44. New Zealand Flashcards
What is the climate in New Zealand?
cool to moderate maritime climate for most areas; the exceptions are moderate to cool continental for Central Otago and warm maritime for Auckland
What is the relative size of New Zealand vineyards compared to Bordeaux?
production is small in global terms, acreage was 1/3 of that of Bordeaux in 2015
What is the impact of wine laws in New Zealand?
The impact of wine laws is relatively small with a paucity of defined wine regions; labels that indicate variety, vintage or origin promise at least 85%. In 2015 legislation was introduced to establish Geographical Indications (GI), mainly an effort to protect brands.
What is the most planted variety in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc, about 60%
What are the minor white grapes found in New Zealand?
(In addition to Sauvignon Blanc) Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling
What are the markers of New Zealand Pinot Noir?
purity of fruit, high alcohol
What are the markers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?
intense aromas of capsicum and gooseberry, intense fruit concentration and high acid
What is the most planted red grape in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir
What regions of New Zealand are noted for Chardonnay?
Gisborne and Marlborough
What region of New Zealand is noted for Sauvignon Blanc?
Marlborough
What regions of New Zealand are noted for Pinot Noir?
Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago
What region of New Zealand is noted for Cabernet Saugvignon and Merlot?
Hawke’s Bay (warmer at lower latitude with high number of sunshine hours allows ripening)
What aspects of New Zealand climate most greatly favor the final wine product?
cool to moderate temperatures with a large diurnal range and intense sunshine
What aspects of New Zealand grapes and wine most greatly reflect the special climate?
high levels of sugar ripeness, high alcohol, high acidity, intense aromatic flavors
Name three wine areas that start with W in New Zealand?
Wairarapa (southern tip of North Island), Waipara (just North of Canterbury), Wairau (north coast of South Island)
What is the biggest viticultural challenge in New Zealand?
control vine vigor (and perhaps birds)
What are the biggest challenges in terms of price of New Zealand wines?
matching supply and demand, global perception of homogeniety
What is the biggest vinicultural challenge in New Zealand?
logistics, establishing winery production facilities close to vineyards (which have grown in scale faster than the required processing capacity)
In 2016 NZ wine exports totaled how much?
US$ 1.1 billion (compared with US$ 2.9 billion for the world leader Spain.)
What percent of NZ wine exports are Sauvignon Blanc?
86%
What percent of NZ wine is exported?
About 2/3.
What percent of wine consumed in NZ is from NZ?
about 60%
