17. New Zealand

Question 1

NZ has all the hallmarks of a classic sparkling region. What are they, and why has it remained a small part of its offering?

Answer 1

Cool climate, lots of quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir already growing.
Success of still wines, particularly SB means it has been obscured as a style

Question 2

What styles of sparkling wine are made in NZ?

Answer 2

Traditional method, mid-premium priced mostly.
Some transfer method by big producers
Some inexpensive carbonated wines

Question 3

Which regions grow grapes for sparkling?

Answer 3

South island, cooler and better suited. Important sites are:
Marlborough
Central Otago
On the north island:
Gisborne

Question 4

What is the climate like in Marlborough in relation to it’s affect on growing grapes for sprakling?

Answer 4

Positive:
- Low risk of frost or hail due to north-west wind removing moisture quickly.
- Constant underground water supply
Negative:
- Alluvial soils don’t hold much water, so irrigation is necessary.
- Autumn rain and tropical cyclones can be a problem.

Question 5

How would a small producer without equipment go about making TM sparkling in NZ?

Answer 5

Send away their blended base wine for tirage, and then have them brought back for second ferment and lees ageing.
Sent away again for disgorgement and expedition.

Question 6

What are the common decisions to the following winemaking choices:

1. Yeast
2. MLF
3. Ferment vessel
4. lees ageing
5. Reserve wines

Answer 6

No rules apply, but quality minded producers would aim for:

1. Cultured
2. Yes, commonly allowed to reduce acidity, and avoid it happening later
3. Stainless steel mostly.
4. 18 months is typical, but can be longer.
5. Varied

Question 7

When and why did sparkling Sauvignon Blanc come onto the market? Was it successful?

Answer 7

After the 2008 harvest that caused an oversupply of SB. Carbonation method was used to make sparkling SB. It has not had a long lived success.

Question 8

What is the ownership of the market like?

Answer 8

Varied - some big companies that also make large volume still wines (Oyster Bay) and then some specialist companies that also outsource sparkling winemaking facilities (No 1 Family Estate)

Question 9

What percentage of NZ wine exports is made up by sparkling wine?

Answer 9

Less than 1%