New Zealand Flashcards
What is the main, over arching, climate of New Zealand?
Mediterranean
How much wine was exported in New Zealand in 1981 vs 2019?
6,000 hL vs 2.7 mil hL
Sauvignon Blanc accounted what percentage of plantings in 2018?
66.6%, or 2/3
What is the name of the straight that separates the North and South Islands?
the Cook Straight
What do the Southern Alps protect the vineyards from?
The prevailing winds and wet conditions that blow in off of the Tasman Sea
Aside from the Tasman Sea, what are some other significant aspects of New Zealand’s climate?
- High amount of UV Rays
- Long hours of sunlight
- Large diurnal range
How many hours of Sunshine does New Zealand see on an average basis?
2,000 hours, or 6.60 hours per day
What is the major pest producers have to face every year? How are producers mitigating that pest?
Producers in New Zealand are netting their vines to protect them from the birds
Although New Zealand is a fairly wet country, why are a lot of wineries irrigating their vines?
Strong winds blow throughout the country, leading to an increase in evaporation and transportation rates
What is a major concern for New Zealand producers in relation to the high amounts of UV Radiation?
Sun Burn, so leaf positioning is critical
What is the main closure type used in New Zealand?
Screw-top/stelvin closures. They account for 90% of the closures used on New Zealand wines
Name all of the major growing regions in New Zealand
- Auckland
- Gisborne
- Hawke’s Bay
- Wairarapa
- Nelson
- Marlborough
- Canterbury
- Central Otago
What is the Sub-region of Wairarapa?
Martinborough
What are the 3 sub-regions of Auckland?
- Waiheke Island
- West Auckland
- Matakana
What is the oldest wine growing region in New Zealand?
Hawke’s Bay
Name the two best know sub-regions in Hawke’s Bay?
- Gimblette Gravels
- Bridge Pa
What are the biggest differences between Gimblette Gravels and Bridge Pa?
- Gimblette Gravels is more stoney, free draining soils. Where as Bridge Pa is more sandy and clay based soils
Hawke’s Bay is home to 75% of what grape variety?
Syrah
Why did the area under vine in Gisborne shrink in the past decade?
The price of kiwis and apples are better than they are for grapes
What is the most planted grape variety in Gisborne?
Chardonnay
Name the 3 sub-regions of Wairarapa
- Masterton
- Gladstone (official)
- Martinborough (official)
What is the main soil type for Wairarapa?
Free-draining alluvial gravel terraces with silt loam and loess
Name the two main valleys that make up Marlborough
- Wairau
- Awatere
What are the two sub-regions in Nelson?
- Moutere Hills
- Waimea Plains
Central Otago is the only region with what kind of climate in New Zealand?
Semi-Continental
What causes the change in climate in Central Otago?
It is surrounded by the Southern Alps from the rain bearing westerly winds
How many sub-regions are there in Central Otago, and how many can you name?
There are 6
- Alexandra
- Gibbston (Coolest)
- Bannockburn
- Cromwell/Lowburn/Pisa
- Bendigo
- Wanaka
What was the most planted grape in the 1960s
Albany Surprise
What is the DRC Clone used in New Zealand for Pinot Noir?
Abel Clone
What region has the most wineries in New Zealand?
Auckland
Stonecroft was the leader of what wine region?
Hawkes Bay
What is Grey Wacke?
A soil type Sandstone and Mudstone
