South Africa - The Growing Environment & Grape Growing - Grape varieties
5 important questions on South Africa - The Growing Environment & Grape Growing - Grape varieties
What are South Africa's top 8 grape varieties? How is the % in plantings spread?
- Chenin Blanc nearly 20%
- Colombard 12%
- Cabernet Sauvignon 11%
- Syrah 10%
- Sauvignon blanc 10%
- Pinotage 7%
- Chardonnay 7%
- Merlot 6%
Chenin Blanc Characteristics (9)
- Chenin blanc grows best on limestone soils.
- Buds early (prone to spring frost)
- Sparkling, dry, off-dry and sweet white wines
- High acidity
- green apple, lemon, sometimes steely and smoky
- Vigourous, can carry high yields
- Prone to botrytis for sweet wines
- Ripens late, vulnerable to autumn rains
- Ripens unevenly so best quality to be picked on several passes, and hand picked; adding to cost
Colombard South Africa
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Describe the characteristics and wine styles of the grape variety Pinotage
- 1925 bred at Uni of Stellenbosch
- Black variety
- Crossing pinot noir x cinsaut (hermitage)
- Early budding (no spring frost issues in SA)
- high sugar levels in small berries; high abv,
- deep in colour, skin contact 3-5 days max
- quality improving due to better vineyard management (avoiding waterstress) and better winemaking (cooler fermentation).
- often blended with international reds for a Cape Blend.
- Old bush vines give full bodied, rich, spiced berry fruit.
- Larger volumes in fruity lighter styles.
South Africa Pinotage tasting note
- Clear medium ruby colour.
- Medium +intense nose of black fruit (blackberry), red fruit (kirsch), dried fruit (figs), spice (pepper, vanilla), dark cocoa, rubber, charred oak, leather, game.
- Dry palate, medium acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium + alcohol, full bodied, medium + finish.
- Very good wine, has potential for further ageing.
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