40 - New Zealand Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the climate of New Zealand?

A

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.

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2
Q

What weather hazards are common in New Zealand?

A

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.

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3
Q

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

A

Trellising and other canopy management techniques.

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4
Q

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?

A

Winegrowing New Zealand.

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5
Q

What are the dominant varieties in New Zealand?

A

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.

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6
Q

Describe the common profile of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

A

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.

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7
Q

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

A

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.

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8
Q

Describe the common profile of Chardonnay from New Zealand?

A

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.

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9
Q

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

A

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.

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10
Q

Describe the common profile of Pinot Noir in New Zealand?

A

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.

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11
Q

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

A

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.

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12
Q

What other black grape is planted in NZ?

A

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.

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13
Q

What are the main growing regions of New Zealand?

A

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

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14
Q

Describe the region of Auckland?

A

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.

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15
Q

Describe the region of Gisborne?

A

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.

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16
Q

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

A

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

17
Q

Describe the Hawke’s Bay region?

A

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.

18
Q

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

A

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

19
Q

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

A

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

20
Q

Describe the area of Wairarapa?

A

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.

21
Q

Which region in Wairarapa has a global reputation?

A

Martinborough has built a reputation for Pinot Noir.

22
Q

Describe the Marlborough region?

A

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.

23
Q

Describe the climate in Wairau Valley?

A

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.

24
Q

Describe the climate of Awatere Valley?

A

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.

25
Q

What other grapes are widely planted in Marlborough?

A

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

26
Q

Describe the common profile of Pinot Noir from Marlborough?

A

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.

27
Q

Describe the region of Nelson?

A

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.

28
Q

Describe the region of Canterbury?

A

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.

29
Q

What are the most planted varieties in Nelson?

A

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

30
Q

Describe the region of Central Otago?

A

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.

31
Q

What weather hazard is common in Central Otago?

A

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

32
Q

Describe the climate in Central Otago?

A

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.

33
Q

What is the dominant grape grown in Central Otago?

A

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.