South Africa Flashcards
Name 3 features that allow what would otherwise be a hot climate to be hospitable to grape growing.
Cooling influences from the Southern Ocean, the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic running up the west coast, the south-easterly summer winds known as the Cape Doctor. Additionally, the mountain ranges offering differing altitudes and aspects (vines can be planted on the southern slopes to benefit from cooler temperatures).
Name 5 black varieties in South Africa.
Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot, Pinotage (pinot x cinsault).
Which is the most widely planted black variety?
Cabernet. Most reds are matured in oak, some new, giving toasty aromas.
Describe the various styles of Pinotage.
From light, fruity, with red berry flavors to old bush vines that are very full bodied with rich, spiced berry fruit. With oak, it can take on intense coffee or chocolate aromas.
Name the principal white varieties in South Africa.
Chenin Blanc (most widely planted of either color), SauvBlanc, Chard. and Columbard (2nd most widely planted white - used in Brandy production).
How do the styles of SauvBlanc differ?
Generally herbaceous. Cool regions produce flavors of citrus and green fruit. Warmer regions need to be picked early to retain such flavors and acidity.
Name 2 techniques that contribute to premium Chard?
Barrel fermentation and lees-stirring.
What variety is used to produce late-harvest desert wines?
Muscat of Alexandria (Hanepoot). Grapes are left to shrivel on the vines. Noble rot can also influence these wines.
High quality blends of Chenin Blanc with Rhone varieties such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier have emerged from which area?
Swartland.
Where do 90% of the wines in South Africa come from?
Western Cape. The remainder come from the hot and irrigated Orange River in the Northern Cape (inexpensive whites that are rarely exported).
If a wine sources their fruit from a wider area than it’s GI, how are they labeled?
With a region (e.g. Coastal Region), or a geographical unit (e.g. Western Cape). Many premium wines are made this way.
Name the 3 wine regions in South Africa.
Coastal, Cape South Coast, and Breede River Valley.
Name 3 Districts in the Coastal Region.
Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Constantia.
What is Stellenbosch known for?
Top class reds, particularly cab and merlot, often blended.
What makes Stellenbosch ideal for grape growing?
Moderate to warm climate, sufficient rainfall in the winter, summers that are cooled by False Bay winds funneled from the mountains, but most importantly, the variety of altitude, aspect and soil.
