South America and South Africa - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
(135 cards)
1
Q
When did viticulture arrive in Chile and other South American countries?
A
During the mid-sixteenth century.
Viticulture was brought from Spain through Mexico.
2
Q
What initially hampered the wine industry in Chile?
A
Restrictive laws from Spain.
These laws were intended to prevent competition with Iberian producers.
3
Q
What was the main restriction on wine production in Chile during the Spanish colonial period?
A
Limited production to sacramental purposes.
Some private estates managed to circumvent these rules.
4
Q
When was wine limited to sacramental purposes in Chile?
A
During the Spanish colonial period
5
Q
What significant change occurred in the 1800s that affected wine production in Chile?
A
South American countries achieved autonomy.
This led to waves of European immigrants reviving wine production.
6
Q
What did European immigrants bring with them that contributed to the revival of wine production in Chile?
A
Vine cuttings from their various homelands.
These immigrants played a key role in revitalizing the industry.
7
Q
What is the length of Chile along the southern half of South America’s Pacific Coast?
A
2,670 miles
8
Q
What is the typical width of Chile?
A
Rarely exceeding 100 miles
The country is very narrow.
9
Q
What geographical features bound Chile?
A
The Andes and the Pacific Ocean
10
Q
What climate extremes are found in Chile?
A
Hot and dry Atacama Desert in the north to very cool southern regions
11
Q
What is the effect of the Humboldt ocean current on Chile’s climate?
A
Brings cool, moist air, and fog to the coastal areas
12
Q
What is the Humboldt?
A
An icy current that brings cool, moist air and fog to the coastal areas of Chile
13
Q
What is the name of the icy current that brings cool, moist air and fog to the coastal areas of Chile?
A
Humboldt
14
Q
What creates a rain shadow in Chile?
A
The Coastal Range mountains blocking cool, moist air from the Pacific
15
Q
What climate is found in the inland areas between the Coastal Range and the Andes in Chile?
A
Warm to hot Mediterranean climate
16
Q
What are the significant variations in Chile’s topography?
A
Altitude variations with vineyards in valleys, foothills, or upper elevations
17
Q
From where were many of Chile’s vines brought?
A
Bordeaux in the 1800s
18
Q
Name two white grape varieties grown in Chile.
A
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
19
Q
What are the main red grape varieties planted in Chile?
A
- Cabernet
- Merlot
- Carmenère (long mistaken for Merlot)
Red grapes account for 75% of plantings.
20
Q
What kind of grapes account for 75% of plantings in Chile?
A
Red
21
Q
What is the status of phylloxera in Chile?
A
Does not exist due to strict quarantine laws and geographical isolation
22
Q
What contributes to irrigation in Chile’s vineyards?
A
Many rivers descending from the Andes bring snowmelt water
23
Q
What helps cool air from the Pacific travel inland in Chile?
A
Many rivers descending from the Andes bring snowmelt water and create channels in the Coastal Range
24
Q
What is the regional wine law system called in Chile?
A
DO (Denominación de Origen)
Very similar to the AVA system in the US
for denoting geographic origin
25
What is the DO (Denominación de Origen) system in Chile similar to?
The AVA system in the US
26
What is the minimum percentage required for grapes to be labeled from a specific region under DO (Denominación de Origen) in Chile?
Minimum 75% must be from the region
27
List the six regional DOs in Chile from north to south.
* Atacama
* Coquimbo
* Aconcagua
* Valle Central
* Sur
* Astral
28
What are the rules for DO (Denominación de Origen) wines in Chile in the context of grape variety and vintage labeling?
* Only Vitis vinifera (no hybrids)
* Must be a minimum 75 percent of the stated variety
* Must be a minimum 75 percent of the stated year
## Footnote
In practice, most wines conform to 85 percent laws for all of the categories above to comply with EU export standards.
29
What is the common practice for compliance with EU export standards in Chile?
Most wines conform to 85 percent laws for all categories
30
What are the major Chilean regions and sub-regions?
* Aconcagua DO
– Casablanca Valley DO
– San Antonio Valley DO
* Valle Central DO (Central Valley DO)
– Maipo Valley DO
– Rapel DO
– Curicó DO
– Maule Valley DO
31
What notable sub-regions are found in the Aconcagua DO, Chile?
* Casablanca Valley DO
* San Antonio DO
32
Where are the San Antonio DO and Casablanca Valley DO located?
West of the Coastal Mountains near the Pacific Ocean
## Footnote
Aconcagua DO, Chile
33
What type of climate is found in the San Antonio DO and Casablanca Valley DO (Aconcagua DO, Chile)?
Cool maritime climate
34
What are the main white grape varieties grown in San Antonio DO and Casablanca Valley DO (Aconcagua DO, Chile)?
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
35
What is the main red grape variety grown in San Antonio DO and Casablanca Valley DO (Aconcagua DO, Chile)?
Pinot Noir
36
What is the geographical location of Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO?
Between the Andes and the Coastal Mountains in Chile
37
What percentage of Chile’s wine production is located in Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO?
More than 80 percent
38
Where is more than 80% of Chile's wine production located?
Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO
39
How far does the Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO stretch southward from the suburbs of Santiago?
200 miles
40
What is the climate of Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO, Chile?
Warm to hot
41
Name three red grape varieties grown in Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO, Chile.
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Carmenère
* Merlot
42
List the important sub-regions of Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO, Chile.
* Maipo Valley DO
* Rapel DO
* Curicó DO
* Maule Valley DO
43
What is the most famous sub-region of Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO, Chile?
Maipo Valley DO
44
Name the best known grape variety of Maipo Valley DO (Valle Central DO/Central Valley DO, Chile).
Cabernet Sauvignon
45
What is Argentina's rank in global wine production?
Fifth largest producer in the world
## Footnote
It is South America's largest wine-producing country.
46
Which countries' immigrants revitalized Argentine vineyards in the late nineteenth century?
Italian and Spanish immigrants
47
Where is Argentina's wine production located geographically?
On the eastern side of the Andes Mountains
48
What climatic feature does the Andes provide for Argentine wine production?
Rain shadow offering protection from westerly winds and storms
49
What is the climate of Argentina?
Very dry and arid
## Footnote
This is due to the rain shadow formed by the Andes.
50
Where and at what altitude are vineyards planted in Argentina?
* In the front range of the Andes
* 3,000 feet above sea level
## Footnote
This elevation is key to the success of viticulture.
51
Name a white grape variety grown in Argentina.
Torrontés
52
List the red grape varieties grown in Argentina.
* Malbec
* Bonarda
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Syrah
53
Why are Argentine vineyards generally free of fungal problems?
The wine regions are very dry and low in humidity
54
What viticulture practice is essential due to the arid climate in Argentina?
Irrigation
## Footnote
This is due to the rain shadow cast by the Andes.
55
What provides plentiful water for irrigation in Argentine vineyards?
Snowmelt from the Andes
56
What is a major climatic condition affecting the growing season in Argentina in the context of temperature?
Major diurnal swings between hot days and cool nights
57
What is the name of the brutal wind that affects flowering in Argentine vineyards?
Zonda wind
58
What is the Zonda?
A brutal wind that blows down from the Andes in the late spring and early summer in Argentina.
59
True or False: Hail is a frequent hazard in Argentine vineyards.
True
60
What protective measure is commonly used in vineyards to guard against hail?
Hail nets
61
How are Argentine wines categorized according to regional wine law?
* IGs (Indicaciones Geográficas)
* DOCs (Denominación de Origen Controlada)
62
What does IG stand for in the context of Argentine wine law?
Indicaciones Geográficas (Geographic Indications)
## Footnote
Regions are demarcated by political or geographical boundaries, similar to AVAs
63
How are regions defined under IGs in Argentina?
By political or geographical boundaries
64
What does DOC stand for in Argentina?
Denominación de Origen Controlada
65
What aspects do DOCs specify in Argentina?
* Grape varieties
* Viticultural practices
* Aging requirements
## Footnote
DOCs are analogous to European appellation systems.
66
What are the important appellations of Argentina?
* Salta IG
* Mendoza IG
* Patagonia IG
67
What is the northernmost wine region in Argentina?
Salta IG
68
Describe the climate of Salta IG, Argentina.
Generally warm; vineyards are planted at high elevation where temperatures are cooler
69
What are the primary white and red grape varieties grown in Salta IG, Argentina?
* Torrontés
* Malbec
70
What is notable about the viticulture in Salta IG, Argentina?
Home to some of the highest-altitude vine plantings in the world, at almost 10,000 feet
71
What is the important sub-region of Salta IG, Argentina?
Cafayate IG
72
What type of climate characterizes Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Continental and arid
## Footnote
Mendoza's climate is influenced by its elevation.
73
What is the primary grape variety grown in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Malbec
74
What is the largest viticultural region in Argentina?
Mendoza IG
75
What are the elevation ranges for most vineyards in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
2,000 to 4,000 feet
76
What is the role of the Zonda wind in the vineyards of Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Helps to keep mildew and other diseases to a minimum
77
What climatic feature helps keep mildew and other diseases to a minimum in the vineyards of Mendoza IG, Argentina?
The strong Zonda wind
78
What is essential to viticulture in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Irrigation
79
What traditional irrigation technique is widely utilized in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Furrow or flood technique
## Footnote
Water is directed through channels from rivers.
80
What modern irrigation method is increasingly used in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
Drip irrigation
81
How do many producers age their wines in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
In new French or American oak barrels
82
What are the important sub-regions for wine production in Mendoza IG, Argentina?
* Luján de Cuyo DOC
* Uco Valley IG
83
What is a notable characteristic of the climate in Patagonia IG?
A notably cool area with some of Argentina’s southernmost vineyards
84
Name a white grape variety found in Patagonia IG, Argentina.
Torrontés
85
List three red grape varieties grown in Patagonia IG, Argentina.
* Malbec
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Pinot Noir
86
When did South Africa's history of wine production begin?
Seventeenth century
87
What role did the cape play in the seventeenth century in South Africa?
It became a refueling and trade station for ships on voyages to India and beyond, and then a settlement of the Dutch East India Company.
88
In what year were the first vines planted in South Africa?
1655
## Footnote
Grape-growing did not really begin to flourish until 1688.
89
What significant event for grape-growing occurred in 1688 in South Africa?
Arrival of French Huguenots with winemaking skills
90
What event in 1994 significantly impacted South African wines?
* End of apartheid
* Fully democratic elections
## Footnote
Economic boycotts were lifted and South African wines gained full access to export markets.
91
What happened to South African wines after the end of apartheid in 1994?
Economic boycotts were lifted and South Africa gained full access to export markets
92
What industry change occurred alongside the end of apartheid in South Africa?
Privatization of the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika)
93
What was the result of the privatization of the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) in South Africa?
Stimulated rebirth and modernization of the industry
94
Where does South Africa rank in wine production worldwide?
Top ten wine-producing countries
95
What year was the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) formed in South Africa?
1918
96
What crisis did the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) help to address in the South African wine industry?
The ravages of phylloxera and severe loss of exports in the late 1800s
97
What were the main functions of the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) in the South African wine industry?
* Produced wine
* Stabilized prices
* Established a quota system that emphasized quantity over quality
98
What was the emphasis of the KWV's (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika's) quota system?
Quantity over quality
99
Until when did the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) control the South African wine industry?
Until apartheid was lifted
100
In what year did the KWV (Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika) become a private company?
1997
101
What is the location of South Africa?
On the southern tip of Africa adjacent to both the Atlantic and Indian oceans
102
What type of climate predominates in South Africa?
Mostly maritime with the cooling effect of the oceans
103
Which current flows north from Antarctica to cool the coastal areas of South Africa?
The Benguela Current
104
What is the Benguela?
A current that flows north from Antarctica to cool the coastal areas of South Africa
105
How does the temperature change as one moves inland from the coast of South Africa?
It becomes very warm to hot
106
What is the characteristic of the soil in South Africa?
Ancient and diverse
107
Name the white grape varieties found in South Africa.
* Chenin Blanc (locally called Steen)
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
108
List the red grape varieties found in South Africa.
* Pinotage (a Pinot Noir and Cinsault crossing)
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Syrah
* Merlot
* Pinot Noir
109
What is a notable issue in viticulture in South Africa?
High occurrence of vine virus
110
What is the Cape Doctor?
A strong southeasterly wind that blows across the western cape of South Africa in the spring and summer
111
What are two positive effects of the Cape Doctor wind on viticulture in South Africa?
* Helps suppress fungal disease
* Helps moderate temperatures
112
What is a potential negative effect of the Cape Doctor wind on vines in South Africa?
Can injure the vines and disturb flowering
113
What year was the WO (Wine of Origin) system introduced in South Africa?
1973
114
What is the WO (Wine of Origin) system in South Africa?
* Producers looking for certification must adhere to specific standards.
* Wines must be submitted to the board and are tasted and tested
for approval.
* A WO seal appears on all bottles of South African wine that pass
this certification.
115
What is the minimum percentage of **vintage** required for certification under WO labeling laws in South Africa?
85 percent
116
What is the minimum percentage of the stated **variety** required for WO certification in South Africa?
85 percent
117
What percentage of grapes must come from the named geographic Wine of Origin **designation** in South Africa?
100 percent
118
What are the geographic designations of South Africa from largest to smallest?
* Geographical Units
* Regions
* Districts
* Wards
* Estates
119
What is an example of a Geographical Unit in South Africa?
Western Cape
## Footnote
This is the largest geographic designation.
120
What is an example of a region in South Africa?
Coastal Region
## Footnote
This is the second largest geographic designation.
121
List the primary districts found in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape in South Africa.
* Swartland
* Paarl
* Stellenbosch
* Walker Bay
122
What defines wards in the context of geographic designations in South Africa?
Soil, climate, and geologic factors
123
What is an example of a ward in South Africa?
Constantia
## Footnote
A ward is defined by soil, climate, and geologic factors.
124
What is significant about Constantia, South Africa?
A rich history with sweet wines regarded as among the best in the world
## Footnote
Constantia is a ward of South Africa.
125
What is a type of geographic designation smaller than a district in South Africa?
Wards
## Footnote
Wards are smaller units defined by specific factors.
126
What are single vineyards categorized as in geographic designations in South Africa?
Estates
## Footnote
Single vineyards are classified as estates in the context of geographic designations.
127
Where is Chardonnay grown in South America?
Aconcagua DO
## Footnote
Chile
128
Where is Sauvignon Blanc grown in South America?
Aconcagua DO
## Footnote
Chile
129
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in South America?
* Chile
-Valle Central DO
* Argentina
-Patagonia IG
130
Where is Merlot grown in South America?
Valle Central DO
## Footnote
Chile
131
Where is Pinot Noir grown in South America?
* Chile
-Aconcagua DO
* Argentina
-Patagonia IG
132
Where is Syrah grown in South America?
Argentina
133
Where is Bonarda grown in South America?
Argentina
134
Where is Torrontés grown in Argentina?
* Salta IG
* Patagonia IG
135
Where is Malbec grown in Argentina?
* Salta IG
* Mendoza IG
* Patagonia IG
