South Africa

Question 1

When and why did wine production begin in South Africa?

Answer 1

• The Cape became a refueling and trade station for ships on voyages to India
• Then settlement for Dutch East India Company
• First vines planted 1655
• Flourished in 1688 with arrival of French Huguenots

Question 2

When and how did Apartheid impact the wine industry?

Answer 2

• Came to an end in 1994 with democratic elections
• Boycotts lifted, giving full access to export markets
• KWV privatized, stimulating rebirth and modernization of industry

Question 3

Where does South Africa rank in wine-producing countries worldwide?

Answer 3

Top 10

Question 4

Summarize the creation, role, and impact of the KWV.

Answer 4

• Created in 1918
• Rescued industry from late 1800’s phylloxera and loss of exports
• Produced wine, stabilized prices, established quota system - quantity over quality
• Privatized when Apartheid lift 1997

Question 5

Where is South Africa located?

Answer 5

• Southern tip of Africa

- Adjacent to both Atlantic and Indian Oceans

Question 6

South Africa - climate?

Answer 6

• Maritime, cooling from oceans

- Very warm to hot inland

Question 7

What ocean current affects South Africa and how does it moderate climate?

Answer 7

• Benguela Current

- Flows north from Antarctica to cool coastal areas

Question 8

South Africa - soil?

Answer 8

Ancient and diverse

Question 9

South Africa - white grape varieties?

Answer 9

1. Chenin Blanc (aka Steen)
2. Chardonnay
3. Sauvignon Blanc

Question 10

South Africa - red grape varieties?

Answer 10

1. Pinotage (a Pinot Noir X Cinsault crossing)
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Syrah
4. Merlot
5. Pinot Noir

Question 11

What is the local name for Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

Answer 11

Steen

Question 12

What are the grape varieties and propagation method used to make Pinotage?

Answer 12

• Pinot Noir and Cinsault

- Cross Propogation

Question 13

South African vineyards have a high occurrence of __________.

Answer 13

Vine virus

Question 14

Describe the wind in South Africa and its impact on the vineyards.

Answer 14

• The Cape Doctor
• Southeasterly wind that blows across Western Cape
• Arrives spring/summer
• Pros: Suppress fungal disease, moderate temperatures
• Cons: Injures vines, disturbs flowering

Question 15

What system is used to regulate wine in South Africa?

Answer 15

Wine of Origin System (WO)

Question 16

When was the WO introduced in South Africa?

Answer 16

1973

Question 17

How are wines approved for WO in South Africa?

Answer 17

A board tastes, tests, and approves

Question 18

How do you know if a bottle of wine is WO approved?

Answer 18

A WO seal appears on the bottle

Question 19

What are the WO labeling laws for Vintage?

Answer 19

85% of stated year

Question 20

What are the WO labeling laws for Variety?

Answer 20

85% minimum

Question 21

What are the WO labeling laws for Appellation?

Answer 21

100% of grapes must come from named Geographic Designation

Question 22

How many Geographic Designations are there in South Africa?

Answer 22

5

Question 23

List the Geographic Designations of South Africa in order from largest to smallest.

Answer 23

1. Geographical Units
2. Regions
3. Districts
4. Wards
5. Estates

Question 24

What defines a Ward in South Africa?

Answer 24

Soil, climate, and geological factors

Question 25

Name 1 example of a Geographical Unit in South Africa.

Answer 25

1. Western Cape

Question 26

Name 1 example of a Region in South Africa.

Answer 26

1. Coastal Region

Question 27

Name 4 examples of a District in South Africa.

Answer 27

1. Stellenbosch
2. Paarl
3. Swartland
4. Walker Bay

Question 28

Name 1 example of a Ward in South Africa?

Answer 28

Constantia

Question 29

What defines Estates in South Africa?

Answer 29

Single vineyards

Question 30

What is Constantia known for?

Answer 30

• Sweet wines among the best in the world