NEW ZEALAND

Question 1

Between what degrees of latitude do New Zealand’s wine-producing regions lie, meaning the country has a high level of sunshine hours and the ability to produce a range of styles of wine?

Answer 1

New Zealand’s wine-producing regions lie between 36-46 degrees South

Question 2

Most of New Zealand’s vineyard areas have a (1) climate, apart from (2), which has a (3) climate

Answer 2

1) Maritime
2) Central Otago
3) semi-continental

Question 3

(1) moderates what would otherwise be a reasonably warm region.

Answer 3

1) The cool Pacific Ocean

Question 4

The South island tends to have a (1) climate, whereas the North island tends to be more (2) due to its (3) latitude.

Answer 4

1) cool
2) moderate
3) lower

Question 5

The UV radiation level in New Zealand also tends to be (1) than areas at an equivalent latitude in the Northern hemisphere.

Answer 5

1) higher

Question 6

Using bullet points, briefly explain how vines in New Zealand are commonly trained and give reasons why these training techniques may be chosen (think about conditions in the vineyard when answering). Low planting density is common, give two reasons why this is?

Answer 6

1. Vines are generally trained and trellised using VSP with two canes.
2. This training system is suitable for machine harvesting, commonly used in New Zealand due to the high proportion of vineyards planted on flat land.
3. Additionally, VSP training ensures that the canopy is appropriately arranged so that grapes are exposed to the sun, the surface of leaves is maximised, and air circulation is improved. Air circulation between the vines is vital since rainfall is often high, and humidity and fungal diseases can be a problem, especially in the warmer North Island.
4. Due to the free drainage soil in many regions, irrigation can be used; consequently, by reducing the vine density, the competition for water between the vines is reduced. Additionally, since Sauvignon Blanc is high vigour variety, decreasing the wine’s density allows more space for managing the vigour of the grape.

Question 7

Explain why Gimblett Gravels is an appropriate location for making Bordeaux-style wines.

Answer 7

1.Gimblett Gravels are located in Hawke’s Bay, which is on the northern Island, hence having similar climatic conditions as in Bordeaux, with a moderate maritime climate. Additionally, gravelly, alluvial soils are similar to those in Medoc. Consequently, these factors result in the successful production of Bordeaux-blend wines with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varieties. Moreover, the stony topsoil of Gimblett Gravels becomes very warm during the day and releases heat into the evening, helping Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen.