South Africa Paul Flashcards
What is the name of the current that cools vineyards and brings coastal fogs?
The Bengeula Current that flows from the North.
What is The Cape Doctor?
The Cape Doctor is a south-easterly wind during spring and summer which helps to keep fungal diseases at bay. It can damage leaves and severely affect flowering and fruit set
The top 8 grape varieties account for 80% of total production in South Africa. There are 4 key reds and 4 key whites, what are they?
Reds:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Pinotage
- Merlot
Whites:
- Chenin Blanc
- Colombard
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Viral diseases such as fanleaf and leafroll have been a problem in South Africa viticulture. What is being done to counter act this problem?
The viral diseases are being eliminated by replanting of virus free vines.
Pinotage is a crossing of which two grape varieties?
Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
What level are the following characteristics for Chenin Blanc:
Intensity: Acidity: Body: Fruit Aromas: Oak Aromas:
Intensity: Medium to pronounced Acidity: High Body: Medium Fruit Aromas: Yellow apple, peach and tropical notes Oak Aromas: Vanilla and toast
What grape varieties typically make up a white Cape Blend?
What grape varieties typically make up a red Cape Blend?
White Cape blends –typically Chenin-dominant blends but with white Rhône varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc.
Red Cape blends –this is a broader category for blends with a significant proportion of Pinotage and/or black Rhône varieties.
Explain what the term ‘Ward’ means in South African wine law?
A Ward is a defined area within a district, an example is: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. (Stellenbosch being the district).
Production areas are defined through an official Wine of Origin scheme, what are the 4 levels?
- Geographical unit –very large areas, e.g. Western Cape
- Region –large areas named after major feature, e.g. Coastal Region
- District: e.g. Stellenbosch or Walker Bay
- Ward: defined area within a district, e.g. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
What style of wine is Vin de Constance, and which Ward does it come from?
It is a sweet dessert wine made from dried muscat, produced in the Ward of Constantia.
Ward zones Constantia and Durbanville are found within which District?
Cape Town District. Cape Town have 4 wards, Constantia and Durbanville are most important.
Which grape variety dominates Durbanville?
Sauvignon Blanc, it is planted on cooler exposed sites producing greener styles.
What environmental factors help to cool the Stellenbosch District?
Cool Mountain slopes and breezes from the False Bay.
What is the Benguela Current?
The cold north-flowing Benguela current tempers many viticultural regions, and brings coastal fogs and cooling breezes.
The Coastal Region accounts for what percentage of land under vine, and percentage of total production?
45% of Area under vine, and 25% of total production
Which region produces riper/fuller styles, Paarl or Stellenbosch? Why is this?
Paarl. It is located North of Stellenbosch, and has a hotter climate.
Explain what shale soil types offer
Shale is rich in nutrients and has good water retaining qualities. You can find them in Swartlands old vine growing areas.
What viticulture practice is necessary in Swartland for many growers to achieve ‘normal’ yields?
Drip irrigation, Swartland is a dry region with only 500mm annual rainfall.
Generally speaking, what style of wine can you expect from the Breede River Valley Region?
High yielding whites, Colombard, Chenin and Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier
Name the 3 Districts in Breede River Valley Region
Worcester, Robertson and Breedekloof.
The Cape South Coast Region only produces 3% of total output. What grape varieties is it known for?
Region developed from 1990s onwards and produces premium Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
