South Africa

Question 1

Describe South Africas Climate and Name the relevant Districts and Wards

Answer 1

South Africa lies between 32 and 35° south of the Equator, it is mainly hot but the southern growing Regions get cooled by the Benguela Current, the Cape Doktor and Altitude

Most wines are produced in the Western Cape, which are separated into District and further into Wards

The Costal region lies around Cape town on the western Tip of South Africa, of note are
Stellenbosch District
Paarl District
Swartland District
And Cape Town District which entails Constantia and Durbanville Ward

**Breede River Valley Region **includes the districts of Worcester and Robertson

Cape South Coast consists of Walker bay District and the Hamel-en-Aarde Ward
Elgin District and Elim Ward

Question 2

What are south Africa’s most important Grapes, what wines are to be expected

Answer 2

Pinotage (pinot noir x cinsault)
Often made into Cape Blend with international varieties
On its own, light, fruity, red berry, sometimes stored with heavily toasted oak shaves, making coffee or chocolate aromas

Chenin Blanc
Most planted Grape, versatile, dry to sweet styles, can be easy drinking with simple stone fruit or complex and concentrated, sometimes barrel-fermented

Question 3

What other Grapes are planted in south Africa

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexandria, Viognier

Question 4

What sites in south Africa are known for high Quality Production, briefly describe the climate and the main Varities used

Answer 4

Stellenbosch - moderate to warm, Cape Doctor, Altitude
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cape Red Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

Swartland - north of Cape town, often dry farmed, center of Innovation
Old vine Chenin Blanc and Syrah, premium Cape Blends

Walker Bay, Hemel en Aarde, relatively cool sites on the eastern flank of the Cape, high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Paarl, Constantia, Durbanville, Elgin and Elim Ward make good quality wines too

Question 5

Where in South Africa is high Volume production mainly found

Answer 5

The Breede River Valley and it’s district’s of Worcester and Robinson lies further inland and is hot and dry
Worcester makes mainly white Wines from chenin and colombard, Robertson is slightly cooler and makes good Syrah and Chardonnay