South Africa - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
Where are most of South Africa’s vineyards located?
Near the coastline, benefiting from the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean.
What is the main cooling influence on South African vineyards?
The cold Benguela Current, flowing up from the Antarctic.
What is the Cape Doctor, and how does it influence vineyards?
A strong south-easterly wind that cools vineyards and reduces fungal disease risk.
How does altitude affect South African vineyards?
Higher-altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures, preserving acidity and enhancing freshness.
What is South Africa’s wine classification system?
The Wine of Origin (WO) Scheme.
What are the four sizes of production areas under the WO scheme?
Geographical Unit, Region, District, and Ward.
What is the largest geographical unit in South Africa?
Western Cape, which allows blending from multiple regions.
What must a WO-labeled wine include?
100% of the grapes must come from the designated area.
What is IPW in South Africa?
Integrated Production of Wine, a voluntary sustainability scheme.
What are the key wine regions in the Western Cape?
Coastal Region, Breede River Valley, and Cape South Coast.
What district is known as the hub of fine wine production in South Africa?
Stellenbosch.
What are the key characteristics of Stellenbosch wines?
A variety of high-quality red wines, including Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah, and Cape blends.
What is Paarl known for?
Warmer conditions than Stellenbosch, producing robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinotage.
What makes Constantia ward significant?
Known for Sauvignon Blanc and the sweet wine Vin de Constance.
What is the climate of most South African wine regions?
Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
How do mountain ranges affect vineyards in South Africa?
They provide varied altitudes, aspects, and soils, creating diverse microclimates.
What is the role of river valleys in South African viticulture?
Provide fertile soils and natural irrigation sources.
What is South Africa’s most widely planted black grape variety?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are the characteristics of Syrah in South Africa?
Rich, full-bodied wines with black fruit, pepper, and earthy notes in warm areas; fresher, spicier styles in cooler regions.
What is Pinotage, and why is it significant?
A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, unique to South Africa, producing wines with red berry flavors and smoky, earthy notes.
What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc in South Africa?
Versatile, ranging from fresh, fruity wines to complex, barrel-fermented examples.
What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?
Hanepoot, used for late-harvest dessert wines.
What is Swartland known for?
Old-vine Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and innovative Cape blends.
What grape varieties thrive in the Durbanville ward?
Sauvignon Blanc, benefiting from cool sea breezes.
What is the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley famous for?
High-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What is Worcester known for?
High-volume white wine production, particularly Chenin Blanc and Colombard.
What distinguishes Robertson wines?
Full-bodied Chardonnays and Syrahs, thanks to cooling winds and varied soils.
What is Walker Bay renowned for?
Premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What are the key grape varieties in Elgin?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
What is unique about Elim ward wines?
Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Syrah.
How are premium red wines typically aged in South Africa?
In oak barrels, often using a proportion of new oak to enhance complexity.
What are Cape blends?
Red blends featuring Pinotage alongside international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
What is the style of Sauvignon Blanc from coastal regions?
Herbaceous, with citrus and green fruit flavors.
How is barrel fermentation used for South African Chardonnay?
Adds texture and flavors of toast and butter.
What is Vin de Constance?
A historic sweet wine made from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia.
What is the focus of Swartland’s premium wines?
Dry-farmed Chenin Blanc and Rhône-style red and white blends.
What are the characteristics of Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc?
Crisp, with tropical and herbaceous notes.
Why is sustainability important in South African viticulture?
To manage limited water resources and preserve biodiversity.
What role does the Cape Doctor play in sustainable viticulture?
Reduces disease pressure by drying vineyards and improving airflow.
What is South Africa known for in the global wine market?
High-quality wines offering great value, particularly Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the latitude range of South Africa’s wine regions?
Between 27° and 34° south. Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
What is the primary cooling influence on South African vineyards?
The Benguela Current, bringing cool air from the Southern Ocean.
What is the Cape Doctor, and how does it benefit vineyards?
A strong south-easterly wind that reduces temperatures, prevents fungal diseases, and ensures healthy grapes.
How do mountain ranges affect South African viticulture?
Provide altitude and diverse aspects, creating varied microclimates for grape growing.
What is the role of altitude in South African vineyards?
Higher-altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity.
What is South Africa’s wine classification system called?
The Wine of Origin (WO) Scheme.
What are the four sizes of production areas under the WO system?
Geographical Unit, Region, District, and Ward.
What are the rules for estate wines in South Africa?
Estate wines must be produced, vinified, and bottled on-site from grapes grown on the estate.
What are the climate factors of Stellenbosch?
Mountain ranges, cooling sea breezes, and varied soils and aspects create ideal conditions for high-quality red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
How does Paarl’s climate differ from Stellenbosch?
Paarl is warmer and less influenced by cooling ocean breezes, producing robust reds and full-bodied whites.
What are the key wines of Paarl?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay.
What is Constantia known for in terms of climate?
Cool, maritime-influenced climate due to its proximity to the Southern Ocean.
What wines is Constantia famous for?
Sauvignon Blanc and the iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance, made from Muscat.
What is the climate of Darling?
Coastal breezes from the Atlantic keep temperatures cool, creating ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc.
What are the key wines of Darling?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic Chenin Blanc.
What is the climate of Worcester?
Hot and dry, with irrigation ensuring consistent yields of Chenin Blanc and Colombard.
What is Worcester known for in winemaking?
High-volume production of base wines for distillation and blending.
Name three key appellations in the Cape South Coast.
Walker Bay, Elgin, and Elim.
What are the climate factors in the Cape South Coast?
Cooling sea breezes and high-altitude vineyards create ideal conditions for cool-climate varieties.
What is Walker Bay known for?
High-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What are the key wines of Elgin?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
What is unique about wines from Elim?
Herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Syrah, benefiting from the region’s cool climate.
How does aspect influence vineyards in South Africa?
South-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive less sunlight, promoting cooler growing conditions.
Why is the Benguela Current critical for South African viticulture?
It moderates temperatures in coastal vineyards, preserving acidity and freshness in wines.
How does the Cape Doctor indirectly benefit wine quality?
Prevents fungal diseases by drying vines and improves airflow in vineyard canopies.
