40 - New Zealand Flashcards
Why does New Zealand experience a maritime climate? How do the North and South Island differ from each other in terms of climate?
isolated in Pacific Ocean (surrounded by water).
South Island: cool
North Island: warmer
long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes, long ripening period. grapes are able to reach high levels of sugar and flavor ripeness while retaining acidity
What problem occurs in the soils on flat land in New Zealand?
overly fertile soils -> excessive shoot and leaf growth. trellising and canopy management are essential here.
What is New Zealand’s flagship grape and what are its characteristics? How do wines produced in North Island differ from south Island?
Sauvignon Blanc
accounts for majority production.
Pungent, elderflower, passion fruit, high acid
warmer North Island - tropical
South Island - higher acidity, green bell pepper, gooseberry
True/False: most Sauvignon blanc is oak-matured
False. most frequently fermented in inert vessels at cool temps to retain fruity flavors and aromas. sometimes made oak-matured
What is the general style of Chardonnay produced in New Zealand?
concentrated citrus, tropical, subtle toast and sweet spice from new French oak.
Besides Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, what are other aromatic varieties grown in New Zealand?
riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris
off-dry is the prevalent style
What is the most planted black variety in new Zealand?
Pinot Noir. Widely grown throughout South island and few sites in North Island.
overall style - vibrant fruit, fine tannins, soft texture, high alcohol
True/False: Merlot and Cabernet are commonly blended to make Bordeaux-style blends in New Zealand.
True - notes of cassis, pure fruit. Production concentrated in warmer North Island.
What style of Syrah is produced in New Zealand? is it closer to the Rhone or Australia in style?
elegant wines, closer in style to Rhone rather than Australia, which is hotter.
What are the major regions of North Island? What are characteristics of each?
Auckland: warm, wet climate - fungal disease is a problem. Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah planted.
Gisborne: high Rainfall. Over half of vines are Chardonnay - ripe tropical fruit. Gewurtztraminer.
Hawke’s Bay - east coast of North Island. warmest of grape growing areas and has long sunshine areas. Gimblett Gravels reputable area - well-drained heat-absorbing gravel soil on valley floor. It’s known for Bordeaux-style blends and premium Syrah.
Wairarapa - Martinborough small town in Wairarapa with reputation for Pinot Noir. High summer temps, but wide diurnal range. medium to full bodied Pinot, hints of dark plum and spice.
What are the major regions of South Island?
Marlborough - major center for grape growing in New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc is majority of the plantings here. two estuary valleys - Wairau and Awatere. Sauvignon Blancs from Awatere which is cooler are more herbaceous and less tropical than those from Wairau. chardonnay and Pinot Noir also planted.
Nelson - cooler and wetter than marlborough.
Canterbury - two main centers of viticulture. Plain area and valley area, plain is exposed to cooling influences of Pacific. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir are planted here.
Central Otago - located inland in the foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps. Continental climate. Frost damage is a risk in spring and autumn. diurnal range in growing season is large-> grape quality is high. Pinot noir is full-bodied, juicy, concentrated. Other varieties: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay.
