22. New Zealand Flashcards
Which NZ wine growing region has the highest production of grapes destined for sparkling wine?
Marlborough
Which region is home to large-volume sparkling wine brands?
Gisborne
What style of sparkling wine is typical from Gisborne?
Fuller bodied styles with lower acidity.
Why is there relatively little disease or weather-related pressures in Marlborough?
The north-west wind helps remove moisture quickly after rain.
Why is irrigation required in Marlborough despite its moderate rainfall? (2)
1) Its soils are free draining alluvial
2) High levels of transpiration due to north-west wind.
When does harvest typically begin in Marlborough for fruit destined for sparkling wine?
Two weeks before still wine harvest.
At what potential alcohol are grapes picked in Marlborough for sparkling wine production?
10-11%
What are the primary two grape varieties used for sparkling wine in NZ?
1) Pinot Noir
2) Chardonnay
What two sparkling wine production methods are commonly employed?
1) Traditional method
2) Transfer method
Many wineries don’t have specialised winemaking equipment for sparkling wine production. Explain their process in three steps.
1) Send blended still wine to a contract facility.
2) Wines are returned to producer for second fermentation and ageing.
3) Wine is sent again for disgorging and additional dosage.
How many months do traditional and transfer method wines tend to spend on lees in NZ?
18
What is the common dosage level for NZ sparkling wine?
6 - 12 g/L
Give an example of a specialist firm that makes their own wines and carries out specialist second fermentation for other wineries?
No 1 Family Estate
What per cent of NZ’s wine exports does sparkling account for?
0.8%
For what two reasons might an NZ winemaker permit MLC?
1) To lower the naturally high levels of acidity.
2) To ensure it doesn’t happen later in the process (could result in a haze or microbial spoilage)
