South Africa Wine Guide for Introductory Sommelier Level 1

Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of South Africa for your Introductory Sommelier Course. South Africa is a unique wine-producing country, often referred to as a "bridge" between Old World and New World styles, with its signature grape Pinotage and high-quality Chenin Blanc.

Key Topics to Study for South Africa

1. Climate & Soils

• Climate:

• Mediterranean Climate: Warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

• Cape Doctor: A strong, cooling wind that reduces disease pressure and moderates temperatures in coastal regions.

• Diverse Microclimates: Coastal regions are cooler due to ocean influence, while inland areas are warmer and drier.

• Irrigation: Necessary in drier inland regions.

• Soils:

• Varied Soil Types: Includes granite, sandstone, and shale.

• Coastal Regions: Sandy and well-drained soils, ideal for white varieties.

• Inland Regions: Clay and loam soils, suitable for red varieties.

2. Wine Law and Labelling Regulations

South Africa uses the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which is similar to European appellation systems.

• Key Facts:

• Wines must be made from grapes grown in the designated area.

• 100% Rule: 100% of the grapes must come from the stated region, estate, or vineyard.

• Vintage and Varietal: At least 85% of the wine must come from the stated vintage or grape variety.

• Hierarchy of Wine Regions:

1. Geographical Units: Broadest areas (e.g., Western Cape).

2. Regions: Smaller areas within geographical units (e.g., Coastal Region).

3. Districts: Subdivisions of regions (e.g., Stellenbosch, Paarl).

4. Wards: Smallest, most specific areas (e.g., Constantia, Elgin).

3. Wine-Producing Regions

South Africa’s wine regions are primarily located in the Western Cape, with a focus on coastal and inland areas.

Key Regions to Know:

1. Stellenbosch:

• South Africa’s most famous wine region.

• Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux-style blends.

• Also produces high-quality Chenin Blanc and Syrah.

1. Paarl:

• Known for Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Home to many large, historic wineries.

1. Constantia:

• Coastal region near Cape Town.

• Known for Sauvignon Blanc and the famous sweet wine Vin de Constance (made from Muscat de Frontignan).

1. Swartland:

• Known for Rhone-style blends (Syrah, Grenache) and Chenin Blanc.

• Focus on natural and minimal-intervention winemaking.

1. Walker Bay:

• Cool-climate region, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Sub-region: Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth).

1. Elgin:

• Cool-climate region producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

1. Franschhoek:

• Known for Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling wines.

1. Robertson:

• Known for Chardonnay and Syrah.

4. Grape Varietals Associated with Particular Regions

South Africa is known for its Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, but it also produces a variety of other red and white wines.

• White Grapes:

1. Chenin Blanc:

   • Known locally as Steen.

   • Produces a range of styles, from dry and fresh to rich and oaked.

   • Key Regions: Stellenbosch, Swartland, Paarl.

2. Sauvignon Blanc:

   • Crisp, aromatic wines with citrus and tropical notes.

   • Key Regions: Constantia, Elgin, Walker Bay.

3. Chardonnay:

   • Produces both unoaked and oaked styles.

   • Key Regions: Walker Bay, Robertson, Elgin.

• Red Grapes:

1. Pinotage:

   • South Africa’s signature red grape, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

   • Produces bold, smoky wines with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth.

   • Key Regions: Stellenbosch, Swartland.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon:

   • Produces structured, age-worthy wines.

   • Key Regions: Stellenbosch, Paarl.

3. Syrah (Shiraz):

   • Produces bold, spicy wines.

   • Key Regions: Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl.

4. Pinot Noir:

   • Grown in cooler regions, producing elegant, fruit-forward wines.

   • Key Regions: Walker Bay, Elgin.

5. Merlot:

   • Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux-style blends.

   • Key Regions: Stellenbosch, Paarl.

5. Notable Wine Styles

• Chenin Blanc: Versatile, ranging from fresh and fruity to rich and oaked.

• Pinotage: Bold, smoky, and fruit-forward, with unique earthy flavors.

• Bordeaux-Style Blends: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, often with age-worthy structure.

• Rhone-Style Blends: Syrah and Grenache blends, often from Swartland.

• Vin de Constance: Iconic sweet wine made from Muscat de Frontignan in Constantia.

6. Labelling Terms

• Estate Wine: Indicates the wine was produced and bottled on the estate.

• Single Vineyard: Indicates wines made from grapes grown in a specific vineyard.

• WO (Wine of Origin): Indicates the wine’s geographical origin.

7. Deductive Tasting for South African Wines

• Sight: Reds are deep ruby; whites are pale to medium lemon.

• Nose: Reds (red fruit, smoke, spice, earth); Whites (citrus, tropical fruit, floral notes).

• Palate: Full-bodied reds with ripe tannins; whites with fresh acidity and fruit-forward profiles.

Tips for Studying South Africa

1. Focus on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage: Understand their flavor profiles and why they are iconic to South Africa.

2. Learn Key Regions: Be able to identify Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Constantia on a map.

3. Taste South African Wines: Try examples of Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and Bordeaux-style blends to understand their styles.