South Africa Wine Regions Flashcards
Constantia Ward (Coastal Region)
Climate: Surrounded by Atlantic ocean that cools down temperature to 19C during growing season. 1,000mm. rainfall concentrated in the winter (no irrigation necessary); Cooled by Cape Doctor
Topography: In Cape Penisula. Vineyards on east-facing slopes of Constantia berg
Terrior: Sandstone soils w high concentration of loam and granite
Grapes: Known for Sauvignon Blanc; Shiraz & CabSav is planted in warmer sites
Wine Style: Some vines on Table Top Mountain well cooled and grow SavBlanc and Semillon
Other: Some of the oldest grape vines.
Vin de Constance from late harvest Muscat
Stellenbosch (District) - Coastal Region
Climate: Moderate to Warm Mediterranean based on location; Sufficient rainfall in winter & summer and rarely too hot this no irrigatino; Winds from False Bay are funneled up the mountains
Topography: Mountainous terrain; Some vineyards up 600m.
Terrior: Granite and sandstone soils.
Grapes: Red varieties i.e. Bordeaux varieties, Shiraz and Pinotage dominate with 63% of plantings - White varieties include mostly Sauvignon blanc and some Chenin blanc, Chardonnay & Riesling
Wine Style: Reputation for Top-Class red wines; Bordeaux Blends - CabSav & Merlot & Syrah, Cape red blends
Other: Cooler regions = high quality SavBlanc; Hub of Fine-Wine Production
Paarl (District) - Coastal Region
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (+2C vs. Stellenbosch) and damp winters. Almost no maritime influence. Less exposure to cooling influences, further inland = high temps; Mitigated by altitude of mountain terrain and cool nights
Topography: North of Stellenbosch. Has various altitudes, aspects & soils
Terrior: Various soils including sand & granite in the higher locations
Grapes: CabSav, Syrah, Pinotage and Chenin Blan, Chardonnay; Shiraz, Bdx varieties and Pinotage dominate the reds; whites are mainly Chenin blanc and Chardonnay
Wine Style:
Other:
Darling (District) - Coastal Region
Climate: Near coast = cooling sea breezes
Topography: SW of Swartland
Terrior:
Grapes: Sauvignon BlancD
Wine Style:
Other: Source of old vines
Swartzland (District) - Coastal Region
Climate:
Topography: North of Cape Town
Terrior:
Grapes: Old vine Chenin Blanc & High Quality Syrah Dry Farmed (without irrigation) = lower yields, increase fruit concentration
Wine Style: Premium Red & White Cape blends come from here
Other: Once source of inexpensive wine; Now innovative and premium wine production
Durbanville (Ward) - Coastal Region
Climate: Cooled by sea
Topography: Tygerberg district is hillside north of Cape Town
Terrior:
Grapes: Produces Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Style:
Other:
Worcester (District) - Breede River Valley Region
Climate: Hot & Dry with irrigation from the river
Topography: Western end of Breed River Valley
Terrior: Fertile soils
Grapes: Accounts for significant portion of production mostly Chenin Blanc and Colombard
Wine Style: Mostly this wine is distilled
Other: Reliable source for red / wine high volume
Robertson (District) Breed River Valley Region
Climate: Hot climate slightly tempered from clouds coming from the sea and river for water irrigation. Cooler due to south easterly winds coming into the valley
Topography: East of Worcester
Terrior: Mainly lime soils, ideal for more depth and finesse in whites (including Chardonnay)
Grapes: Whites presented 70% of production i.e. Colombard, Chenin blanc, Chardonnay & Sauvignon blanc - Red varieties include Cab Sauv, Shiraz and Ruby Cabernet
Wine Style: Reliable source for well-made high volume brands; But with cooling and less fertile soils, produces excellent Syrahs & Full Bodied Chardonnays
Other:
Walker Bay (Distrcit) - Cape South Coast
Climate: Well exposed to Ocean
Topography: One of the coolest regions in South Africa Most vineyards on slate soils at 300-600m altitude.
Terrior:
Grapes: - Reputed for Chardonnay & Pinot Noir in South Africa. Also top Pinotage, Sauvignon Blance, Merlot & Shiraz
Wine Style:
Other: Contains Hemel-en-Aarde (“Heaven on Earth”) Ward - best S.A. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Elgin (District) - Cape South Coast
Climate: NW of Walker Bay with altitude for cooling
Topography:
Terrior:
Grapes: SavBlanc = Intense and Fresh, Great Reputation; Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah showing Promise
Wine Style:
Other:
Cape Agulhas (Distrcit) - Cape South District
Climate:
Topography:
Terrior:
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah also grown with success
Wine Style:
Other: Contains Elim Ward - reputation for pungent, but herbaceous SavBlanc
