40. New Zealand Flashcards
What is the overall climate of New Zealand?
Maritime. South Island is cool, North Island is warmer
What are the climatic and geographical factors which allows the grapes to reach high levels of sugar and fruit ripeness, while retaining their acidity in New Zealand?
- Long sunshine hours
- Nights cooled by sea breezes
- Long ripening period
Many of the vineyards inNew Zealand experience plentiful rainfall. What problems can this situation create and how are they managed?
- Waterlogging: Fortunately the soils tend to be free draining
- Vine vigour: Managed by canopy management techniques
What is New Zealand flagship grape? What are its characteristics?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pungent aromas, intense flavours of elderflower and passionfruit, high acidity
What are the differences between a North Island and a South Island Sauvignon Blanc?
North: More tropical flavours
South: Higher acidity, flavours of green bell pepper and gooseberry
What is the general style of New Zealand Chardonnays?
Concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavours with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from new French oak
What is the second most planted grape variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir
What is the overall profile of New Zealand Pinot Noir?
- Vibrant fruit
- Fine ripe tannins
- Soft texture
- High alcohol
Which black grape varieties other than Pinot Noir are grown in New Zealand?
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz
The production of black grape varieties other than Pinot Noir are concentrated in which island and why?
- North island
- Because it is warmer
What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
Auckland
Name the most planted grape varieties in Auckland
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Syrah
What is the most planted grape variety in Gisborne? What are its characteristics?
- Chardonnay (over 50 %)
- Ripe tropical flavours
Name the most planted grape varieties in Gisborne
- Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer (high quality)
- Pinot Gris (full bodied)
Which wine growing region of New Zealand is the warmest and has the longest sunshine hours?
Hawke’s Bay
What is Gimblett Gravels?
It is a parcel in Hawke’s Bay which has a well drained heat-absorbing gravel soil on the valley floor. It is famous for Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux-style blends. It also produce premium Syrahs
What is the most important grape growing area in Wairarapa?
Martinborough
Martinborough is famous for which grape variety? Why?
- Pinot Noir
- Summer temperature is high but the diurnal range is wide
What are typical characteristics of Martinborough Pinot Noir?
- Medium- to full-bodied
- Ripe with hints of dark plum and spice
What is the biggest grape growing area in New Zealand?
Marlborough
Name the valleys in Marlborough, in which most of the vineyards are located
- Wairau (by far the largest)
- Awatere
Compare the climate in Wairau and Awatere
- The climate of Wairau is similar to Martinborough. Hot summers but düurnal range is high
- The climate of Awatare is drier, cooler and windier
Compare Sauvignon Blanc from Awatere with a Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau
Sauvignon Blanc from Awatare have higher acidity with a pronounced herbaceous character and lack tropical fruit flavours when compared to Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau
Compare Pinot Noir from Martinborough and Marlborough.
- Martinborough wines were characterized with greater intensity of black cherry, oak, and spice aromas and greater oak tannins mouthfeel (medium to full body)
- Marlborough region was characterized by a greater intensity of red cherry and raspberry aromas, greater red fruit in-mouth flavor, and greater balance and finish length mouth-feel (medium body)
What is the climate of Central Otago?
Continental
What is the most important climatic hazard in Central Otago?
Spring and autumn frost
Tasting notes for Central Otago Pinot Noir
- Full body
- Vibrant and concentrated red fruit aromas
The most southerly wine region of the world is:
Central Otago
