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Wine Diploma > South Africa > Flashcards

South Africa Flashcards

1
Q

What happened in 1994 in South Africa?

A

African National Congress won the first democratic elections

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2
Q

Which organisation controlled the South African wine industry prior to the 1990s?

A

KWV co-op had regulatory powers determining production volumes and prices

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3
Q

What were the most planted grape varieties in South Africa prior to the 1990s? What were these used for?

A

Highly productive varieties:

Chenin Blanc
Colombard
Cinsault

Most wine was destined for the brandy industry

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4
Q

What percentage of plantings in South Africa are black?

A

45%

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5
Q

How much South African wine was exported in 2018?

A

420 million hl

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6
Q

South African vineyards are found between what latitudes?

A

33 to 35 degrees south

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7
Q

What is the general climate in South Africa?

A

Warm mediterranean

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8
Q

What is the Benguela current?

A
  • Cool current flowing north up the African coast
  • Mingles with warmer Agulhas current from Indian ocean
  • Lowers water temperatures between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas
  • Large temperature difference between coast and land causes regular beneficial fogs and coastal breezes
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9
Q

What is the Cape Doctor?

What effects can it have on vineyards?

A
  • South easterly spring / summer wind
  • Extends the impact of the Benguela current
  • Reduces disease pressure
  • Brings occasional rain to the south coast
  • Can damage leaves (affecting photosynthesis and ripeness)
  • Can affect flowering and fruit set, reducing yields
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10
Q

What is the average rainfall in Stellenbosch?

A

700mm (adequate)

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11
Q

When does most rain fall in South Africa?

A

May to August

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12
Q

Why is rainfall north of the Western Cape lower than further south?

A
  • Decreased impact of the Benguela current

- Protection from the mountains following the coastline

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13
Q

Why can winter freeze be an issue in some areas of South Africa?

A

Lack of consistent winter freeze can cause issues with vines failing to rest over winter

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14
Q

What is the most planted grape in South Africa?

A

Chenin Blanc

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15
Q

Did area under vine in South Africa increase or decrease by 8% from 2008 to 2018?

A

Decreased

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16
Q

Pinotage is a crossing of which two grapes?

A

Pinot Noir

Cinsault

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17
Q

Pinotage is ____ budding and moderately susceptible to ______ ____.

It makes vines with ____ berries and wines with ____ alcohol and ____ colour.

A 
Early budding
Moderately susceptible to fungal diseases
Small berries
High alcohol
Deep colour
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18
Q

What do winemakers need to avoid to make better quality Pinotage?

A

Avoid water stress and high fermentation temperatures

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19
Q

Name and describe the three main soil types in Western Cape

A

SOILS DERIVED FROM TABLE MOUNTAIN SANDSTONE

  • Sandy, low nutrients, low water retention
  • Irrigation and fertilisation may be needed

SOILS DERIVED FROM GRANITE

  • Foothill slopes of mountains and hilly areas
  • Good water retention, potential for dry farming

SOILS DERIVED FROM SHALE

  • Good nutrient levels and water retention
  • Potential for dry farming
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20
Q

Which two soil types in Western Cape have potential for dry farming?

A

Soils derived from granite and shale

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21
Q

Are most Cape soils overly acidic or alkali?

What effect does this have on the vines?

What can be done to compensate?

A

Excessively acidic

Inhibits the vine from taking up nutrients

Lime adjustments are needed to correct the pH and make it suitable for vine growth

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22
Q

Is vine density in South Africa low or high?

A

Typically low, with large vines carrying more fruit

Some higher quality producers work with closer spacing

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23
Q

South Africa has a legacy of plants with viral diseases - which two in particular?

What is the effect of this?

A

Fanleaf and leafroll

Reduced yield and added cost where badly affected vineyards need to be replanted.

This is being tackled by planting virus tested vines, but this also adds cost

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24
Q

What is the most common fungal disease in South Africa?

A

Powdery Mildew

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25
Q

What type of vine training is common in South Africa?

A

Cordon with VSP with a fruiting wire at 2.4m for ease of pruning.

Short spur pruning is common (can be mechanised) but most is done by hand due to large availability of labour

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26
Q

What is the Integrated Production of Wine system (IPW)?

A

A very detailed system introduced in 1998
Governs all aspects of growing and winemaking from carbon emissions, to staff training and conservation of soils rivers and wetlands

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27
Q

What percentage of South African wine export producers adhere to the IPW system?

A

90%

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28
Q

Explain the typical winemaking choices for inexpensive South African Chenin Blanc

A
  • High yields
  • Spray against disease
  • Minimal sorting of fruit
  • May be blended with up to 15% of another grape
  • Acidification
  • No MLF
  • Cultured yeasts
  • Cool ferment in stainless steel / cement
  • Short ageing in old oak or steel
  • Addition of oak flavours
  • Add residual sugar (concentrated grape must)
  • Stabilise, fine and filter
  • Early release
  • Bulk transport
  • Bottled @ destination market
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29
Q

Explain the typical winemaking choices for quality South African Chenin Blanc

A
  • Low yields
  • Often old dry farmed bush vines
  • Sometimes small amount of botrytis
  • Careful sorting
  • Avoid MLF
  • Ambient yeasts more likely
  • Cool ferment in inert vessels
  • Increased use of eggs and amphorae
  • 3 to 9 months on lees
  • Battonage for richer style
  • No sugar adjustments
  • Stabilise with light fining and filtration as required
  • Bottled in South Africa
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30
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a South African Chenin Blanc

A 
Medium to pronounced intensity fruit
Ripe, yellow apple, peach, tropical notes
High acidity
Medium alcohol
Medium body

(Some may have vanilla and toast from new oak)

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31
Q

Explain the typical winemaking choices for quality South African Pinotage

A
  • Low yields
  • Careful sorting
  • Cold soak prior to crushing to improve colour extraction
  • Pump overs and punch downs at the start of extraction (lower alcohol means less tannin is extracted)
  • Post fermentation maceration varies: lighter style typically will avoid maceration, while a traditional style will stay on skins 3 to 5 days
  • 12 to 15 months ageing in French oak (typically 50% new, although oak used is falling)
  • Released 2 years after vintage
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32
Q

Give a tasting note for a traditional South African Pinotage.

How will a lighter style differ?

A 
Deep ruby
Red plum and blackberry fruit
High tannin
Full body
High alcohol

Lighter styles: source from cooler sites and picked earlier, no post fermentation maceration

Medium ruby
Red fruited
Medium tannins

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33
Q

What sort of ageing would you expect for an inexpensive South African Pinotage?

A

Age in stainless steel or old oak
Staves or chips may be added to give oak flavour
Wines are released early - 6 to 12 months after vintage

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34
Q

What is a White Cape blend?

A

Typically a Chenin dominant blend but with white Rhone grapes, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

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35
Q

Most South African wine regions grow “the big six” varieties - what are these?

A 
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
Pinotage
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36
Q

How do red Bordeaux blends differ from Red Cape blends?

A

Red Cape blend is a broader category for blends with a significant proportion of Pinotage and / or Rhone varieties

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37
Q

What are the four levels of the South African Wine of Origin system?

A
  1. Geographical Unit
  2. Region
  3. District
  4. Ward
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38
Q

South African Geographical Units and regions are based on __________

Districts and Wards are based on ____

A

Political or geographical units

Common soils, climate and ecological factors

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39
Q

What regulations are in place in South Africa regarding single vineyards?

A

If the name is to be used as part of a label, the vineyard must be…

  • Registered
  • Planted to a single variety
  • No bigger than 6ha
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40
Q

For South African wines of origin:

___% of grapes are from the named place
___% are from the named vintage
___% are from the named varietal

A

100% of grapes are from the named place
85% are from the named vintage
85% are from the named varietal

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41
Q

Coastal region accounts for ___% of all South African area under vine, but produces ___% by volume.

A

45% of area under vine

22% by volume (low yielding)

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42
Q

What are the two main wards in Cape Town district?

A

Constantia

Durbanville

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43
Q

What wine is famously produced in Constantia?

A

Vin de Constance

A dried Muscat from Klein Constantia

44
Q

Describe the growing conditions in Constantia (aspect, cooling influence, rainfall and soils).

A
  • Vines on east facing slopes of Constantiaberg which extends from Table Mountain
  • Cooling breezes from False Bay
  • 1000mm rainfall (relatively high)
  • Low vigour granite above a sandstone layer: good drainage
45
Q

Name two significant producers in Constantia

A

Steenberg

Klein Constantia

46
Q

Describe the growing conditions in Durbanville (aspect, altitude, cooling influence, rainfall and soils).

A
  • East facing
  • 100- 300m
  • Cooling breezes and evening mists from False Bay
  • Lower rainfall than Constantia: Tygerberg acts as a rainshadow
  • Shale soils of Tygerberg Hills: higher water holding capacity, ability to dry farm
47
Q

What is the most planted varietal in Durbanville? What style is produced?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Planted on cooler, exposed sites with a greener style

48
Q

Name two significant producers in Durbanville

A

Bloemendal

Diemersdal

49
Q

Name two significant Stellenbosch producers

A

Rust en Vrede

Raats Family Wine

50
Q

What are major contributors to quality wines produced in Stellenbosch?

A
  • Cooler mountain slopes
  • Varied soil types
  • Breezes from False Bay
51
Q

How do soils on the valley floor close to False Bay and on the slopes differ in Stellenbosch?

A

VALLEY FLOOR:
- sandy and alluvial

SLOPES:
- Predominantly shale and granite

52
Q

Stellenbosch is known for producing very good to outstanding wines from which grapes?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends)
Shiraz
Chenin Blanc

53
Q

Describe the growing conditions in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.

A
  • Lower slopes of south-west facing Simonsberg
  • Slightly warmer than sites close to False Bay
  • Still open to ocean breezes with higher diurnal range than lower sites
54
Q

What wines is Simonsberg-Stellenbosch recognised for?

A 
Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends)
Pinotage
55
Q

Name two significant producers in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.

A

Rustenberg

Kanonkop

56
Q

Where is Paarl district located?

A

North of Stellenbosch

57
Q

How does Paarl wine compare with Stellenbosch?

A

It has a distinct ripeness: Paarl wines are generally fuller bodied, as the climate is warmer

58
Q

What is the average rainfall in Paarl?

Where might producers source irrigation water from if needed?

A

800-900mm

The Berg River

59
Q

Name the ward in Paarl district that is becoming increasingly known for quality wines?

A

Voor Pardeberg

60
Q

Name two significant producers in Paarl

A

Vilafonte (super premium)

Nederburg

61
Q

Is Simonsberg - Paarl ward at a lower or higher elevation than the rest of Paarl?

How does this effect vines grown here?

What wines are produced?

A

Higher

Higher diurnal range, longer, slightly cooler growing season

Fresh and intense Chardonnays, Syrahs and red blends

62
Q

Describe the growing conditions in Franschhoek Valley (topography, elevations, rainfall, soils).

A
  • Surrounded by mountains on 3 sides giving varied topography
  • 300m of valley floor, up to 600m (with higher diurnal range)
  • 800mm rain per year
  • Fast draining soils - irrigation often needed
63
Q

Which three grapes dominate plantings in Franschhoek Valley?

There are also significant old vine plantings of which additional varietal?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

100+ year old Semillon

64
Q

Fruit from Franschhoek is often prized for bringing ___ to blends.

A

Freshness

65
Q

Name two significant Franschhoek producers.

A

Boekenhoutskloof

Cape Chamonix

66
Q

Describe the topography of Darling District and the soils. How do these affect the growing environment?

A
  • Range of hills running parallel to the cold west coast
  • Slopes offer a range of aspects; vines benefit from Atlantic breezes
  • Weathered granite soils have good water retention
  • Dry farming is possible
67
Q

Comparisons are drawn between Darling and which ward? Why?

A

Durbanville

Both are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc production and fresher styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz

68
Q

Describe the climate in Swartland

A

Warm, dry climate

69
Q

What is the Swartland Revolution?

Who are the key figures?

A
  • Influx of talent to Swartland since 2000
  • Follow principles of low yields, organic farming, ambient yeasts, low SO2, old vines, and old oak maturation

Charles Back (Spice Route), Sadie and Mullineux

70
Q

What are the main soils in Swartland?

A

Diverse, but mainly low fertility granite and shale (particularly round Pardeberg)

71
Q

What is the average rainfall in Swartland, and when does most of it fall?

A

500mm, mostly falling in the growing season.

Use of irrigation can guarantee yields

72
Q

Why does Tulbagh District receive no cooling influence from the coast?

What other factors provide cooling relief in this district?

A

It is a warm dry sheltered valley surrounded by a horseshoe shaped mountain range.

  • Altitude on higher slopes (400 to 500m)
  • Shade from mountains
  • Trapping of cool mountain air in the valley
73
Q

What quality of wine is produced in Tulbagh?

A

History of inexpensive wines from Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Colombard

Some Pinotage grown here is blended into premium cape blends

74
Q

Wellington District is building a reputation for what styles of wine?

A

Shiraz and powerful red blends

75
Q

Where are wineries located in Wellington district?

A
  • Some stretch over the alluvial terraces towards the rolling hills of Swartland
  • Others are at the foothills of the Hawequa mountains where folds and valleys create unique mesoclimates
76
Q

Breede River Valley is a ___ ___ region producing most of South Africa’s wines at high yields.

It also produces a lot of grapes for ____.

The ____ ____ is a key source of irrigation water

A

Warm, dry region.

Distilling

Breede River

77
Q

What can delay budburst in Breedekloof?

A

Winter and spring snows

Spring frost

78
Q

Where is Breedekloof located?

Describe the climate and soils here.

A

In the upper area of the Breede River Valley

Warm continental climate (longer hang time, later harvest)

Cooling summer south-east winds moderate temperature and reduce disease pressure

Soils and aspects are varied

79
Q

Name the important co-op in Breedekloof.

A

Du Toitskloof Cellar

80
Q

Why does Worcester have low rainfall (400mm)?

Describe the soils.

What are grapes from here used for mainly?

A

In the rain shadow of surrounding mountains
Relies heavily on irrigation

Fertile loamy soils

Still chiefly produces grapes for distilling

81
Q

Describe the climatic conditions in Robertson District.

What are the soils like here?

A

Warm with low rainfall - irrigation is needed
South east winds act as a cooling influence and bring moisture

Land is flat, soils are fertile

Mostly high volume production

82
Q

What is the most northerly region in the Western Cape?

What is the climate like here?

A

Olifants River Region

Dry, warm climate: needs irrigation from Olifants River

83
Q

Name 2 districts and 2 wards in Olifants River known for producing dry farmed fruit.

What price and quality would you expect from these wines?

A

DISTRICTS:
Citrusdal Mountain
Lutzville Valley

WARDS:
Bamboes Bay
Piekenierskloof

Very good to outstanding, premium price

84
Q

Name three cooling influences in Olifants River Region

A
  • Altitude (450-500m)
  • Aspect
  • Atlantic ocean influence
85
Q

Cape South Coast Region is strongly influenced by the ____ ____, and while plantings are ____ and ____, the area is well-known for producing ____ ____ wines.

A

Atlantic Ocean
Plantings are small and recent
High quality

86
Q

What are the three most planted varieties in Cape South Coast Region?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir

87
Q

Where is Walker Bay located?

A

Immediately adjacent to the Atlantic - cooler climate

88
Q

What is Tim Hamilton Russel known for?

A

He pioneered planting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Walker Bay

89
Q

What are the names of the three wards in Hemel en Aard?

A

Hemel en Aarde Valley
Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley
Hemel en Aarde Ridge

90
Q

Describe growing conditions in Hemel en Aarde (cooling influence, exposition, soils)

A
  • Cooling winds: reduce vigour and risk of over-ripening
  • North facing vineyards maximise sun exposure in a cool climate
  • High clay content in areas improves water retention
  • Cover crops prevent water evaporation
91
Q

What styles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced in Hemel en Aarde Valley?

What growing conditions contribute to this

A

Fresh, bright wines with distinct ripeness (some high abv Pinots)

It is the lowest altitude Hemel en Aarde ward, but the closest to the cooling effects of the Atlantic Ocean

92
Q

What effect do the Babylonstoren Mountains have on the Hemel en Aarde Ridge ward?

What aspect / elevation are vineyards here?

A

Act as a cloud trap, collecting moisture and providing regular shade

South and east facing, up to 400m above sea level

93
Q

Bot River Ward is _____ than Hemel en Aarde but ___ than Paarl and Stellenbosch

What provides cooling influences here?

A

Warmer than Hemel en Aarde
Cooler than Paarl and Stellenbosch

The Bot River Lagoon funnels cold wines towards the slopes of nearby mountain ranges

94
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Bot River Ward?

A

Fresh styles of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc (long growing season)

Warmth to ripen Rhône varietals and Pinotage

95
Q

Describe the growing conditions in the district of Elgin (elevation, cooling influences, rainfall)

A
  • Inland plateau 200-400m
  • Cooling influences from altitude, cloud cover and ocean: cold nights and cool summer breezes
  • 1000mm of rain (some disease pressure but also some botrytised wines)
96
Q

What styles of wines are often produced in Elgin?

A

Fresher styles of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz

97
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Klein Karoo Region?

A
  • Port style wines from Portuguese varietals
  • Fortified Muscats
  • Some Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz show promise in cooler areas
98
Q

What is the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) being replaced with in South Africa?

What does this initiative recognise?

A

WWF SA Conservation Champion Programme

Recognises producers who commit to biodiversity conservation and improvement of production practices, energy efficient practices and water stewardship

99
Q

What is the Integrity and Sustainability Seal?

A
  • Released in 2010 by the Wine and Spirits Board with IPW
  • Guarantees a certified wine’s environmental credentials
  • Seal links with Wine of Origin programme to increase traceability
100
Q

What is the name of the alliance between the Wine and Spirits Board, IPW, Word Wildlife Fund and WOSA?

A

Sustainable Wine South Africa (SWSA)

101
Q

What is the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA)?

A
  • Voluntary scheme

- Businesses commit to an audited scheme of ethical trade with a focus on reasonable working conditions

102
Q

How did the introduction of democracy in 1994 help the South African wine industry?

A
  • Removal of trade sanctions meant that exports were possible
  • Increased foreign investment (capital investment and new knowledge and insight)
  • Starting in 1992, the rights of the KWV were repealed and it was reorganised into a private business by 1997
  • The end of this highly regulated system meant producers could begin to focus on quality
103
Q

What is the KWV?

A

A giant co-operative that dominated the South African wine industry

It had regulatory powers to determine production volumes and powers

104
Q

Which organisation was established when South Africa re-entered the international arena to promote the wines abroad?

How was it funded?

A

Wines of South Africa

Funded mainly by export levies

105
Q

How much South African wine is consumed domestically?

What styles dominate the home market?

A

50%

Value wines - packaging in 1l bricks is popular

106
Q

____ ____ dominates sales domestically, representing 40% by volume sold in South Africa

A

Distell Group

107
Q

Which country represents 25% of all South African exports by volume?

Which other countries are important export markets?

A

UK

Germany

Increasingly USA, China, and other African countries are becoming important

Wine Diploma (62 decks)

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