40. New Zealand Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the climate and geography of New Zealand.

A
  • 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

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2
Q

Describe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

A
  • pungent aromas
  • intense flavors
  • elderflower
  • passion fruit
  • high acidity
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3
Q

What are the differences in style between North Island and South Island Sauvignon Blanc?

A

North
-more tropical fruit

South:

  • higher acidity
  • green bell pepper
  • gooseberry
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4
Q

What four white grapes, other than Sauvignon Blanc, are grown in New Zealand?

A
1. Chardonnay
Aromatic Varieties (range in sweetness, off dry most common):
2. Riesling 
3. Gewurtztraminer
4. Pinos Gris
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5
Q

Describe New Zealand Chardonnay.

A

varies with winemaking techniques

  • concentrated citrus, tropical fruits
  • subtle toast and spicy from new French oak
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6
Q

What 4 black varieties are grown in New Zealand?

A
  1. Pinot Noir
  2. Merlot
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon
  4. Syrah
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7
Q

Where is Pinot Noir grown in New Zealand?

A
  • mostly South Island

- select spot on North Island

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8
Q

Describe New Zealand Pinot Noir.

A
  • vibrant fruit
  • fine ripe tannins
  • soft texture
  • often high alcohol
  • regional styles
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9
Q

Describe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from New Zealand. Where are they typically grown?

A
  • 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)

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10
Q

Describe New Zealand Syrah.

A
  • performs best in warmer sites

- elegant styles closer to Rhone than hot Australia

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11
Q

Where is the wine industry in New Zealand begin?

A

Auckland (North Island)

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12
Q

What is the climate of Auckland? What’s a major problem for Auckland

A

Warm, wet

-fungal diseases are a problem

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13
Q

What are the main varieties of Auckland?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Merlot
  3. Syrah
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14
Q

What wines is Waiheke known for? Where is it located?

A
  • east of Auckland

- known for top quality red wines

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15
Q

Where is Gisborne located? What is the climate?

A
  • northeastern tip of North Island
  • vineyards are located on the east coast
  • high rainfall
  • high sunlight in growing season
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16
Q

What 3 wines is Gisborne known for?

A
  • Chardonnay (tropical fruit)
  • Gewurztraminer
  • Pinot Gris (full body)
17
Q

Where is Hawke’s Bay located? Describe the climate and geography.

A
  • east coast of North Island
  • south of Gisborne
  • warmest of the main grape growing areas
  • longest sunshine hours
  • diverse soil
  • range of altitudes
18
Q

Where is Gimblett Gravels? What wines is it known for?

A

Hawke’s bay

  • well drained
  • heat absorbing
  • gravel soil
  • valley floor
  • Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux-style blends
  • Syrah
19
Q

Where is Waiarapa located? What is the most important area in Waiarapa? Why? Describe the wine that’s most famous here.

A
  • 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
20
Q

Where is Marlborough located?

A

-northern tip of South Island

21
Q

What wine is Marlborough known for?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

22
Q

Describe the geography of Marlborough.

A

Two adjacent estuary valleys

  1. Wairau: largest
  2. Awatere
23
Q

How do the climates of Wairau and Awatere differ? How does this affect the wines?

A

Wairau
-long sunny days
(tropical fruit flavors)

Awatere
-drier
-cooler
-windier
(higher acidity, pronounced herbaceous character)
24
Q

What other grapes are grown in Marlborough? What are they typically used for?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
-sparkling wines

Riesling, Pinot Gris

25
Q

Describe Pinot Noir from Marlborough.

A
  • medium body
  • fine tannins
  • cherry, cranberry
26
Q

Where is Nelson located? How does the climate compare to other regions in NZ? What grapes are grown here?

A
  • northwest of Wairau Valley
  • north coast of South Island
  • cooler
  • wetter
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Gris
27
Q

What are the two main centers of viticulture in Canterbury?

A
  1. plains immediately to the west of Christchurch

2. larger area; Waipara Valley; north

28
Q

What are the climate effects in the plains of Canterbury?

A
  • cooling influence of the Pacific

- warming influence from north-westerly winds

29
Q

What are the main grapes of Canterbury?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Riesling (Waipara)

30
Q

Where is Central Otago? Describe the climate and geography of Central Otago.

A
  • 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)
31
Q

What is the main grape of Central Otago?

A

Pinot Noir

  • full body
  • juicy
  • vibrant
  • concentrated red fruit

Other:

  • Pinot Gris
  • Riesling
  • Chardonnay