South Africa Copied & Amended Flashcards
What white grapes are grown in the cooler sites in Stellenbosch?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc
What is Pinotage a Crossing of?
Pinot Noir and Cinsault
Due to the _____ Current, South Africa’s coastal climate is cooler than its latitude suggests.
Benguela
KWV, created in 1918 had monopolistic powers, what happened once democracy in South Africa arrived?
- From 1992, KWV’s rights systematically repealed; reorganized as a private business
- It had tremendous powers such as:
- fixing prices (distilling & beverage wine),
- approve purchases of wine
- set quotas of plantings;
- control import, marketing, distribution of vine cuttings
- It had tremendous powers such as:
What do the terms “Single Vineyard” and “Estate Wine” stipulate on a South African wine label?
Single Vineyard Wine may be used for wines sourced solely from the vineyard, provided it is appropriately registered and of less than 6 hectares.
Estate wines must be produced from contiguous parcels of vineyard land, and vinified and bottled on a single property.
What grape is Durbanville renowned for?
Sauvignon Blanc
What is a South African red wine blend called when it is a blend of Pinotage and other International grapes?
Cape Blend
South African has enjoyed great export success since re entering the international markets in early 90s - what volume growth, what markets, bulk vs. packaged and price point?
- Export success
- 22 million litres in 1992 to 450 million litres in 2017
- From 20 export countries to over 135 countries
- The key countries are:
- UK – 23% of total exports by volume
- Germany is second…..
- USA
- China
- Countries in Africa
- Packaged wine is 39% of exports
- Bulk wine is the remaining 61%
- The average price for the wine is low
Many producers are below a sustainable level of income
Main soil types - there are three generic ones - name and describe them
-
3 Main types of soils
-
Table Mountain Sandstone:
- Sandy; Low nutrients& water retaining properties
- need attention to irrigation & fertilization
-
Granite:
- Found on foothill slopes & hilly areas
- Good water retention; potential for dry farming
-
Shale:
- Good nutrient levels
- Water retentive
- Potential for dry farming
-
Table Mountain Sandstone:
What is the most planted white grape in South Africa, and what is its South African nickname?
What are 6 other important white grapes (2 with specific South African synonyms)?
Chenin Blanc aka “Steen”
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Cape Riesling (a synonym for Crouchen Blanc unrelated to Riesling), Hanepoot (Muscat of Alexandria), and Gewürztraminer.
What is the climate of Stellenbosch?
What, if anything, provides cooling?
Name some of the grapes planted.
Warm Mediterranean climate
Moderated by:
Cool winds from False Bay funnel winds through mountains into valleys
Altitude with vineyards up to 600mRL
Black: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage
White: Sauv Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Wine geographical hierarchy for South Africa?
-
Geographical Unit:
- Very large areas
- E.g. Western Cape – accounts for nearly all SA wine by volume!
-
Region:
- Named after major feature - Coastal region or Brede River valley
-
District:
- Wider categories of Soils, Climate, Ecology; Stellenbosch or Walker bay; like major center or mountain range; some have no wards
-
Ward:
- defined area within a district: based on common soils, climate, ecological factors
- some have no districts but relate to a region
What are the different style of Pinotage made in S. Africa?
- Sometimes blended with int’l varieties to make a “Cape Blend”
- Can be made in a light, fruity style with red berry flavors.
- Wines from old bush vines may be very full-bodied, with rich, spiced berry fruit.
- When fermented with oak, Pinotage takes on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.
Paarl is located to the ________________ of Stellenbosch.
Northeast
In which Unit / Region / District is the Ward of Constantia?
Western Cape / Coastal Region / Cape Town District
Domestic consumption?
- Local consumption relatively low with 50% of the annual production consumed domestically
The most planted white grapes in Stellenbosch is:
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay
What are the rules for ‘Estate Wines’ in South Africa?
Grapes must come from estate vineyards in one GI. Estate must process from grape to wine incl bottling
What is the signature black grape of South Africa?
What is the most planted black grape?
What are 6 other popular black grapes planted?
Pinotage.
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cinsault, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Tinta Barroca
What is ‘Dry Farming’, what outcome does it provide and which South African District often uses it?
Vine growing without irrigation
Reduced yields = more concentrated fruit flavours Swartland
South Africa produces Fairtrade wine - how much?
- SA largest producer of Fairtrade wine globally: 2/3rds of Fairtrade wine sales
What are 3 key Districts and 2 Wards in the Coastal Region in South Africa?
Stellenbosch District / Paarl District / Swartland District
Durbanville Ward / Constantia Ward
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - details?
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (ward):
- lowest in Altitude; closest to Atlantic; Original planting area
- PN & Chardonnay thrive here; fresher & brighter style than inland
- PN can reach 14% ABV here
- BOUCHARD FINLAYSON (Peter Finlayson) established in 1989
What are the 3 Districts that make up Breede River Valley Region in South Africa?
Worcester District
Robertson District
Breedekloof
What is Stellenbosch District most renowned for?
2 specific examples of this wine:
Top class red wines Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends with Merlot (Cape Blends), Syrah.
Warwick Estate’s “Trilogy”
Meerlust’s “Rubicon”
The South African appellation system is goverened by which body?
What is the 4-part hierarchy of wines?
The Wine of Origin System (WO)
Geographical Units / Regions / Districts / Wards
rainfall of Olifants river
200mm and lower
Which region surrounds South Africa’s Cape Town?
Coastal Region
Olifants river region is the source of ? and name some districts and wards
- Source of dry farmed, old vines
- Districts: Citrusdal mountain, Lutzville valley districts
- Wards: Bamboes Bay, Piekenierskloof wards in this region
What is the widest planted grape variety in South Africa by volume / acreage?
Chenin Blanc
Pinotage - describe the two styles that can be found in South Africa now
- Traditional:
- Deep ruby in colour
- Red plum, Blackberry fruit; High tannins;
- Full body; High Alcohol
- on skins post fermentation for 3 to 5 days to get deeper colour
- Lighter style:
- grown on cooler sites or picked earlier
- Medium Ruby colour and Red fruits
- Medium Tannins
- Typically, NOT macerated post fermentation
Swartland is located within which region?
Coastal Region
What is the name of the wind that brings cool air inland?
The Cape Doctor
What percentage of grapes must originate from a WO area in order to include it on a label?
100%
Maturation of inexpensive verus premium Pinotage?
- Also, the maturation given to the wines varies by price point:
- Inexpensive wines:
- Aged in stainless steel or used barrels
- Oak alternatives (staves or chips) may be used
- Released early – 6-12 months after vintage
- Good to very good in quality and inexpensive in price
- Premium wines:
- Aged for an extended period – 12 to 15 months
- In French oak barriques
- Often more than 50% new
- Released two years after vintage
- Recently more producers have cut the use of new oak
- Very good to outstanding in quality and mid to premium priced
- Inexpensive wines:
Constantia vineyards are located on the Eastern flanks of which mountain?
Table Mountain
Recent climatic challenge has been?
-
Recent drought
- Irrigation is essential in many areas
- Promotion of old vines and drought resistant varieties is necessary
- Water availability is a serious issue
- Areas like Swartland, which is mainly dry farmed, very dry seasons is a serious issue
What is the oldest of the Cape’s winegrowing areas?
Constantia
What are the 5 Regions that make up Western Cape GI?
Coastal Region
Breede River Valley
Cape South Coast
Klein Karoo
Olifants River
Constantia is constantly cooled by:
The Cape Doctor
What current cools South Africa?
The Benguela Current, in the Southern Ocean, from Antarctica
In South African wine law, if an area of production appears on the label, what % of grapes must come from that area?
100%
the climate of South Africa is ?
Warm mediterranean with warm summers
Hemel-en-Aarde is a collective name for 3 wards in Walker Bay region - what are some details.
WARD: Hemel-en-Aarde
- Collective name for 3 wards: projecting inland from seaside town of Hermanus
- Cooling wind: reduce over ripening & vigour
- Aspect generally North: achieving ripeness
- Soils: 55% clay in parts of Hemel- en- Aarde (similar to burgundy); improves water holding capacity in soil
- Cover crops grown to reduce evaporation
- Chardonnay & PN main varieties, big 6 grown as well
- Some Albarino & Viognier
Most of South Africa’s wine regions are located within which Geographical Unit?
Western Cape
Describe the climate of Elgin
-
Climate
- Cooler than other parts; ¾ heat summation days of Stellenbosch
- Altitude; Cloud cover; Cooling influence of ocean lowers temps overall
- Cold nights & cooling summer breezes; slow growing season= more elegance & higher Acidity
- Rainfall - 1000mm
What is the coolest wine-growing district in South Africa?
What 3 factors provide cooling for this district?
Elgin
Proximity to the Atlantic
Prevailing wind directions
Altitude
Which country imports more South African wine than any other?
The UK
What 2 styles of wine are Robertson well known for?
Which varietal is emerging in popularity?
Cap Classique production as well as red wine production.
Here, Shiraz is emerging as one of the district’s finest varietal wines.
Largest plantings for black grapes?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chenin Blanc is the biggest white wine varietal - describe the wines and the two styles they can be made in
- Typically, Chenin Blanc wines have:
- Medium to pronounced intensity
- Ripe yellow apple or peach fruit with tropical fruit notes
- High acidity
- Medium alcohol and body
- May have vanilla and toast aromas from oak
- Quality can vary from:
- inexpensive/mid-priced, high volume wines with acceptable to good quality
- Higher quality wines, mid to premium priced, with very good to outstanding quality
- Significant producers:
- DeMorgenzon and Ken Forrester
What climatic impact can be a problem in South Africa?
Drought
What grape is Darling District renowned for?
Sauvignon Blanc
The Franschhoek wine district is an important premium wine producer, describe it in detail
FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY DISTRICT:
- ‘French corner”
- SE of Paarl
- Narrow valley encircled by mountains on 3 sides gives a varied shelter, warmth and topography
- 2 levels of sites
- Valley floor: 300m altitude
- Higher slopes: over 600m used
- Marginally cooler climate & higher diurnal range
- Rainfall: 800mm
- Irrigation essential as soils are fast draining
- Sav Blanc, Cab Sav, Shiraz, plus Old vine Semillon
- Fresher quality fruit (leading producers of Cap Classique wines)
- BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF (Chocolate brand) & CAPE CHAMONIX
- MULLINEUX – a new up and coming producer
Olifants River region - the climate
Climate
Mediterranean climate with Altitude 450-550m
& Cooling from Indian Ocean
Helps produces some very high quality fruit
What are the 3 main black grapes grown in Paarl District?
Cab Sav, Syrah and Pinotage
The three most common South African blends?
- The most common blends are:
-
White Cape blends
- Typically, Chenin Blanc dominant with some Rhone varieties or Chardonnay, Semillon, or Sauvignon Blanc
- Red Bordeaux blends
-
Red Cape Blends
- Broader category of blends
- Generally, features significant proportion of Pinotage and or Rhone varieties
-
White Cape blends
South Africa has introduced many programmes around its sustainability, ethical farming, fairtrade, better working conditions for workers - name as many of them as you can.
INITIATIVES for South African wine industry:
- In addition to Wine of Origin & certification schemes, no of initiatives created forming common goals
-
Integrated Production of Wine
- created in 1998
- independent audited guidelines for sustainable farming covering environmental impact
- water usage, health, safety, biodiversity protection
- 95% of growers & cellars adhere to these guidelines
-
Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI)
- created in 2005; by 2015, 90% of SA Industry able to certify wine as environmentally friendly; Name changed to WWF-SA Conservation Champion Programme
- biodiversity conservation
- improvement of production practices; energy efficient measures; water stewardship
-
Integrity and Sustainability seal
- The Wine and Spirits Board together with IPW & WOSA
- introduce the industry wide Integrity & Sustainability seal in 2010
- Guarantees certified wines environmental credentials such as chemical usage; water management;
- introduction of natural predators
- Sustainable wine SA (SWSA): alliance between WSB, IPW, WWF, WOSA
-
Wine & Agricultural Ethical Trade Assoc:
- Voluntary assoc. of businesses committed to an audited scheme of ethical trade
- Focus is on reasonable working conditions for workers
The small Wellington district - details?
WELLINGTON DISTRICT:
- 45 mins from NE Cape Town and north of Paarl
- Reputation for Shiraz & powerful red blends
- Vineyards found on Alluvial Terraces (benches) towards Swartland’s rolling hills
- Some in foothills of Hawequa Mountains; Fold & Valleys create varied meso climates
- Home to many nurseries: 85% of SA cuttings with vineyards
BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
Founded in 1918, what was the South African state-owned wine company called?
K W V (Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika Bpkt)
Black grapes are ___% of Ha.?
46%
Walker Bay district - details
WALKER BAY DISTRICT:
- Adjacent to Atlantic Ocean
- The coolest regions in SA
- Most vineyards on Slate soils at 300-600m
- Chardonnay & Pinot Noir planted by Burgundy lover Tim Hamilton Russell from 1975; others followed from 1989 onwards
- Divided into wards: Bot River; 3 wards related to Hemel-en-Aarde
In which Region is Stellenbosch located?
Coastal Region
Swartland is a ___ within which region?
District / Coastal Region
Constantia is a ward within which District / Region / Geographical Unit?
Cape Town / Coastal Region / Western Cape
What is the climate of the Worcester district?
What styles of wine does it produce?
- Lies at the western end of the Breede River Valley
- Hot/dry climate that requires irrigation
- reliable source of high-volume red/white wines, but mostly wines made from Chenin Blanc and Colombard.
- Much of the wine is used for distillation.
In which Ward / District / Region would you be likely to find the best Pinot Noir in South Africa?
Hemel-en-Aarde Ward, Walker Bay District, Cape South Coast Region
What are some pros and cons of strong winds from the Cape Doctor?
PROS: -suppresses fungal disease -moderates temperature.
CONS: -can injure vines and disturb flowering
What is the “Cape Doctor” and what are its effects on grape-growing (both positive and negative)?
A notoriously strong southeasterly wind that blows across the Western Cape throughout the spring and summer.
Inhibits fungal disease and moderates temperature.
Ferociously batters the vines.
Distell group dominates the South African wine market
- Distell group dominates the domestic market - 40% of the wine volume sold!
- Distell has beer, spirits, ciders and wine
- Amarula is one of their key brands
What is the name of the Ward in Walker Bay District renowned for high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
Hemel-en-Aarde
Latitude of main winegrowing areas?
32-35 degrees S
Who are the big six varieties of South Africa?
big six varieties – Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz
