South Africa, Argentina, and Chile

Question 1

What type of climate is South Africa considered in the context of winemaking?

Answer 1

Mediterranean climate

Question 2

What are the summer months in South Africa’s winemaking climate?

Answer 2

November to April

Question 3

What effect does the cold ocean current have on South Africa’s west coast?

Answer 3

Cools the west coast

Question 4

What is necessary for irrigation in South Africa’s inland regions?

Answer 4

The inland climate makes irrigation necessary

Question 5

What percentage of grape plantings in South Africa are red grapes?

Answer 5

44%

Question 6

What percentage of all grape plantings does Cabernet Sauvignon represent in South Africa?

Answer 6

12%

Question 7

Describe the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in South Africa.

Answer 7

Moderate yields, deep-coloured, tannic, full-bodied wines with blackcurrant aromas

Question 8

What percentage of grape plantings in South Africa are Syrah and Shiraz combined?

Answer 8

10%

Question 9

What are the flavor profiles of Syrah and Shiraz grapes?

Answer 9

Syrah: elegant and peppery; Shiraz: full-bodied, sweet, rich blackberry styles

Question 10

What percentage of grape plantings does Pinotage represent in South Africa?

Answer 10

7%

Question 11

What two varietals make up the Pinotage grape?

Answer 11

Pinot Noir and Cinsault

Question 12

What are the flavor characteristics of Pinotage grapes?

Answer 12

Rich, spiced berry fruit with hints of meat, rubber, banana, or nail varnish

Question 13

What grape variety represents 6% of South Africa’s plantings?

Answer 13

Merlot

Question 14

What is a notable characteristic of South African Merlot?

Answer 14

Produces dark, plummy wines like Pomerol when grown on iron-rich clay soil

Question 15

Where is Pinot Noir primarily grown in South Africa?

Answer 15

Mainly in the cooler areas

Question 16

What percentage of total plantings do white wines account for in South Africa?

Answer 16

56%

Question 17

What grape represents about 18% of white grapes grown in South Africa?

Answer 17

Chenin Blanc

Question 18

What are the flavor profiles of Chenin Blanc?

Answer 18

Apple, floral, honeyed flavours

Question 19

What percentage of white grapes does Sauvignon Blanc represent in South Africa?

Answer 19

10%

Question 20

What percentage of white grapes does Chardonnay represent in South Africa?

Answer 20

8%

Question 21

What is the significance of Muscat of Alexandria in South Africa?

Answer 21

Strong bouquet of flowers and intense honey flavours, often associated with dessert wines

Question 22

What legislation was established in South Africa in 1972 regarding wine?

Answer 22

Wine of Origin legislation

Question 23

List the geographical hierarchy of South African wine regions from largest to smallest.

Answer 23

• Regions
• Districts
• Wards
• Estates

Question 24

What is required for a wine to carry the WO designation?

Answer 24

• 100% of grapes must be from the stated location
• Minimum of 75% of grapes must be of the vintage stated
• Minimum of 85% of the variety must be in the wine to be named on the label

Question 25

Name the key wine regions of South Africa.

Answer 25

* Western Cape * Northern Cape * Eastern Cape * Kwazulu-Natal * Limpopo * Free State

Question 26

What is the temperature of Constantia during the growing season?

Answer 26

19˚C

Question 27

What type of soils are found in Constantia?

Answer 27

Sandstone soils with a high concentration of loam and granite

Question 28

What varieties are grown in Constantia?

Answer 28

* Chardonnay * Sauvignon Blanc * Cabernet * Merlot * Shiraz

Question 29

What is significant about the Durbanville Ward?

Answer 29

Cooler climate with deep soils, one of the oldest wine-producing areas

Question 30

What types of wines are produced in the Stellenbosch District?

Answer 30

* Bordeaux varieties * Shiraz * Pinotage * Sauvignon Blanc * Chenin Blanc * Chardonnay * Riesling

Question 31

What is the climate of the Paarl District?

Answer 31

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and damp winters

Question 32

What are the key districts in the Cape South Coast Region?

Answer 32

* Overberg * Walker Bay * Elgin

Question 33

What is unique about the Walker Bay District?

Answer 33

One of the coolest regions in South Africa with top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Question 34

What types of varietals are increasingly planted in the Overberg District?

Answer 34

* Pinot Noir * Chardonnay