New Zealand Flashcards
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?
36-46S
Most of New Zealand’s vineyard areas have what type of climate?
maritime climate
What is the only region in New Zealand to have a smie-continental climate?
Central Otago
What are the typical climates on both the north and south island of New Zealand?
south= cool
north=warm
What helps moderate and cool New Zealnad?
The Pacific Ocean
How does the UV radiation levels of New Zealand compare to regions with the same latitudes in the Northern hemisphere?
They are higher
How vines in New Zealand are commonly trained?
with 2 canes & the new shoots trained vertically (VSP)
Why are vines in New Zealand trained VSP with 2 canes?
- suitable in low to moderate vigor sites
- mechanization: harvesting, winter pruning, topping, leaf removal, & other canopy management
- to protect berries from UV rays with leaves
Why are vines in New Zealand planted at low densities but high yielding?
- to control vigor
- high soil nutrients, plentiful sunshine & water support high yielding vines.
Why are vines in New Zealand trained high?
- To control vigor (Sauvignon Blanc)
- They don’t need heat from the ground (b/c sun hours is high)
- easier for pickers
- to produce a larger crop
- to split the canopy for good airflow & reduced fungal disease
What are the traditional winemaking techniques for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?
Low fermentation temperatures
Neutral fermentation vessel
Cultured yeasts
MLF avoided
Oak maturation avoided
What are the winemaking techniques to produce small volume, full bodied New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?
Fermented in oak barrels
Lees stirring
Malolactic conversion
Skin contact
Ambient yeasts
High levels of solids at fermentation
Many producers have adopted screwcap closures to avoid TCA in cork and keep wines fresh. What percentage of New Zealand production is sealed under screwcap?
90
T or F: New Zealand has strict appellation laws regarding GIs and what can be planted?
False
Name 6 New Zealand wine regions from most northerly to most southerly.
Auckland
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Marlborough
Canterbury
Central Otago
Name 2 sub-regions of Greater Auckland?
Matakana
Waiheke Island
Name 2 sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay?
Gimblett Gravels
Bridge Pa
Name 4 sub-regions of Wairarapa.
Wellington Wine Country
Martinborough
Masterton
Gladstone
Name 3 sub-regions of Marlborough.
Wairau
Southern Valleys
Awatere
Name 2 sub-regions of Nelson.
Moutere Hills
Waimea Plains
Name 4 sub-regions of Central Otago.
Alexandra
Gibbston
Bannockburn
Bendigo
Wanaka
How does the price of New Zealand wines compare to others globally?
higher/more per average
What New Zealand organizations trademark is only applicable to Sauvignon Blanc and aims to protect the reputation of these wines?
New Zealand’s ‘Appellation Marlborough Wine’
Explain why Gimblett Gravels is an appropriate location for making Bordeaux style wines.
- similar moderate maritime climate
- inland, warmer daytime temps with less coast influence
- gravel and alluvial soils with a stony topsoil
- excellent drainage
- high rainfall
- heat radiation from the soils
- can successfully ripen Bordeaux grapes
