Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Wines of South Africa > WSET3-C38 - South Africa > Flashcards

WSET3-C38 - South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

Where are most of South Africa’s wine regions found?

A

On the coast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why can South Africa produce a broad range of styles?

A

Proximity to the coast and the mountainous backdrop

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the latitude range within which South Africa lies?

A

27° - 34˚ south of the equator

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What should be the result of the latitude range of South Africa? Why does this not necessarily apply?

A

It should be hot Vineyards here are subject to cooling influences

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Where does South Africa’s most important cooling influence come from?

A

The Southern Ocean

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the Benguela Current and its effects

A

It is cold It flows up from the Antarctic, past the tip and up the west coast of Africa, cooling coastal areas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How is the cooling effect of the Benguela Current magnified?

A

By the Cape Doctor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the Cape Doctor

A

A regular, strong, south-easterly summer wind Brings air cooled b the ocean further inland and can reduce temperatures by an additional couple of degrees in some areas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is South Africa’s second cooling influence?

A

The mountain ranges that run through the wine regions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What do the mountain ranges of South Africa offer producers?

A

A dramatic range of different altitudes and aspects

A multitude of different soils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the influence of altitude on winemaking in South Africa?

A

It has a marked impact on vineyard climate

Higher altitudes are cooler

Lower altitudes are warmer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What kind of aspect may be seen as preferable in South Africa? Why?

A

Southern aspects To benefit from cooler temperatures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Other than aspect and altitude, how else may mountains affect cooling in South Africa?

A

They may cast shadows over vineyards at certain times of the day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What secondary effect may mountain ranges have on cooling in South Africa nearer the coast?

A

They can help channel the winds through the vineyards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the most widely planted black variety in South Africa?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How may Cabernet Sauvignon be used in wines in South Africa?

A

Either as a varietal wine or in a blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for Bordeaux-style blends

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What style of wine can Merlot produce in South Africa?

A

Full-bodied, plummy wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the main black varieties of South Africa?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Syrah

Pinot Noir

Pinotage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Beside the Bordeaux varieties, what is the next most planted black variety in South Africa?

A

Syrah

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe Syrah wines from hot climates in South Africa

A

Rich and full-bodied High alcohol Ripe black fruit flavours Sometimes earthy or meaty character

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How does Syrah from cooler areas of South Africa differ from those of the warmer climes?

A

Less full-bodied Peppery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Describe Pinot Noir’s role in South Africa

A

Less tolerant of the hot South African climate Planted in small amounts in the coolest coastal areas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the role of oak in the vinification of South African reds?

A

The vast majority of premium reds are matured in oak At least a proportion of new barrels used for toasty aromas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Which varieties were crossed to make Pinotage?

A

Pinot Noir x Cinsault

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Where was Pinotage developed?

A

South Africa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is notable about the role of Pinotage in South Africa?

A

It’s hardly grown anywhere else in the world

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What style is Pinotage made into?

A

It’s made in a range of styles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is a ‘Cape blend’?

A

Where Pinotage is blended with international varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the three most popular styles of Pinotage, single-varietal wine?

A

Light, fruity style with red berry flavours

Full-bodied from old bush vines, with rich, spiced berry fruit

Intense coffee and chocolate aromas when fermented and/or stored with heavily toasted oak staves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

How is Pinotage often marketed?

A

Often to highlight its unique style (dependent on what style its been vinified to)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in South Africa?

A

Chenin Blanc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Describe the importance of Chenin Blanc as a variety in South Africa

A

It’s the most widely planted grape, but in decline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What style is Chenin Blanc made into in South Africa

A

Dry and sweet styles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Describe basic wines from Chenin Blanc in South Africa

A

Easy drinking with simple stone-fruit flavours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the increasing trend when making Chenin Blanc wine in South Africa?

A

An increasing number of producers are using Chenin from old bush vines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What can be the effect on wine of making Chenin Blanc from old bush vines?

A

It can offer more concentrated and complex flavours and a fuller texture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What may barrel fermentation and barrel ageing contribute to a Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

A

Extra body and toasty oak flavours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the second most widely planted white variety in South Africa? What is it used for?

A

Colombard

A significant portion is used in the production of brandy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is a consistent feature between wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa?

A

They often have a herbaceous character

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Where in South Africa do the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc come from?

A

The coolest sites

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What kind of flavours/aromas might the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc display?

A

Very pure flavours of citrus and green fruit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

How is the necessary acidity and flavours achieved in Sauvignon Blanc’s warmer sites in South Africa achieved?

A

By picking earlier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Describe Chardonnay quality in South Africa

A

It can be exceptional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Which sites in South Africa produce the best examples of Chardonnay?

A

The cooler sites

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Describe big contributing factors in the character of South Africa’s best Chardonnays

A

The use of Burgundian techniques such as lees-stirring and barrel fermentation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is Muscat of Alexandria called in South Africa?

A

Hanepoot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is Hanepoot used for in South Africa?

A

Late-harvest dessert wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Besides late-harvesting, how may South African dessert wines be sweetened?

A

Noble rot can have an influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Plantings of which white grape have increased dramatically in South Africa over the last couple of decades?

A

Viognier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What is the usual style of Viognier wines from South Africa?

A

Rich, perfumed whites with a hint of toasty oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Which style of wine has recently emerged in South Africa, particularly in Swartland?

A

High quality blends, often made from Chenin Blanc with Rhône varieties such as Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Where does well over 90% of wine made in South Africa come from?

A

The Western Cape

53
Q

What are the most important regions of the Western Cape?

A

Coastal Region Breede River Valley Cape South Coast

54
Q

Where does the majority of wine NOT from the Western Cape come from in South Africa?

A

Orange River in the Northern Cape

55
Q

Briefly describe conditions in Orange River

A

Very hot and irrigated

56
Q

What is wine from Orange River mostly known for?

A

Mostly inexpensive whites the are rarely seen on export markets

57
Q

In South Africa, some wineries located in certain districts or wards may source their fruit from… How may these wines be labelled?

A

A wider area than the GI in which they’re located With a region or a geographical unit e.g. Coastal Region or Western Cape

58
Q

Where is the Stellenbosch region?

A

From just inland of the coast at Somerset West right up into the mountains that surround the town of Stellenbosch itself

59
Q

What is the long-time hub of fine wine in South Africa?

A

Stellenbosch

60
Q

Describe the climate of Stellenbosch

A

Moderate to warm depending on location

Sufficient rain in winter

Summers rarely too hot

61
Q

Why are summers rarely too hot in Stellenbosch?

A

Thanks to cool winds from False Bay that are funnelled by the mountains into the valleys

62
Q

What is largely credited for the success of Stellenbosch as a wine growing district?

A

The variety of altitude, aspect and soil that’s available in such a relatively small area

63
Q

What has Stellenbosch built a reputation for in recent years?

A

Top class reds

64
Q

What reds in particular has Stellenbosch built a reputation for?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often made into Bordeaux-style blends)

Syrah

Cape red blends

65
Q

What can the cooler sites in Stellenbosch produce?

A

High quality Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

66
Q

Describe the Paarl district

A

A large district to the north of Stellenbosch

67
Q

Describe the climate in Paarl

A

Less exposed to the cooling influences of the sea, being further inland

Temperatures hotter in summer

Cooler night-time temperatures

68
Q

Describe the vineyards of Paarl

A

Variety of altitudes, aspects and soils offered by mountainous terrain

69
Q

What are the most important reds of Paarl?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinotage

70
Q

What are the most planted whites of Paarl?

A

Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

71
Q

What is noteworthy about the Constantia ward?

A

It has some of the oldest vineyards in the Cape

72
Q

Where is the Constantia ward?

A

In the Cape Peninsula

73
Q

How are the vineyards of Constantia Ward located?

A

On the eastern flanks of Table Mountain

74
Q

How is temperature moderated in the vineyards of Constantia?

A

By the Cape Doctor

75
Q

What do the producers of Cape Doctor have a particular reputation for?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

76
Q

What is the name of the sweet wine produced from late-harvested Muscat in Constantia?

A

Vin de Constance

77
Q

Describe the vineyards south of Table Mountain and the grapes they’re famous for

A

Closer to Cape Point

Well exposed to the cooling influence of the ocean

Made a speciality of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

78
Q

What is planted in the warmer sites south of Table Mountain in Constantia?

A

Some Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

79
Q

Which district lies to the north of Cape Town?

A

Swartland

80
Q

What is Swartland’s formative reputation?

A

As a source of inexpensive grapes and wine

81
Q

What is the new reputation of Swartland?

A

As a centre of innovation and premium wine production

82
Q

Swartland is recognised particularly as a source of …and…

A

Old-vine Chenin Blanc

High-quality Syrah

83
Q

What does ‘dry-farming’ mean?

A

Growing without irrigation

84
Q

What is the effect of dry-farming Chenin Blanc and Syrah (as in Swartland)?

A

It lowers yields but enhances fruit concentration

85
Q

Besides Chenin and Syrah, what else also comes from Swartland district?

A

A number of premium Cape blends (red and white)

86
Q

What is to the south-west of Swartland?

A

The Darling district

87
Q

Describe the climate in the Darling district

A

Its position near the coast means it receives cooling sea breezes

88
Q

For what does the Darling district have its reputation?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

89
Q

What is Darling’s similarity with Swartland?

A

It is a source of old vines

90
Q

What/where is Durbanville?

A

A ward in the Tygerberg district

91
Q

What are sites like in Durbanville?

A

Offers hillside sites north of Cape Town

Cooled by sea breezes that also blow through the Cape Point

92
Q

Durbanville has built a reputation for…

A

Sauvignon Blanc

93
Q

What are the most important districts of Breede River Valley?

A

Worcester District

Robertson District

94
Q

Where in Breede River Valley is Worcester district?

A

At the western end of Breede River Valley

95
Q

Describe the climate in the Worcester district

A

Hot and dry

96
Q

What is the result of the climate in the Worcester district?

A

Irrigation from the river is essential

97
Q

What are the soils like in Breede River Valley?

A

Fertile

98
Q

What is the role of the Worcester district in South Africa’s wine production?

A

It can produce a significant proportion of South Africa’s annual production

99
Q

What is the majority of Worcester district wine made from?

A

Chenin Blanc and Colombard

100
Q

Much of wine from Worcester district is used for…

A

Distillation

101
Q

Other than wine for distillation, what else is Worcester district reputable for?

A

Red and white, high-volume, branded wines

102
Q

Where is the Robertson district?

A

To the east of Worcester

103
Q

What is the climate of Robertson district?

A

Similar but slightly cooler climate than Worcester district

104
Q

Why is it cooler in Robertson district than Worcester district?

A

Thanks to south-easterly winds that are drawn into the valley

105
Q

Of what is Robertson district a reliable source?

A

Well-made wines for high-volume brands

106
Q

Besides high-volume wines, what else can be made in Robertson district?

A

Excellent Syrahs and full-bodied Chardonnays

107
Q

What is the most southerly region of South Africa?

A

Cape South Coast

108
Q

What is the reputation of the Cape South Coast area?

A

It is a regular source of some of the best fruit and wines in South Africa

109
Q

What is the best-established vineyard area of Cape South Coast area?

A

Walker Bay district

110
Q

What is contained within Walker Bay district?

A

The various wards of Hemel-en-Aarde

111
Q

What is home to some of South Africa’s best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs?

A

Hemel-en-Aarde

112
Q

What is also grown in Hemel-en-Aarde with great success (besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Merlot

Syrah

113
Q

What is to the north-west of Walker Bay?

A

The Elgin district

114
Q

What is the important cooling influence in Elgin district?

A

Altitude

115
Q

For what does Elgin district have a particular reputation?

A

Intense, fresh Sauvignon Blancs

116
Q

Besides SB, which varieties are showing promise in Elgin district?

A

Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

Syrah

117
Q

What is to the south-east of Walker Bay?

A

The Elim ward (in the Cape Agulhas district)

118
Q

For what does the Elim ward have a particular reputation?

A

Pungent, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc

Syrah is also showing promise

119
Q

What is the name of South Africa’s GI system?

A

The Wine of Origin Scheme (W.O.)

120
Q

What will wines stating Wine of Origin (W.O.) also carry?

A

A certification seal

121
Q

How many different sizes of production area does South African law recognise? What are they?

A

Four

Geographical Unit

Regions

Districts

Wards

122
Q

What is the only geographical unit in South Africa of any importance to wine?

A

Western Cape

123
Q

What is the advantage of the Western Cape appellation?

A

It allows producers to blend the best parcels of fruit from different areas

124
Q

What is the tendency as to how regions are defined in South Africa?

A

They follow dominant geological features

125
Q

What are the most important regions for wine grape-growing in South Africa?

A

Coastal Region

Breede River Valley

Cape South Coast

126
Q

What are the rules behind labelling wines as Estate Wines in South Africa?

A

Must come from a single estate

All grapes must come from estate vineyards that cover a single geographical area

Estate must have facilities on their land allowing them to process the grapes and the wine up to and including bottling

127
Q

What does Estate Wine law allow in South Africa?

A

It allows top producers to release Estate Wines AND other W.O. wines under their brand name

128
Q

What does IPW stand for in South Africa and what does it mean?

A

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)

It’s a voluntary sustainable agriculture scheme

Wines of South Africa (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions