South Africa Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the major climatic influences in South Africa’s wine regions?
- Atlantic Ocean (especially the Benguela Current) brings cool sea breezes
- Indian Ocean affects the southern coast
- Mountain ranges (e.g., Hottentots-Holland, Drakenstein) create varied mesoclimates
- Overall: Mediterranean climate – warm, dry summers & cool, wet winters
What is the Wine of Origin (WO) system in South Africa?
South Africa’s official appellation system, introduced in 1973
Certifies geographic origin, vintage, and varietal
Minimum requirements:
- 100% from stated origin
- 85% of stated varietal & vintage
What are the main climate types and soil types in South African wine regions?
Climate: Mediterranean, with coastal influence and cooling breezes inland
Soils:
- Granite – found in Stellenbosch
- Shale, sandstone, alluvial soils, and decomposed Table Mountain sandstone
- Diverse soils = great terroir variation
Describe the general structure of wine production in South Africa.
- Large cooperative wineries (e.g., KWV) historically dominant
- Today: mix of large producers, estate wineries, and small independent farms
- Emphasis on quality, terroir, and sustainable viticulture has grown
What are the levels of geographical designation in the WO system?
- Geographical Unit – Broadest (e.g., Western Cape)
- Region – e.g., Coastal Region
- District – e.g., Stellenbosch, Paarl, Walker Bay
- Ward – e.g., Elgin, Constantia (smaller terroir-defined zones)
- Estate Wine – From one contiguous property; produced & bottled on site
What does the term “Estate Wine” mean under South African wine law?
- Wine produced entirely on a single estate
- Grapes must be grown, vinified, and bottled on the same estate
- Must be certified under WO system
What does the “Certified Wine of Origin” seal indicate?
- Guarantees that the varietal, vintage, and origin on the label are accurate
- Issued by the Wine and Spirit Board
- A numbered seal appears on the bottle capsule
What are the principal wine regions of the Western Cape?
- Stellenbosch – premium reds and Chardonnay
- Franschhoek – sparkling wine, Bordeaux varietals
- Paarl – warmer, bold reds and fortified wines
- Constantia – historic area, Sauvignon Blanc, sweet wines
- Walker Bay – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Elgin – cool climate; Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
What grape varietals are associated with Stellenbosch?
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
- Known for structured, age-worthy reds and premium whites
What varietals are typical of Franschhoek and Paarl?
- Franschhoek: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Cap Classique
- Paarl: Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Muscat
What are the signature varietals of Walker Bay and Elgin?
- Walker Bay (Hemel-en-Aarde): Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Elgin: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling
What are major districts within the Coastal Region WO?
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- Franschhoek
- Swartland
- Durbanville
- Tulbagh
- Cape Town (including Constantia)
What are key districts within the Breede River Valley Region?
- Robertson – Chardonnay, Shiraz
- Worcester – bulk production, Chenin Blanc
- Breedekloof – fortified and dessert wines
What is Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) on a wine label?
- South Africa’s traditional method sparkling wine
- Usually from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sometimes Chenin Blanc
- Aged on lees, like Champagne (min. 12 months)
What is a Cape Blend?
- A South African red blend that must include Pinotage (usually 30–70%)
- Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
- Not a legal category, but widely accepted as a style identity
