South africa - General

Question 1

What moderates the latitude and cools down the Western Cape? (3)

Answer 1

1. Cold north flowing Benguela current
2. Costal fog and cold breezes caused by warm land and cold sea
3. Southe east wind Cape Doctor extends the effects of Benguela Current

Question 2

Western Cape climate?

Answer 2

Warm Mediterranean in most parts

Question 3

Negative effects of the Cape Doctor? (2)

Answer 3

1. String wind damages vines and stops photosynthesis and ripening
2. Effects flowering and fruit set lowering yields

Question 4

Benefits of the Cape Doctor? (3)

Answer 4

1. Reduces disease pressure
2. Brings occasional rain
3. Extends the effects of the cooling Benguela Current and cools down the region

Question 5

Pinotage benefits? (3)

Answer 5

1. Moderately susceptible to disease
2. Early ripening (spring frosts)
3. High sugar levels in small berries (high colour and alcohol)

Question 6

What do producers need to bare in mind when planting new vineyards in most areas in the Western Cape?

Answer 6

Excessively acidic soils so adjustments with lime in important

Question 7

Vine density in the Western Cape? (2)

Answer 7

Low density large vines that carry more fruit

Some premium producers plant closer

Question 8

Vine training in Western Cape? (2)

Answer 8

Mostly Cordon trained VSP trained high for ease of pruning

Bush vines in Swartland

Question 9

Botrytis in Chenin Blanc production? (2)

Answer 9

Sprayed heavily to prevent in bulk wine

May be allowed if desired in final wine of premium Chenin production

Question 10

Blending Chenin Blanc in Western Cape? (2)

Answer 10

Not practiced in premium Chenin production

Up to 15% colombard may be added in bulk wine production

Question 11

Maturation in Chenin Blanc production? (2)

Answer 11

Stainless steel with chips or staves for bulk production

3-9 months lees aging, 10-12 month oak or Amphora, new oak fermentation if oak style desired

Question 12

Typical Chenin Blanc tasting note? (5)

Answer 12

High acid
Medium alcohol
Medium body
Ripe yellow apple, peach and tropical flavours
Vanilla

Question 13

Significant producer of high quality Chenin Blanc?

Answer 13

Ken Forrester

Question 14

What do Chenin and Pinotage have in common for bulk and premium production? (2)

Answer 14

1. Lower yields for better wines
2. Higher levels of sorting for better wines

Question 15

What is commonly done with Pinotage at the start of fermentation for both bulk wines and premium wines? (1)

Answer 15

Pumping over and punching down to extract lower levels of tannin while there are lower alcohol levels

Question 16

Maceration for traditional style premium Pinotage? (2)

Answer 16

3-5 days post fermentation

Pre fermentation cold maceration also

Question 17

Colour, tannin and fruit style of premium Pinotage - traditional style VS lighter style? (2)

Answer 17

Traditional:
Deep ruby
Blackberry and red plum fruit
High tannins

Lighter style:
Medium ruby
Red fruit
Medium tannins

Question 18

Maturation for premium traditional style Pinotage? (2)

Answer 18

12-15 months French oak

Released 2 years after vintage

Question 19

Wine of Origin hierarchy? (4)

Answer 19

1. GU- very large areas - western cape
2. Region - large areas named after a major feature - breede river valley
3. District - stellenbosch
4. Ward - region within a district

Question 20

Pinotage Budding/ripening?

Answer 20

Early budding

Early ripening

Same as Alfrocheiro, pinot noir and tempranillo