South Africa Flashcards
Map of South Africa, Western Cape
South Africa’s Climate
HOT Inland temps over 30C, vineards planted where there’s a cooling influences
BENGUELA CURRENT from the Antartic
Strong SE summer winds > CAPE DOCTOR
Mountains give varied altitude, aspect, and soil
Hills can offer shadows and channel winds
South African Wine Law
Wine of Origin (W.O.) carries seal on every bottle
Western Cape is largest Geographical Unit
Divided into four Regions
Divided into Districts and then Wards
Estate Wines - From single estate and that estate’s vyds in a single geographical unit
Sustainability = Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)
South African Reds
Pinotage
Cabernet Sauvignon – most widely planted
Merlot - full-bodied, plummy wines
Syrah in hot sites is rich, full-bodied, high alc, ripe black fruit, meaty. Cool sites – lower body, peppery
Pinot Noir – some in coolest coastal areas
Oak aged, w some new barrels
What is Pinotage
Pinot Noir x Cinsault
Developed in S. Africa, a point of difference
Often blended w/ international vars to make ‘CAPE BLEND’
Light, fruity style with red berry
Old bush vines can be full-bodied, rich, spiced, berry fruit
Often with heavy toasted oak for intense coffee and chocolate
Marketed to highlight unique style
S. African White Grapes
Chenin Blanc - most planted
Colombard – much for brandy
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Muscat of Alexander (Hanepoot)
Viognier
Chenin Blanc
Most widely planted variety in S. Africa
Basic wines: easy-drinking wine w stone fruit flavors
Old bush vines: concentrated complex favors, fuller texture
Oak is often used to add body and flavor
Coastal Region - STELLENBOSCH district
Around Stellenbosch city, hub of fine wine production
Moderate to warm climate, depending on location
Sufficient rain in winter, summers rarely hot
High variety of altitudes, aspect, and soil
Cab Sauv and Merlot – Bordeaux blends
Syrah and CAPE RED blends
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Coastal Region - Paarl district
Large district, inland, less cooling
Mountains offer a variety of altitude, aspect, and soil
Cab Sauv, Syrah, Pinotage
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Coastal Region - Swartland District
Was a source of inexpensive wines, now a center of innovation and premium production
Old Vine Chenin Blanc and quality Syrah
Often dry-farmed w low yields but high concentration
Premium Cape Blends (both red and white)
Coastal Region - Darling District
South of Swartland, cooling breezes, old vines
Sauvignon Blanc
Coastal Region - Tygerburn / Durbanville ward
Hillside sites north of Cape Town
Cooled by sea breezes
Reputation for Sauvignon Blanc
Coastal Region - Constantina Ward
On the CAPE PENNINSULA east flank of Table Mountain
Constantly cooled by CAPE DOCTOR
Sauvignon Blanc
Vin de Constance – late-harvest Muscat
Vineyards closer to the Cape Point are exposed to cool ocean
Cab Sauv and Syrah in warmer sites
Cape South Coast
Ocean’s cooling influence strongly felt here
Walker Bay district (Hemel-en-Aarde ward)
S.A.’s best Chard and Pinot Noir
Sauv Blanc, Merlot, Syrah successful too
Elgin district - altitude important for cooling
Fresh, intense Sauv Blanc
Elim ward - pungent, herbaceous Sauv Blanc
Breede River Valley
WORCESTER district - Hot and dry, fertile soils, volume production, irrigation essential
Colombard and Chenin Blanc, mostly distilled
ROBERTSON district
Slightly cooler due to south east winds
Source of well-made high volume brands
Cooling influences and some less-fertile soils makes some great Chard and Syrah
