L3- New Zealand -Chap 40 Flashcards
Describe New Zealand’s geography and climate.
What is diurnal range of NZ?
What type of canopy management is needed and why?
NZ is located in the Pacific Ocean (1900 km from Australia).
Maritime climate overall
Long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes, long ripening period, allow grapes to reach high levels of sugar and ripeness while retaining acidity
South island (cool) -vineyards are mostly east-facing to shield from the rains. However, many vineyards experience too much rainfall which is problematic during ripening.
Soils tend to be free draining so do not experience water logging. But can lead to excess shoot and leaf growth. Experts in trellising
North island (a littler warmer)
Describe NZ Sauvignon Blanc
Varies depending on whether it is in North or South Island.
In general Sauv Blanc here is
-pungent
-intense elderflower and passion fruit aromas
-high acidity
Warmer North Island produces more tropical flavors
Cooler South Island produces more green bell pepper and gooseberry with higher acidity
inert vessels used
Describe NZ Chardonnay
-citrus and tropical fruits with subtle hints of french oak
Describe NZ Pinot Noir and Cab Sauv
Pinot Noir-
vibrant fruit
fine ripe tannins
soft texture
high alc
Cab Sauv
Notes of Cassis adn tannin
Describe Auckland NZ
Sight of large company vineyards,
warm adn wettest part of NZ
fungal disease in an issue here
Describe Gisborne NZ
Gisborne
High rainfall, high temperatures and sunshine
Chardonnay is the most planted and has distinct ripe tropical fruit flavors
Describe Hawke’s Bay NZ
Hawkes Bay is the warmest main grape growing region
longest sunshine hours
diverse plantings
Gimblett Gravels -well-drained, heat-absorbing gravel soil on the valley floor
reputation for black varietals
Describe Wairarapa NZ
Wairarapa -small vineyards on the south of North Island
Most important is Martinborough
Global reputation for PInot Noir and registered GI
Wines are med to full body, ripe with hints of dark plum and spice
Describe Marlborough NZ
Marlborough is located in South Island NZ–major grape growing center especially for Sauv Blanc
Great diversity in aspect and altitude
Vineyards lie in two adjacent estuary valleys:
Wairau Valley
-long, sunny days
-tropical fruit flavors in Sauv blanc
Awatere Valley
-cooler, drier, windeier
-more herbaceous and lack tropical fruit flavors
Pinot Noir - medium -bodied with fine tannins, flavors of cherry and cranberry, more impressive wines being made here
Describe Central Otago NZ
Central Otago -located in foothills of NZ Alps
wide area–diverse valleys, different aspects, soils, altitudes
in contrast to the rest of NZ -frost is a real risk both in Spring and Autumn
Summers can be warm, but important for grape quality, diurnal range is large
Sunlight is very high, high levels of alcohol
Pinot Noir :
–full bodied
–juicy
–vibrant
–concentrated ripe red fruit flavors
