite
What varieties are grown in Constantia?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet
- Merlot
- Shiraz
What is significant about the Durbanville Ward?
Cooler climate with deep soils, one of the oldest wine-producing areas
What types of wines are produced in the Stellenbosch District?
- Bordeaux varieties
- Shiraz
- Pinotage
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
What is the climate of the Paarl District?
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and damp winters
What are the key districts in the Cape South Coast Region?
- Overberg
- Walker Bay
- Elgin
What is unique about the Walker Bay District?
One of the coolest regions in South Africa with top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What types of varietals are increasingly planted in the Overberg District?
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
