New Zealand

Question 1

What are the 4 winemaking regions in the South Island?

Answer 1

Marlborough
Nelson
Canterbury
Central Otago

Question 2

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Marlborough?

Answer 2

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Wairau Valley: numerous valleys with different aspects and altitudes
Sauv. Blanc here = tropical fruit

Awatere Valley: drier, cooler, windier than Wairau
Sauv. Blanc here = higher acid, herbaceous

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir used for still & sparkling
Growing reputation for Pinot Noir

Question 3

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Nelson?

Answer 3

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris

Cooler and wetter than Marlborough

Question 4

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Canterbury?

Answer 4

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling

Plains and Waipara Valley
Cooled by Pacific ocean
Warmed by NW winds

Riesling grown in Waipara Valley

Question 5

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Central Otago?

Answer 5

Pinot Noir

Numerous valleys with different aspects, soil, altitudes
Continental climate with risk of frost damage in Spring & Autumn
Warm summer, high diurnal range, intense sun (= high alc)

Pinot Noir = full body, concentrated ripe red fruit

Question 6

What are the 4 winemaking regions of the North Island?

Answer 6

Auckland
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Wairarapa

Question 7

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Auckland?

Answer 7

Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah

Warmest and wettest in NZ
Fungus and issue

Question 8

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Gisborne?

Answer 8

Chardonnay

Also has some Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris

Question 9

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Hawke’s Bay?

Answer 9

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Longest sunshine hours
Diverse soils
Various wine styles

Gimblett Gravels: well drained, heat absorbing area in valley.
Makes premium black grapes.

Question 10

What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Wairarapa?

Answer 10

Pinot Noir

Martinborough: global reputation for Pinot Noir.
Hot summer but wide diurnal range.

Question 11

Describe the climate and grape growing of New Zealand.

Answer 11

Maritime climate
Cool south island, warmer north island
Long sunshine hours, cool nights (sea breezes) creates long season. Allows grapes to have flavor ripeness and retain acid.

Mountains on south island protect vineyards in the East
Soils usually free draining (with lots of rain)
Experts in canopy management to fight fertile soils
Sustainable wine growing very important

Question 12

What are the main white grape varieties of New Zealand?

Answer 12

Sauvignon Blanc: Flagship grape, #1 in production
Pungent, elderflower, passion fruit, high acid
North island: tropical flavor
South island: higher acid, green bell pepper, gooseberry

Chardonnay: varies in style, often with new oak

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer

Question 13

What are the main red grape varieties of New Zealand?

Answer 13

Pinot Noir: #2 in production, mainly south island
Vibrant fruit, fine tannins, soft texture, high alc.
Distinct regional styles exist too

Merlot: Second most important black grape after Pinot Noir

Cabernet Sauvignon: Added to blends for tannin and flavor

Syrah: Northern Rhone style