Week 3 - South Africa Flashcards
Are South African wines well-understood in Canada?
No. Need to specific LCBO stores to find but selection is growing.
Are exports from South Africa growing? When did this start to occur?
Slowly. Since 1994.
Describe SA’s climate.
Mediterrean.
Warm summers from November to April
Coastal regions are cooler
Inland regions are warmer and drier. Irrigation is necessary.
Are South African wines good sources of value?
Yes - at all levels.
Name 4 districts in the Cape South Coast Region.
- Walker Bay
- Elgin
- Overberg
- Agulhas
Name 3 inland regions.
- Worcester
- Paarl
- Robertson
Describe the strictness, or lack therefor, of tbe appelation system of South Africa.
Relatively free system allowing for innovation and growth
Regions still evolving
Excitement growing for recent SA vintages
New terroirs are being identified and groomed for correct varietals
How are South African winemakers experimenting? What kinds of wines are being created?
Experiments with different vessels, shapes and sizes
* Wooden barrels, plastic, clay, concrete
* New yeast species
Effects on wine:
* Reds are lighter and juicier
* Whites are zippier and tighter
* Rosés are paler and drier
* Nuanced, bright fresh style, role of oak diminishing or eliminated
Describe the history of characteristics of SA’s wine classification system.
Established in 1972
South African version of AOC’s minus French restrictions:
* Certifies vintage, varietal and area of origin
* Sustainable certification to guarantee eco-sensitive production
What are the key WO labelling requirements (think percentages).
100% from stated area
Minimum 75% from stated vintage
Minimum 85% from stated variety
What does Estate mean on the label?
Rare term; appears on wines bottled on the location/farm on which the grapes were grown.
What does Methode Cap Classique mean on the label?
Traditional method sparkling
What does Noble Late Harvest mean on the label?
Sweet wines made from botrytized grapes.
What does Premier Grand Cru mean on the label?
Dry, light and usually blended white - misleading term occasionally used in SA
What does Vin de Constance mean on the label?
SA’s oldest wine dating back to Napolean
Sweet wine of Constantia
Describe SA’s geographical wine hierarchy (larger to smaller)
Regions
Districts
Wards
Estate
Name the 3 regions in the Western Cape Geographical Unit.
Coastal Region
Cape South Coast
Breede River Valley
Name 2 districts in the Breede River Valley region
Worcester (upper)
Robertson (lower
Name 2 districts in the Cape South Coast region
- Elgin
- Walker Bay
Name 5 districts in the Coastal region
- Swartland
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- Capetown
- Darling
Name 4 wards. What districts are they in?
- Durbanville - Capetown District
- Hemel-en-Aarde - Walker Bay Distict
- Constantia - Capetown District
- Elim - Cape South Coast Region
Where is Shiraz grown in South Africa?
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- Swartland
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in South Africa?
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- Robertson
Where is Pinotage grown in South Africa?
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- Swartland
Where is Semillon grown in South Africa?
- Stellenbosch
Where is Chardonnay grown in South Africa?
- Walker Bay
- Elgin
Where is Chenin Blanc grown in South Africa?
- Paarl
- Swartland
- Stellenbosch
Name 2 excellent SA vintages.
2020
2021