40 - New Zealand

Question 1

Describe the climate of New Zealand?

Answer 1

An isolated location in the Pacific Ocean, 1900 km away from Australia, its closest neighbour, it experiences a maritime climate overall.The South Islands climate is cool, whereas that of the North Island is a little warmer. The combo of long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes and a long ripening period allows grapes to reach high levels of sugar and flavour ripeness while retaining acidity. Vineyards of the South island tend to be located on the east and are protected by by the mountains in the centre of the island.

Question 2

What weather hazards are common in New Zealand?

Answer 2

Many vineyard areas still receive plentiful rainfall despite the mountain protection, which can be problematic during ripening. Fortunately soils tend to be free draining, and so do not experience water-logging. However those on flat land can be overly fertile, leading to excessive shoot and leaf growth.

Question 3

Due to their problems with vine vigour, New Zealand viticulturists have become experts?

Answer 3

Trellising and other canopy management techniques.

Question 4

The New Zealand winemaking industry is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the vineyard management and winery practices. Which initiative sets these winery standards?

Answer 4

Winegrowing New Zealand.

Question 5

What are the dominant varieties in New Zealand?

Answer 5

Sauvignon Blanc are the dominant white varietals, although Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris and other aromatic styles are being pushed. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the dominant reds.

Question 6

Describe the common profile of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 6

Since the 1990’s, NZ’s flagship grape, it accounts for the majority of wine production. it’s pungent aromas, intense flavours of elderflower and passion fruit, and high acidity have set a benchmark around the world.

Question 7

What are the subtle difference between Sauvignon Blanc from the North and South Islands of NZ?

Answer 7

The warmer North produces wines with more tropical flavours, whereas the South creates wines with high acidity and flavours of green bell pepper and gooseberry. Some producers also make oak matured styles as a point of difference.

Question 8

Describe the common profile of Chardonnay from New Zealand?

Answer 8

As with this varietal a number of winemaking techniques may be explored and thus great diversity. However generally they tend to be led by concentrated citrus and tropical fruits with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from French oak.

Question 9

Why are the aromatic varieties of Riesling and Gewurtztraminer, and the semi aromatic variety of Pinot gris becoming popular?

Answer 9

Dry autumns and cool night temperatures ensure aromatic compounds have plenty of time to develop before the grapes are harvested. Wines range from dry to sweet, however off-dry tends to be the most prevalent.

Question 10

Describe the common profile of Pinot Noir in New Zealand?

Answer 10

The second most planted grape in NZ after Sauvignon Blanc. It’s widely grown in the South Island and within a few selected sites in the North. Overall profile is one of vibrant fruit, fine ripe tannins, soft texture and often quire high levels of alcohol. Distinct regional styles hav e emerged.

Question 11

What is the second most volume of red wine produced in NZ?

Answer 11

Merlot. Cabernet sauvignon is often blended to add tannin and notes of cassis, making a bordeaux style blend. Like all wines from New Zealand, all of these blends are noted for the purity of their fruit flavours. production of these varieties in strongly concentrated in the North Island where the warmer weather helps to ripen black grapes.

Question 12

What other black grape is planted in NZ?

Answer 12

Syrah. it performs better in the warmer sites and produces elegant wines that are closer in style to those of the Rhone rather than those made in the hotter climates of Australia.

Question 13

What are the main growing regions of New Zealand?

Answer 13

In North Island: Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Wairapa. In the South Island: Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago.

Question 14

Describe the region of Auckland?

Answer 14

The wine industry started off here and there are many large wineries still based here processing grapes from all around NZ. It’s the warmest and wettest part of NZ, and fungal diseases are an issue. Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah are dominant plantings. Waiheke Island immediately to the east has a growing reputation for top quality wines, particularly reds.

Question 15

Describe the region of Gisborne?

Answer 15

Located on the east coast of the North Island, in the broad estuary plain close to the town of Gisborne itself. Rainfall is high but so too are the temperatures and sunshine hours in the growing season.

Question 16

Over half the vines planted in Gisborne are Chardonnay, what do these wines generally display?

Answer 16

Distinct ripe tropical fruit flavours. Small amounts of high-quality Gewurtztraminer is also made here, as well as some full bodied Pinot Gris.

Question 17

Describe the Hawke’s Bay region?

Answer 17

Vineyard area is located close to the twin towns of Hastings and Napier, and on the east coast of the North Island on and estuary plain. It’s the warmest of the main grape growing areas and the longest sunshine hours. The area is second only to Marlborough in terms of plantings. Styles can vary hugely due to the diversity in soils, aspect and altitude of plantings.

Question 18

Which area in Hawke’s Bay has a particularly high reputation for black varieties?

Answer 18

Gimblett Gravels. It’s a parcel of well drained heat-absorbing gravel soil on the valley floor.

Question 19

What did Hawke’s Bay originally grow its fame off?

Answer 19

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux-style blends, premium Syrah is also now produced.

Question 20

Describe the area of Wairarapa?

Answer 20

Made up of a small number of vineyard areas around the southern tip of the North Island. Summer temperatures can be high, but a high diurnal range makes growing Pinot Noir suitable. The wines are medium to full bodied and ripe with hints of dark plum and spice.

Question 21

Which region in Wairarapa has a global reputation?

Answer 21

Martinborough has built a reputation for Pinot Noir.

Question 22

Describe the Marlborough region?

Answer 22

The major centre for grape growing in New Zealand and Sauvignon Blanc makes up the majority of plantings here. Most of the vineyards lie in two adjacent estuary valleys: Wairau the largest and Awatere.

Question 23

Describe the climate in Wairau Valley?

Answer 23

Similar to Martinborough with long sunny days, but the large valley is far from uniform. In particular there are a number of side valleys on the southern side of wairau valley that give producers a range aspects and altitudes to work with.

Question 24

Describe the climate of Awatere Valley?

Answer 24

Is drier, cooler and windier than Wairau Valley. As a result the Sauvignon Blancs from here have higher acidity with a pronounced herbaceous character, and lack the tropical fruit flavours that can be found in some wines from the Wairau Valley.

Question 25

What other grapes are widely planted in Marlborough?

Answer 25

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both are used for still sparkling wine production. Riesling and Pinot Gris also perform well here.

Question 26

Describe the common profile of Pinot Noir from Marlborough?

Answer 26

Medium bodied with fine tannins and flavours of cherry and cranberry. As more producers are paying attention to this variety, increasingly more impressive wines are being made.

Question 27

Describe the region of Nelson?

Answer 27

Located to the north-west of the Wairau Valley on the north coast of the South Island, Nelson is cooler than Marlborough. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris dominate plantings.

Question 28

Describe the region of Canterbury?

Answer 28

There are two main centres of viticulture: one in the plain to the immediate west of Christchurch, and then a larger one The Waipara Valley, to the North. The plain is particularly exposed to the cooling influence of the Pacific although there is a slight warming effect from the north-westerly winds. The impact of these warm winds are more marked in Waipara, which is less exposed due to a range of hills.

Question 29

What are the most planted varieties in Nelson?

Answer 29

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Although it’s also noted for high quality Riesling.

Question 30

Describe the region of Central Otago?

Answer 30

Located in the foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps. Vineyard area itself is spread over a wide area, incorporating a number of different valleys, with different aspects, soils and altitudes.

Question 31

What weather hazard is common in Central Otago?

Answer 31

Due to to more continental climate here, frost damage is a real problem, in both spring and autumn.

Question 32

Describe the climate in Central Otago?

Answer 32

Summers can be warm, but importantly for grape quality, the diurnal range in the growing season is large. the intensity of the sunlight is very high, which accounts for high levels of alcohol that often display in the wines made here.

Question 33

What is the dominant grape grown in Central Otago?

Answer 33

Pinot Noir accounts for the vast majority if the plantings, and these wines tend to be full bodied, juicy and vibrant with concentrated ripe red fruit flavours. other important varieties are Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay.