New Zealand Flashcards
Why does New Zealand have great potential for making notable sparkling wines?
cool climate and plentiful supply of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Why has sparkling wines in New Zealand remained only a tiny part of their overall production of wines?
success of still wines especially sauvignon blanc
What method for sparkling wines is used in New Zealand?
traditional method
although some carbonated wines also made
general SAT for new Zealand sparkling wines
mid to premium priced
med intensity aromas
apple lemon with light autolytic notes
high acidity
brut style
good to very good in quality with some outstanding examples
Where are grapes sourced for Sparkling wines in New Zealand
around the two islands, however cooler climates of New Zealand’s South Island are better suited for elegant sparkling wine styles with crisp acidty
Where in New Zealand are the most grape vineyards suitable for sparkling wines?
Marlborough (2/3 of country’s vineyards
Where on the north island of New Zealand is the home to large vol sparkling wine brands - producing fuller bodied styles with lower acidity and less finesse
Gisborne
What are the are advantages of Marlborough as sparkling wine region in new Zealand
low risk of late frost or hailstorms
prevalent north-west winds help to remove air moisture quickly after rain reducing threat of fungal disease
while it is moderate rainfall - vineyards need to be irrigated due to free drainin alluvial soil and high levels of transpiration due to the strong wind
good access to clean water from the constant undergrown water table
When does harvest start for New Zealand sparkling wines?
2 weeks before still wine harvest which is beneficial because autumn rain and the tail end of tropical cyclones can be a challenge later in the harvest
What potential alcohol are grapes in New Zealand picked at for sparkling wines?
10-11%
What varietal(s) are most New Zealand sparkling wines made?
most are blend based on PInot Noir and Chardonnay
What method are used to make high-quality sparkling wines in New Zealand
Traditional method, but some of the country’s biggest producers also use transfer method
What method are used to make inexpensive sparkling wines in New Zealand
carbonation
What do small producers use for fruit in making sparkling wine in New Zealand?
their own fruit
What do some larger producers rely on for fruit in New Zealand sparkling wine?
they own their own vineyards but rely on long-standing contract with grape growers to fulfill their requirements
What do many wineries do when it comes time for tirage?
they do not have the expertise or specialised equipment so they send the blended base still wine to a contract winemaking facility for the addition of tirage
the bottle is then returned to the producer for 2nd fermentation and aging but sent away again for disgorging and additional dosage
What method do quality conscious producers choose when making wines in New Zealand?
pick by hand and press whole bunches
What type of yeast is typically used in New Zealand sparkling wines?
cultured
What type of vessel is typically used in New Zealand for first fermentation of sparkling wines?
stainless steel for purity of fruit expression
Do New Zealand sparkling wines undergo malolactic conversion?
yes - due to very high acid levels and to stop reaction to occur later in the process when it would be undesirable
small number of producers block malolactic conversion in order to preserve the high acidity
How long do traditional or transfer method wines in New Zealand spend on the lees?
18 months
some premium producers extend the time to add extra complexity and depth
What are dosage levels for Brut wines in New Zealand?
6 g/l to 12 g/l although some zero dosage wines are also made
What happened in 2008 in New Zealand?
record harvest which led to over supply of Sauvignon blanc and sparkling wines made with Sauvignon Blanc using the carbonation method
General SAT of New Zealand sparkling wine made with Sauvignon Blanc
med + intensity
green capsicum and passion fruit notes
no autolytic flavor
high acidity
med - length
What varietal of sparkling is sold in domestic market of New Zealand but rarely exported?
Pinot Gris
How much of wine exports in New Zealand are represented by sparkling wines?
0.8%
