40. New Zealand Flashcards
Describe the climate and geography of New Zealand.
- Maritime climate
- South Island: cool
- North Island: a little warmer
- long sunshine hours
- cool nights
- long ripening period
South Island: vineyards located on the eastern coast, protected from rain by mountains
-lots of rain still; can be problematic
Describe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
- pungent aromas
- intense flavors
- elderflower
- passion fruit
- high acidity
What are the differences in style between North Island and South Island Sauvignon Blanc?
North
-more tropical fruit
South:
- higher acidity
- green bell pepper
- gooseberry
What four white grapes, other than Sauvignon Blanc, are grown in New Zealand?
1. Chardonnay Aromatic Varieties (range in sweetness, off dry most common): 2. Riesling 3. Gewurtztraminer 4. Pinos Gris
Describe New Zealand Chardonnay.
varies with winemaking techniques
- concentrated citrus, tropical fruits
- subtle toast and spicy from new French oak
What 4 black varieties are grown in New Zealand?
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Where is Pinot Noir grown in New Zealand?
- mostly South Island
- select spot on North Island
Describe New Zealand Pinot Noir.
- vibrant fruit
- fine ripe tannins
- soft texture
- often high alcohol
- regional styles
Describe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from New Zealand. Where are they typically grown?
- often blended for Bordeaux-style blend
- CS: adds tannin, notes of cassis
- purity of fruit flavors
-mostly from North Island (need warmer temps to ripen the grapes)
Describe New Zealand Syrah.
- performs best in warmer sites
- elegant styles closer to Rhone than hot Australia
Where is the wine industry in New Zealand begin?
Auckland (North Island)
What is the climate of Auckland? What’s a major problem for Auckland
Warm, wet
-fungal diseases are a problem
What are the main varieties of Auckland?
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Syrah
What wines is Waiheke known for? Where is it located?
- east of Auckland
- known for top quality red wines
Where is Gisborne located? What is the climate?
- northeastern tip of North Island
- vineyards are located on the east coast
- high rainfall
- high sunlight in growing season
What 3 wines is Gisborne known for?
- Chardonnay (tropical fruit)
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris (full body)
Where is Hawke’s Bay located? Describe the climate and geography.
- east coast of North Island
- south of Gisborne
- warmest of the main grape growing areas
- longest sunshine hours
- diverse soil
- range of altitudes
Where is Gimblett Gravels? What wines is it known for?
Hawke’s bay
- well drained
- heat absorbing
- gravel soil
- valley floor
- Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux-style blends
- Syrah
Where is Waiarapa located? What is the most important area in Waiarapa? Why? Describe the wine that’s most famous here.
- southern tip of North Island
- most important: Martinborough (global reputation for Pinot Noir)
- High summer temperatures
- wide diurnal range
Pinot Noir:
- medium to full body
- ripe
- hints of dark plum and spice
Where is Marlborough located?
-northern tip of South Island
What wine is Marlborough known for?
Sauvignon Blanc
Describe the geography of Marlborough.
Two adjacent estuary valleys
- Wairau: largest
- Awatere
How do the climates of Wairau and Awatere differ? How does this affect the wines?
Wairau
-long sunny days
(tropical fruit flavors)
Awatere -drier -cooler -windier (higher acidity, pronounced herbaceous character)
What other grapes are grown in Marlborough? What are they typically used for?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
-sparkling wines
Riesling, Pinot Gris
Describe Pinot Noir from Marlborough.
- medium body
- fine tannins
- cherry, cranberry
Where is Nelson located? How does the climate compare to other regions in NZ? What grapes are grown here?
- northwest of Wairau Valley
- north coast of South Island
- cooler
- wetter
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
What are the two main centers of viticulture in Canterbury?
- plains immediately to the west of Christchurch
2. larger area; Waipara Valley; north
What are the climate effects in the plains of Canterbury?
- cooling influence of the Pacific
- warming influence from north-westerly winds
What are the main grapes of Canterbury?
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Riesling (Waipara)
Where is Central Otago? Describe the climate and geography of Central Otago.
- inland in the foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps
- wide variety of altitudes, aspects, soils
- continental climate
- frost damage is a risk
- large diurnal range
- intense sunlight (high alcohol)
What is the main grape of Central Otago?
Pinot Noir
- full body
- juicy
- vibrant
- concentrated red fruit
Other:
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
