South America & South Africa Flashcards
Name the two largest geological features of Chile?
Andes Mountains & Pacific Ocean
Name the 6 DO’s of Chile (N-S)
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Valle Central
- Sur
- Austral Region
describe Chile’s climate
moderating maritime influence on the coast yet very hot & dry inland
general mediterranean climate
name the two regions in Chile that are dry & desert-like
Atacama & Coquimbo
what type of wine do Atacama & Coquimbo usually make?
Pisco & distillation not general fine wine
describe the climate of the Valle Central
- South of Santiago
- Proximity to the Andes cools nighttime temps
- along the coast the cold, maritime Humboldt current cools the vines
- irritation is still essential
Chilean wine law
75% rule but most producers adhere to 85% rule for EU Exports
11.5% minimum alcohol
What is min alc for Reserva & Reserva Especial in Chile?
12% & Reserva Especial must be aged in oak
what is the minimum alc for Reserva Privada & Gran Reserva in Chile?
12.5% & Gran Reserva must be aged in oak
what are the main grapes of Chile?
- Cab Sauv
- Sauv B (Sauv Vert)
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Carmenere
- Syrah
- Pais
- Pinot Noir
what is the northernmost wine growing region in Chile?
Atacama
Describe the wine of Atacama in Chile?
- only possible through irrigation
- generally distilled
what are the two sub-regions of Coquimbo in Chile?
- Elqui & Limari
- limestone soils
what is the soil type of the Aconcagua in Chile?
alluvial
what are the two most notable sub-regions of the Aconcagua
Casablanca & San Antonio
-located along the coast & some fo the coolest winemaking zones in Chile
what is Errazuriz
- one of Chile’s most prominent estates
- within the commune of Panquehue
- “Sena” is a Bdx Blend that placed ahead of Chateau Lafite & Chateau Margaux in the 2004 Berlin tasting
what time of wine is Casablanca known for?
fresh, crips, fruity Sauv B & Chardonnay
what is Chile’s oldest & most established winemaking region?
Valle Central
name the sub-regions of Valle Central from N-S
Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley, Curico, Maule Valley
what is the MOST famous winemaking area within Chile?
Maipo Valley
who is the largest producer in Chile?
Concha y Toro within the Valle Central
name the three sub-regions of Sur in Chile (N-S)
- Itata
- Bio Bio
- Malleco (southernmost)
what does Costa, Entre Cordilleras & Andes mean on a Chilean wine label?
- Coast
- Mountains
- between mountains
Describe the major geological effects of Argentina?
- effects of the Zonda
- vineyards on plains & foothills of Andes
- high elevation
what is the Zonda
-a fierce, dusty, hot afternoon wind that blows down the mountains in the late spring & early summer
what is the climate of Argentina?
continental
what is the soil type in Argentina
loose alluvial
name the most common grapes in Argentina
Malbec, Torrontes, Banarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
what is Bonarda
Charobono in US or Corbeau in Savoie
geographically where is South Africa
southernmost tip of Africa, surrounded by Indian & S. Atlantic Ocean
name the main regions of South Africa
- Breede River Valley
- Cape South Coast
- Coastal Region
- Klein Karoo
- Olifants River (Western Cape)
name the 6 GI’s of South Africa
- Western Cape (most productive)
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Kwazulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Free State
what is the climate of the Western Cape in South Africa
mediterranean moderated by Benguela Current & Cape Doctor winds
name the grapes of South Africa
- Chenin Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Sauv B
- Muscat of Alexandria (Hanepoot)
- Colombard
- Muscadel
- Viognier
- Semillon
- Pinotage
- Merlot
- Cab Franc
- Shiraz
- Pinot Noir
what is the soil of the historic Constantia vineyard in S. Africa
decomposed granite with some of the worlds most ancient soils
what is the IPW?
Integratedf Production of Wine Scheme (IPW):
sustainability guidelines for agricultural, manufacturing, worker safety, wastewater, carbon emissions, etc.
How does S. Africa define its regions? Largest to Smallest?
Geographical Unit Region District Ward Single Vineyard
what are the 9 districts of the Coastal Region in S. Africa
Stellenbosch Paarl Cape Town Tulbagh Darling Franschhoek Valley Lutzville Valley Wellington Swartland
what is the most prominent district within the Coastal Region in S. Africa
Stellenbosch
describe Stellenbosch
- cradled by three major peaks: Simonsberg, Stellenbosch & Helderburg
- maritime influenced similar but warmer than Bordeaux
- Warwick Estate “Trilogy”
describe Breed River Valley in S. Africa
- 1/2 of Semillon production is here
- 3 districts
describe Klein Karoo in S. Africa
- arid inland
- fortified & sweet wine production
describe Olifants River in S. Africa
- bulk wine
- S. Africa’s highest elevation vineyard
- S. Africa’s largest co-op winery, Vredenal
describe Cape South Coast in S. Africa
- 7 districts
- Walker Bay has highest quality Pinotage
