New Zealand Flashcards
what is the overal climate of new zealand?
how does the south islands climate differ from the north island?
maritime climate
south island is cool whereas the north island is slightly warmer
why are grapes able to reach such high levels of ripeness and sugar whilst retaining acidity?
a long ripening period with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes
what protects the vineyards on the east side of the south island?
mountains in the centre of the island
what is a climate challenge and how is it dealt with in the south island?
rainfall
soils are free draining and do not experience waterloo however can be over fertile, leading to excessive shoot and leaf growth
how do viticulturists deal with the excess leaf and shoot growth?
trellising and canopy management
what is new zealand’s flagship grape?
sauvignon blanc
what are key features of new zealand sauvignon blanc?
pungent intense aromas of elderflower, passionfruit and high acidity
how do north and south island sauvignon blanc differ?
the warmer north produces more tropical flavour and the south has higher acidity, herbaceous, gooseberry
what is the typical style of new zealand chardonnay?
concentrated citrus, tropical, subtly hints of toast and sweet spice from oak
new zealand is experimenting with the potential for riesling, gewurtztraminer and pinot gris..
why are these varieties successful here?
dry autumns and cool nights ensure the aromatic compounds have plenty of time to develop
off dry is the most prevalent style
what is the 2nd most planted grape?
pinot noir
where is majority of pinot noir grown and what is the profile?
south island
vibrant fruit, fine tannins, high alc
Merlot and Cab is blended in New Zealand, what role does cab play?
adds tannin, and cassis.
why is the north island better suited for bordeaux varieties?
the warmer temperatures concentrated flavours
there is one other grape that preforms best in warmer sites of new zealand producing a similar style to rhone?
syrah
list the north island regions from north to south
auckland
gisbourne
hawkes bay
wairarapa
what is an issue in auckland?
it is the wettest and warmest region so fungal disease is an issue
what is the island to the east of auckland growing reputation for top quality reds
waiheke island
what are the most planted variety’s of auckland?
chardonnay, syrah, merlot
what is the overall climate of gisbourne?
high rainfall, high temps and sunshine
what are the majority of vines in gisborne and what style are they?
chardonnay
ripe tropical fruit
other than chardonnay what is planted in gisborne
high quality gewurtzraminer
full body pinot gris
which area has the longest sunshine areas on the north island?
hawkes bay
which area has well drained heat absorbing gravel soil on the valley floor with a high reputation for black varieties
gimblett gravels in hawkes bay
what style reds have hawkes bay built a reputation on?
bordeaux style merlot and cab blends and premium syrah
what is the most important area of wairarapa?
the area around martinborough producing pinot noir
what is the climate of wairarapa?
high summer temp but a wide diurnal range
a pinot noir that is medium to full body and ripe with hints of dark plum may come from?
wairarapa
what is the major centre for growing in new zealand and what is the majority of plantings?
marlborough
sauvignon blanc
what is the 2 areas lying adjacent in marlborough?
wairau (largest)
awatere
how does the climate of wairau vary?
it has long sunny days however many side valleys in the south giving producers a wide range of aspects and altitudes
what is the climate of awartere valley
dry, cool, windy
how do sauvignon blancs differ in wairau and awatere differ?
the sauv blancs from awatere are higher acidity more herbaceous and lack the tropical fruit
what variety’s other than sauvignon blanc are produced in wairapa?
chardonnay
pinot noir
riesling
pinot gris
a pinot noir that is medium body with fine tannins and flavours of cherry and cranberry may be from?
wairarapa
the climate of nelson is cooler and wetter, which grapes are grown here?
sauvignon blanc
pinot noir
pinot gris
what are the 2 main centres of viticulture in canterbury?
christchurch in the west
waipara valley in the north
how does the climate vary between waipara and christchurch?
christchurch is exposed to cooling from pacific northwest and a warming effect from north west winds
waipara sees more of the winds and less exposure to ocean due to hills
what are the varieties planted in canterbury?
sauvignon blanc, pinot noir
high quality riesling in waipara
describe the climate of central otago and risks growers face?
foothills of the new zealand alps spread over different valleys with different soil, aspect and altitude.
continental climate
frost damage is a risk in spring and autumn
which region has a large diurnal range in summer and intense sunlight creating high alcohol in wines?
central otago
a full bodies juicy pinot noir with vibrant and concentrated red fruit flavours may be from?
central otago
pinot gris, riesling and chardonnay are important in which south island region?
central otago
