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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > South Africa - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

South Africa - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

Where are most of South Africa’s vineyards located?

A

Near the coastline, benefiting from the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean.

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2
Q

What is the main cooling influence on South African vineyards?

A

The cold Benguela Current, flowing up from the Antarctic.

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3
Q

What is the Cape Doctor, and how does it influence vineyards?

A

A strong south-easterly wind that cools vineyards and reduces fungal disease risk.

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4
Q

How does altitude affect South African vineyards?

A

Higher-altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures, preserving acidity and enhancing freshness.

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5
Q

What is South Africa’s wine classification system?

A

The Wine of Origin (WO) Scheme.

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6
Q

What are the four sizes of production areas under the WO scheme?

A

Geographical Unit, Region, District, and Ward.

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7
Q

What is the largest geographical unit in South Africa?

A

Western Cape, which allows blending from multiple regions.

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8
Q

What must a WO-labeled wine include?

A

100% of the grapes must come from the designated area.

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9
Q

What is IPW in South Africa?

A

Integrated Production of Wine, a voluntary sustainability scheme.

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10
Q

What are the key wine regions in the Western Cape?

A

Coastal Region, Breede River Valley, and Cape South Coast.

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11
Q

What district is known as the hub of fine wine production in South Africa?

A

Stellenbosch.

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12
Q

What are the key characteristics of Stellenbosch wines?

A

A variety of high-quality red wines, including Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah, and Cape blends.

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13
Q

What is Paarl known for?

A

Warmer conditions than Stellenbosch, producing robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinotage.

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14
Q

What makes Constantia ward significant?

A

Known for Sauvignon Blanc and the sweet wine Vin de Constance.

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15
Q

What is the climate of most South African wine regions?

A

Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

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16
Q

How do mountain ranges affect vineyards in South Africa?

A

They provide varied altitudes, aspects, and soils, creating diverse microclimates.

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17
Q

What is the role of river valleys in South African viticulture?

A

Provide fertile soils and natural irrigation sources.

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18
Q

What is South Africa’s most widely planted black grape variety?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon.

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19
Q

What are the characteristics of Syrah in South Africa?

A

Rich, full-bodied wines with black fruit, pepper, and earthy notes in warm areas; fresher, spicier styles in cooler regions.

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20
Q

What is Pinotage, and why is it significant?

A

A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, unique to South Africa, producing wines with red berry flavors and smoky, earthy notes.

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21
Q

What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

A

Versatile, ranging from fresh, fruity wines to complex, barrel-fermented examples.

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22
Q

What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?

A

Hanepoot, used for late-harvest dessert wines.

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23
Q

What is Swartland known for?

A

Old-vine Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and innovative Cape blends.

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24
Q

What grape varieties thrive in the Durbanville ward?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, benefiting from cool sea breezes.

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25
Q

What is the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley famous for?

A

High-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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26
Q

What is Worcester known for?

A

High-volume white wine production, particularly Chenin Blanc and Colombard.

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27
Q

What distinguishes Robertson wines?

A

Full-bodied Chardonnays and Syrahs, thanks to cooling winds and varied soils.

28
Q

What is Walker Bay renowned for?

A

Premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

29
Q

What are the key grape varieties in Elgin?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

30
Q

What is unique about Elim ward wines?

A

Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Syrah.

31
Q

How are premium red wines typically aged in South Africa?

A

In oak barrels, often using a proportion of new oak to enhance complexity.

32
Q

What are Cape blends?

A

Red blends featuring Pinotage alongside international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

33
Q

What is the style of Sauvignon Blanc from coastal regions?

A

Herbaceous, with citrus and green fruit flavors.

34
Q

How is barrel fermentation used for South African Chardonnay?

A

Adds texture and flavors of toast and butter.

35
Q

What is Vin de Constance?

A

A historic sweet wine made from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia.

36
Q

What is the focus of Swartland’s premium wines?

A

Dry-farmed Chenin Blanc and Rhône-style red and white blends.

37
Q

What are the characteristics of Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Crisp, with tropical and herbaceous notes.

38
Q

Why is sustainability important in South African viticulture?

A

To manage limited water resources and preserve biodiversity.

39
Q

What role does the Cape Doctor play in sustainable viticulture?

A

Reduces disease pressure by drying vineyards and improving airflow.

40
Q

What is South Africa known for in the global wine market?

A

High-quality wines offering great value, particularly Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and Sauvignon Blanc.

41
Q

What is the latitude range of South Africa’s wine regions?

A

Between 27° and 34° south. Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

42
Q

What is the primary cooling influence on South African vineyards?

A

The Benguela Current, bringing cool air from the Southern Ocean.

43
Q

What is the Cape Doctor, and how does it benefit vineyards?

A

A strong south-easterly wind that reduces temperatures, prevents fungal diseases, and ensures healthy grapes.

44
Q

How do mountain ranges affect South African viticulture?

A

Provide altitude and diverse aspects, creating varied microclimates for grape growing.

45
Q

What is the role of altitude in South African vineyards?

A

Higher-altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity.

46
Q

What is South Africa’s wine classification system called?

A

The Wine of Origin (WO) Scheme.

47
Q

What are the four sizes of production areas under the WO system?

A

Geographical Unit, Region, District, and Ward.

48
Q

What are the rules for estate wines in South Africa?

A

Estate wines must be produced, vinified, and bottled on-site from grapes grown on the estate.

49
Q

What are the climate factors of Stellenbosch?

A

Mountain ranges, cooling sea breezes, and varied soils and aspects create ideal conditions for high-quality red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.

50
Q

How does Paarl’s climate differ from Stellenbosch?

A

Paarl is warmer and less influenced by cooling ocean breezes, producing robust reds and full-bodied whites.

51
Q

What are the key wines of Paarl?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay.

52
Q

What is Constantia known for in terms of climate?

A

Cool, maritime-influenced climate due to its proximity to the Southern Ocean.

53
Q

What wines is Constantia famous for?

A

Sauvignon Blanc and the iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance, made from Muscat.

54
Q

What is the climate of Darling?

A

Coastal breezes from the Atlantic keep temperatures cool, creating ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc.

55
Q

What are the key wines of Darling?

A

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic Chenin Blanc.

56
Q

What is the climate of Worcester?

A

Hot and dry, with irrigation ensuring consistent yields of Chenin Blanc and Colombard.

57
Q

What is Worcester known for in winemaking?

A

High-volume production of base wines for distillation and blending.

58
Q

Name three key appellations in the Cape South Coast.

A

Walker Bay, Elgin, and Elim.

59
Q

What are the climate factors in the Cape South Coast?

A

Cooling sea breezes and high-altitude vineyards create ideal conditions for cool-climate varieties.

60
Q

What is Walker Bay known for?

A

High-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

61
Q

What are the key wines of Elgin?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

62
Q

What is unique about wines from Elim?

A

Herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Syrah, benefiting from the region’s cool climate.

63
Q

How does aspect influence vineyards in South Africa?

A

South-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive less sunlight, promoting cooler growing conditions.

64
Q

Why is the Benguela Current critical for South African viticulture?

A

It moderates temperatures in coastal vineyards, preserving acidity and freshness in wines.

65
Q

How does the Cape Doctor indirectly benefit wine quality?

A

Prevents fungal diseases by drying vines and improves airflow in vineyard canopies.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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