South African Wine Flashcards
(103 cards)
1
Q
There are four types of production areas; in descending order of size
A
geographical unit; region; district; and ward.
2
Q
Geographical Units of South Africa
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Northern Cape; Eastern Cape; Western Cape; Kwazulu_Natal; Limpopo.
3
Q
Northern Cape
A
Consists of only five production areas: the Douglas and Sutherland Karoo districts; and the independent Hartswater; Central Orange River; and Rietrivier FS wards.
4
Q
Northern Cape climate
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Northern Cape production areas along the Orange River experience a hot; arid climate and are generally only suitable for bulk wines.
5
Q
Eastern Cape
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has a single ward (St. Francis Bay)
6
Q
Kwazulu Natal
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Contain no other production areas.
7
Q
Limpopo
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Contain no other production areas.
8
Q
South Africa’s six regions
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Coastal Region; Cape South Coast; Breede River Valley; Klein Karoo; Olifants River; and Boberg. All of them are situated in Western Cape; a small area in the southwestern corner of the country; where most South African wine production occurs.
9
Q
Boberg River Region
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Region for fortified wines from the districts of Paarl; Franschhoek; Wellington and Tulbagh. Western Cape.
10
Q
Western Cape’s climate
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At a latitude of 27° to 34°; the climate is essentially Mediterranean; with warm; sunny growing seasons; although the Benguela Current flows north from Antarctica to cool the coastal areas.
11
Q
Cape Agulhas
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The Cape’s southernmost district; Cape Agulhas; offers the coolest climate in the country.
12
Q
Coastal Region
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Is one of six SA regions; located around the original colony of Cape Town and along the western coast of the Cape. The region is subdivided into nine districts.
13
Q
Coastal Region districts
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Stellenbosch; Cape Peninsula; Tygerberg; Paarl; Tulbagh; Darling; Franschhoek Valley; Wellington and Swartland. Another district (Cape Point) was repealed in early 2014 with the introduction of Cape Peninsula; which contains the wards of Constantia and Hout Bay.
14
Q
Stellenbosch district
A
South Africa’s most prominent winemaking region. With viticultural roots dating back to the 17th century; the “Town of Oaks” has become the epicenter of viticultural and oenological research for the country; and it is a source of high quality red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are the district’s two most planted varietals.
15
Q
Stellenbosch climate
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Maritime influenced climate comparable to but warmer than Bordeaux. Degree Days (°C): 1945 (Region III to IV). Growing Season Rainfall: 229 mm (9 inches).
16
Q
Stellenbosch Major Natural Features
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False Bay; Simonsberg; Stellenbosch; and Helderberg Mountains.
17
Q
Stellenbosch Soil Types
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granite and sandstone.
18
Q
Stellenbosch Key Producers
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Warwick Estate; Rust en Vrede; Meerlust; Kanonkop; Ernie Els Wines; Annandale.
19
Q
Stellenbosch Wards
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Devon Valley; Jonkershoek Valley; Papegaaiberg; Simonsberg_Stellenbosch; Bottelary; Banghoek; and the Polkadraai Hills.
20
Q
Paarl climate
A
North of Stellenbosch; the warmer inland Paarl (“pearl”) has Degree Days (°C): 2146 (Region IV); Growing Season Rainfall: 273 mm (10.75 inches). Paarl’s climate is relatively hot compared to the more coastal areas of the Western Cape. Long; hot summers and cold; rainy winters are typical of the area.
21
Q
Paarl varieties
A
The district rivals Stellenbosch in production; Cabernet Sauvignon; Shiraz; Pinotage; Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay produce good wines.
22
Q
Paarl Soil Types
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Sandstone; granite; weathered shale
23
Q
Paarl Major Natural Features
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Berg River; Hawequa Mountains
24
Q
Paarl Key Producers
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Nederburg
25
Paarl wines
The red wines; made largely from Shiraz; Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon (often found in a Bordeaux blend) are rich and robust; with a great intensity of fruit. The white wines are fruit driven and tropical; usually made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.
26
Paarl Wards
Simonsberg Paarl; and Voor Paardeberg
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Tulbagh
Smaller district located to the north of Paarl. The district’s higher altitude creates a significant diurnal temperature shift; and Cap Classique production is increasing.
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Tulbagh main varieties
Shiraz is king in Tulbagh; and the wines made from this grape are often made into traditional Southern Rhone blends along with Mourvedre and Viognier. The most important white wine variety is Chenin Blanc; but Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also common plantings in Tulbagh.
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Tulbagh climate
While Tulbagh is generally hot and dry; the surrounding mountains have a marked effect on the region’s climate. Cool evening air is trapped in the valley during the day; helping to lower the daytime temperatures. The shadows of the mountains affect the temperatures as well; reducing the amount of daily sunlight that reaches the grapes. These climate moderating factors lengthen the ripening season; producing grapes that have had time to develop excellent flavor concentration while retaining acidity. Degree Days (°C): 2249 (Region IV to V);
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Tulbagh rainfall
Around 20 inches (500mm) annually; with most of the rain falling in the winter months. Growing Season Rainfall (Oct to Apr): 175 mm (6.9 inches). The Klein Berg River provides water for irrigation during the dry summers.
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Tulbagh Soil Types
sandstone and shale.
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Tulbagh Major Natural Features
Witzenberg; Groot Winterhoek; and Obiekwaberg Mountains
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Tulbagh Key Producers
Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards; Saronsberg
34
Franschhoek
It used to be one of the Paarl Wards but in 2010 achieved status as a separate district.
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Franschhoek main varieties
Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are the key grapes behind Franschhoek's full bodied red wines. The region is also associated with the production of Cap Classique sparkling wine produced mainly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends.
36
Franschhoek Climate
Warm climate; ideally suited to the production of heavy; robust red wines and rich; fruit driven white wines. The shadows cast by the surrounding mountains help to moderate temperatures; reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the vines. Degree Days (°C): 2123 (Region IV); Growing Season Rainfall (Oct to Apr): 256 mm (10 inches).
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Franschhoek Major Natural Features
Franschhoek; Drakenstein; and Wemmershoek Mountains; Berg River
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Franschhoek Soil Types
Sandstone and shale
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Franschhoek Key Producers
Graham Beck Wines; Boschendal Wines
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Wellington
It used to be one of the Paarl Wards but in 2012 achieved status as a separate district.
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Wellington most important varieties
Pinotage and Chenin Blanc
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Wellington climate
The mountains have a profound influence; although the days are reasonably hot; colder air from the mountains settles in the valleys in the evenings; helping to create a diurnal temperature variation. The shadows of the mountains also contribute to a later sunrise and earlier sunset; reducing the overall sunlight hours and lengthening the ripening season. Grapes that ripen slowly are able to develop more concentrated flavors while retaining acidity.
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Wellington soil
In the lower terraces; vines benefit from well drained shale; while further up the slopes; sandstone and decomposed granite can be found. These dry; low quality soils are perfect for wine production. Low water content in the soil means a lower grape yield and smaller berries with a higher concentration of flavor.
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Tygerberg varieties
With its close proximity to the ocean and its relatively cool climate; it is best known for the bright; flinty Sauvignon Blanc. Cool climate styles of Shiraz; Merlot and Chardonnay are also made in the region.
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Tygerberg climate
This proximity to the ocean has a profound effect on the climate of the area. South easterly breezes from False Bay in the south are funneled up the hills during the afternoons; cooling the vines after the heat of the intense morning sunshine. The exposed vineyards that sit on the higher slopes of the hills in particular benefit from these winds; while vineyards in the valleys are more sheltered. Degree Days: 1728 (Region III); Growing Season Rainfall (Oct to Apr): 18.9 inches.
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Tygerberg Soil Types
greywacke and phyllite shales
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Tygerberg Major Natural Features
Tygerberg and Kanonkop Hills; False Bay; Atlantic Ocean
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Tygerberg Key Producers
Altydgedacht; Durbanville Hills
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Cape Peninsula Varieties
The most important is Sauvignon Blanc;cool climate characteristics; herbaceous and complex with marked minerality. Also Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Cape Peninsula climate
The climate of the region is distinctly maritime; and the cool breezes of the Atlantic are complemented by the warmer breezes from False Bay on the eastern side. Degree Days (°C): 1742 (Region III)
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Cape Peninsula Wards
Constantia; Hout Bay
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Cape Peninsula Key Producers (Constantia)
Groot Constantia; Klein Constantia; Constantia Uitsig; Steenberg; Buitenverwachting
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Darling varieties
Unique; cool climate style wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Both of them are bush planted; unique for SB in the World.
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Darling climate
Heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The Benguela Current that runs up the west coast of Africa provides cooling winds that sweep through the vineyards in the afternoons. The ocean also provides early morning fog; which delivers moisture to the vineyards. The area is also subject to a significant diurnal temperature variation.
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Swartland varieties
Specializes in making rich; fruit driven wines from Shiraz; Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Shiraz is often blended with Grenache and Mourvedre to create a Southern Rhone Blend.
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Swartland climate
The climate is hot and dry; Degree Days (°C): 2058 (Region IV).
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Breede River Valley Districts
Robertson; Worcester; and Breedekloof.
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Robertson
One of South Africa's better known wine producing areas and is associated with the production of rich; fruit driven red and white wines made from Chardonnay and Shiraz.
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Robertson climate
The dry; hot climate; diurnal variation; Degree Days (°C): 2181 (Region V)
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Breedekloof and Worcester
The largest district in South Africa in terms of production; produce over 25% of the national volume of wine and spirits (generally brandy) and nearly 20% of the nation’s vine acreage is located in these two districts.
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Klein Karoo
Arid inland region. Fortified and sweet wine production is the dominant focus; and Muscat and Tinta Barroca are the most promising grapes of the region.
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Klein Karoo Districts
Langeberg_Garcia and Calitzdorp
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Olifants River Region
Located to the north of Swartland. Colombard and Chenin Blanc are chiefly purposed for bulk wines; and South Africa’s largest co operative winery; Vredendal; is based here.
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Olifants River Region Districts
Citrusdal Mountain; Citrusdal Valley; and Lutzville Valley
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Cape South Coast Region Districts
Three of these districts Overberg; Walker Bay; and Cape Agulhas; line the southwestern Atlantic Coast of South Africa. A fourth; Plettenberg Bay; lies over 250 miles to the east; along the southern coast of Africa. The fifth district; Swellendam; borders Overberg to the east; near the Breede River Valley. Elgin; received district status in early 2012.
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Overberg varieties
Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Noir; and even Riesling (renamed Weisser Riesling to distinguish the grape from Cape Riesling) are showing good results in the cooler maritime climate.
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Overberg climate
Altitude plays an important role coupled with cooling sea breezes from Walker Bay; leads to a longer ripening season; which often stretches well into March and April. These growing conditions make for well balanced wines that are complex in flavor with good levels of fresh acidity. Degree Days (°C): 1849 (Region III)
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Overberg Wards
Klein River; Theewater; Elandskloof and Greyton.
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Elgin varieties
Aromatic varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay feel most at home in Elgin’s cool climate and produce wines with highly expressive fruit and character. Also Shiraz; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Petit Verdot as part of a Bordeaux Blend.
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Elgin climate
Proximity to the South Atlantic Ocean; just 7.5 miles away; means lower average temperatures over summer and refreshing early morning mists. Elgin rises between 820ft and 1300ft (250m to 400m) above sea level and this (coupled with prevailing southerly winds) contributes to the cool climate that characterizes its terroir and wines.
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Walker Bay varieties
The region is held in high regard for the Burgundian styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that is made here; along with fresh; flinty Sauvignon Blanc.
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Walker Bay climate
One of the coolest in SA; heavy maritime influences; The Antarctic Benguela current from the nearby Atlantic Ocean ensures these breezes are cold enough to refresh the grapes during the ripening season. Degree Days (°C): 1660 (Region II)
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Walker Bay Soil Types
shale; granite and sandstone
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Walker Bay Key Producers
Hamilton Russell
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Walker Bay most important Wards
Bot River and Hemel_en_Aarde (“Heaven and Earth”) Valley
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Walker Bay Wards
Hemel_en_Aarde Valley; Hemel_en_Aarde Ridge; Upper Hemel_en_Aarde Valley; Bot River; Sunday's Glen; Stanford Foothills;
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Cape Agulhas varieties
Racy Sauvignon Blanc and elegant; cool climate Shiraz are the staple styles.
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Cape Agulhas climate
Coldest wine producing area in the country; Degree Days (°C): 1683 (Region II and III)
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Cape Agulhas Wards
Elim
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Cape Agulhas Sauvignon Blanc
The concentrated; herbaceous Sauvignon Blancs made from grapes grown here are being compared favorably to those made in regions such as Marlborough and the Loire Valley.
81
Constantia
legendary; aromatic; concentrated 18th century dessert wines from the Cape. The sweet wines of Constantia; both red and white; the latter the more expensive; were made principally from muscat blanc à petits grains and its dark berried mutation; probably including the lesser muscat of alexandria together with the dark red pontac and Chenin Blanc.
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Vin de Constance
Klein (Little) Constantia; a subdivision of the original farm; has been first to take up the challenge to re enact the legend. It replanted vineyards of Muscat of Frontignan in the early 1980s and now produces naturally high alcohol white dessert wines known as Vin de Constance (also without botrytis in the manner of the old Constantia) to local and international acclaim.
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Cape soils
Tend to be excessively acid; requiring heavy lime amendments; tartaric acid adjustments to musts and wines; and severe tartrate removal procedures before bottling.
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Benguela current
from Antarctica makes the Cape cooler than its latitude may suggest.
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Cape Doctor'
frequent gale force summer south easter wind; that reduces humidity; mildew; and other fungal diseases; but also sometimes batters vines.
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South Africa production
99 680 hectares of land under vines.
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South Africa white varieties
Most planted: Chenin; Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay.
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South Africa red varieties
Most planted: Cabernet; Shiraz; Pinotage; Merlot.
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Wine Law
as of 2006 the wine must contain 85% of the stated grape. Blends may list several grapes; if vinification occurred separately and each listed grape comprises a minimum 20% of the wine. A minimum 85% of the stated vintage is also required. If an area of production appears on the label; 100% of the grapes from which the wine was made must come from the stated area.
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Cape Riesling
It is a synonym for Crouchen Blanc unrelated to Riesling.
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Hanepoot
Muscat of Alexandria
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Pinotage
a Cinsault x Pinot Noir crossing developed by Professor Abraham Perold in 1925; may yet become South Africa’s signature red grape; resulting in a distinctively smoky; fruity; pungent and full bodied red wine.
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Pontac
Teinturier grape linked to the old red wines of Constantia; enjoys a limited revival amongst dedicated producers.
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Cap Classique
Traditional method sparkling wines known as Cap Classique are increasingly produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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Emerging SA Regions
Newly pioneered areas such as Elgin; Walker Bay; Elim; and Cape Agulhas (see below) on the eastern seaboard and alongside the cold Benguela current along the west coast; differ dramatically from those in the hot hinterland.
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KWV
the South African Co operative Wine Growers' Association; or Ko_operatiewe Wijnbowers Vereniging van Zuid Afrika was established in 1918 after years of glut and grower bankruptcy. Until its conversion in the 1990`s; it combined the functions of producer; marketing body; and statutory government control board.
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Distell
The biggest wholesaler in SA with headquarters in Stellenbosch; the result of a merger between Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery and Distillers Corporation together with the KWV (which remains a significant shareholder in the merged entity) still controls the great majority of South Africa's vine related alcohol products.
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Stellenbosch Producers
Delheim; Hartenberg; Jordan; Kaapzicht; Kanonkop; Meerlust; Morgenhof; Mulderbosch; Neil Ellis; Rustenberg; Rust_en_Vrede; Saxenburg; Simonsig; Stellenzicht; Thelema; Uitkyk; Vergelegen; Vergenoed; Warwick; Waterford; and Zevenwacht.
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Paarl Producers
The best known cellars include Backsberg; Bellingham; Boschendal; Cabrière; Fairview; Glen Carlou; Graham Beck; Plaisir de Merle; Rupert & Rothschild Frederiscksburg; Veenwouden; and Welgemeend. The biggest producer is Nederburg.
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South Africa's biggest single winery
Vredendal Co operative; vinifies more than 40.000 tonnes of grapes annually in Olifants River.
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Hottest SA Region
Orange River. Bulk wines; huge yields 40 tonnes per ha or 140 hl/ha are common; thanks to irrigation schemes.
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Most common Cape rootstocks
Richter 99 and 101_14.
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Wine of Origin (WO)
Legislation introduced in 1973. The following types of wine production zones are now classified: geographical unit (e.g. Western Cape); region (e.g. Coastal); district (e.g. Stellenbosch); and ward (e.g. Bottelary). While the larger units are broadly geographical and/or political; a ward is based on shared soils; climate; etc. (i.e. aspects of terroir).
