New World Regions Flashcards
Canada climate, key grapes, and areas?
Cool continental climate in wine growing areas.
Ontario, Niagara Peninsula - Riesling and Vidal (icewine)
British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Chile climate, key grapes, and areas?
Mostly warm Mediterranean climate. Mix of influences from Pacific Ocean, Coastal Mountain Range, Andes, and valley between. Cold Humboldt current flows up from Antarctica.
Cabernet Sauvignon is most planted. Carmenere is also common for full bodied, high tannin wines with herbaceous aromas and black fruit.
Maipo Valley is near Santiago, surrounded by mountains and has little coastal influence. Grows Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley is a warm area in the north with no ocean breezes.
Colchagua Valley is warm and has some ocean influence. Full bodied reds like Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere.
Curico Valley and Maule Valley are the southern end of the Central Valley. Inexpensive wines made here.
Argentina climate, key grapes, and areas?
No ocean influences. Altitude is the main climate characteristic. Hot continental climate. In the rain shadow of the Andes so irrigation is needed. Hail is a major concern. Mitigation is done by having many vineyards to manage risk.
Malbec - Argentinian flagship. Deeply colored, full bodied, black fruit, high tannin.
Torrontes - Argentian white signature grape. Best are from Cafayate. Intense fruity, floral scent with medium body and acidity and stone fruit and melon flavors.
Mendoza - Especially Lujan de Cuyo for Malbec and Maipu for Cabernet and Syrah.
Uco Valley for high altitude making mainly white wines, but reds too.
South Africa climate, key grapes, and areas?
Generally hot. Cooling from Benguela current and Cape Doctor winds and mountain ranges for altitude.
Chenin Blanc is most planted overall. Barrel fermentation and aging for body and flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon is most planted red often blended for Bordeaux style wines.
Pinotage (Pinot Noir, Cinsault crossing) is South African signature grape.
Some late harvest dessert wines from Muscat of Alexandria (called Hanepoot in SA). Noble rot is a possibility.
Stellenbosch is main wine area to know. Moderate to warm climate. Winds from False Bay.
Paarl district is north and inland from Stellenbosch.
Constantia has old vineyards cooled by Cape Doctor wind. Home of sweet wine Vin de Constance from Muscat.
Walker Bay and Elgin district on Cape South Coast.
Name the South African current and wind that provide cooling
Benguela current flowing up the west coast of Africa
Cape Doctor wind from the south-east.
What are the main sub-regions of Australia
Western Australia, near Perth. Has Margaret River.
Southeastern Australia - super-zone covering massive area. Generally low quality wines when labeled with this.
South Australia, most wine from here. Includes Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra.
Victoria - cooler area. Includes Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula
New South Wales - hot area. Includes Hunter Valley
Tasmania - cool maritime climate known for sparkling wine.
Western Australia climate, key grapes, and areas?
Warm Mediterranean climate.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot often for Bordeaux style blends.
Chardonnay with concentrated stone fruit and tropical aromas.
Margaret River is main area.
South Australia climate, key grapes, and areas?
Barossa Valley - warm, dry climate with old bush vines of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. Full bodied, soft tannins, ripe black fruit.
Eden Valley - cool to moderate climate. Riesling in the cooler vineyards. Intense lime and grapefruit aromas. Develop marmalade and toasty aromas over time.
Clare valley - Dry rieslings with intense citrus and lime aromas and high acidity. Honey and toast develop over time.
McLaren Vale - coastal area for Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot and Grenache. More elegant than Barossa and cooler.
Coonawarra - Moderate maritime climate. Terra rossa soil. Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated cassis, eucalyptus, and menthol aromas.
Victoria climate, key grapes, and areas?
Coolest vineyard locations in Australia. Pinot and Chardonnay can grow here.
Yarra Valley - cool to moderate maritime. Pinot Noir is the speciality.
Other areas: Monrnington Peninsula, Geelong, Heathcote, Goulburn Valley
New South Wales climate, key grapes, and areas?
Hot area with some relief from mountain altitude.
Hunter Valley - Semillon and Chardonnay for whites. Shiraz for reds. Generally picked early.
New Zealand key sub-regions
Auckland - warm and wet on the North Island
Hawke’s Bay - warmest growing area. Gimblett Gavels is key area with well drained, heat-absorbing gravel soil. Known for bordeaux style blends.
Martinborough - Pinot noir near the southern point of the northern island.
Marlborough - Sauvignon Blanc area in the north of the southern island.
Central Otago - Continental climate with large summertime diurnal range. Mainly Pinot Noir, but also Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
