South Africa - General Flashcards
When was the first vineyard established in what is now South Africa?
1655
When did the Huguenots arrive in South Africa, bringing with them winemaking knowledge? In which region did they settle?
1680-90s
Franschhoek
When was the Constantia Estate established? When was it divided into two estates and what were their names?
Established 1685 by Simon van der Stel.
Divided into Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia in 1712, when van der Stel died.
What grape variety is Constantia wine made from?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (and the red berried version for red wines)
When was Groot Constantia purchased by the state, bringing to an end the golden age of Constantia wine?
1885
What is the name of South Africa’s co-operative of wine growers and makers?
KMV
Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika
When was the KMV established and why?
1918
Due to a surplus of grapes and plummeting prices. Had the support of 90% of South African growers
When was the KMV converted to a private company?
1997
When was the Wine of Origin scheme established?
1973
What are the six large geographical units of South Africa for wine?
Western Cape Northern Cape Eastern Cape Kwazulu-Natal Limpopo Free State
What is the single ward within Eastern Cape geographical unit?
St Francis Bay
Does Limpopo geographical unit have regions, districts or wards?
No regions, districts or wards
What are the two districts of the Northern Cape geographical unit?
Douglas district
Sutherland-Karoo district
What are the three independent wards of the Northern Cape geographical unit?
Central Orange River ward
Hartswater ward
Prieska ward
Does Free State geographical unit have regions, districts or wards?
No regions
No districts
One ward -
Rietriever FS ward
Does Kwazulu-Natal geographical unit have regions, districts or wards?
No regions
Two districts -
Central Drakensberg district
Lions River district
No wards
Does Northern Cape geographical unit have regions, districts or wards?
No regions
Two districts -
Douglas district
Sutherland-Karoo district
Three wards - all independent
Central Orange River ward
Hartswater ward
Prieska ward
Does Eastern Cape geographical unit have regions, districts or wards?
No regions
No districts
One ward -
St Francis Bay
How many regions are within the Western Cape geographical unit?
Six regions of the Western Cape - Breede River Valley Cape South Coast Coastal Region Klein Karoo Olifants River Boberg
What are the districts of Breede River Valley?
Breedekloof district
Robertson district
Worcester district
What is the Benguela current?
A current that flows north from Antarctica, cooling the coastal areas
What is the name of the current that flows north from Antarctica, cooling the coastal areas of South Africa?
Benguela Current
What is the Cape Doctor?
A strong south easterly wind that blows across the South Africa Western Cape in spring and summer. Prevents disease and cools temperatures.
What is the general climate of South Africa’s Western Cape?
Mediterranean
Which white grape variety makes up 20% of South African vines?
Chenin Blanc
What percentage of South African vineyards is planted to Chenin Blanc?
20%
What is the parentage of Pinotage?
A crossing of Cinsault x Pinot Noir, developed 1925
What is Cape Port now referred to as?
By style, ie. Cape Tawny, Cape Ruby
Which of the three districts of Breede River Valley region is seen to produce the best quality wines?
Robertson
At the Indian Ocean end of the Breede River Valley, more limestone for white wines. Growing reputation for Shiraz
Which two districts produce over 25% of South Africa’s wine and spirit (brandy) and over 20% of total plantings?
Breedekloof and Worcester
