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South Africa is a wine-producing country.
South Africa is divided into four levels of appellation, depending of the size of the winegrowing area. From largest to smallest, they are: Geographical Units, Regions, Districts, and Wards.
edit Facts and figures
- Winegrowing area: 100,146 hectares (247,460 acres), 55% of which white.
- Most used varietals: Chenin Blanc (18% of all vines planted), Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Colombard (11%), Syrah (10%), Sauvignon Blanc (8%), Chardonnay (8%), Merlot (7%), Pinotage (6%)
edit History
The establishment of a victual station at the Cape midway through the 17th Century led to the planting of the first vineyard in 1655 and the making of wine from Cape grown grapes on 2 February 1659. As in Europe, certain areas and farms became known for wines with their own distinct character. Constantia wines for instance became famous, and even today are considered among the best in the country.
In order to protect this distinctiveness, South Africa created in 1972 an official appellation system, the Wine of Origin classification, which was put into law in 1973.
edit Geography
Most of South African winegrowing takes place in the Western Cape region, in the Southwestern part of the country.
edit Climate
edit Viniculture
edit Appellation system
Wine of Origin or W.O. is the only official appellation system of South Africa. Introduced in 1972, it is used to certify the origin and/or composition of South African wines.
Four types of Wine of Origin appellations can be found on South African wine labels, depending of the area they cover. From largest to smallest, they are: Geographical Units, Regions, Districts, Wards.
In addition, two further indications of origin can be mentioned: Single Vineyard, which means the wine comes from from a defined area of less than 5 hectares (12 acres), and Estate Wine, which means the wine comes from adjacent farms and has been produced on-site.
edit See also
- Wines of South Africa -- Industry website promoting South African wine
