New Zealand Flashcards
What is the predominant climate of New Zealand? Apart from ___?
Maritime
Central Otago is Continental
New Zealand is split into the:
_______ Island
_______ Island
Which is warmer? Which sees more rainfall?
North Island (A little warmer and more rainfall)
South Island
What is the body of water on New Zealand’s eastern side?
The Pacific Ocean
What is the name of the body of water separating New Zealand and Australia?
The Tasman Sea
What is the name of the mountain range on the South Island?
Southern Alps
What role do the Southern Alps play in the South Island’s climate?
The Southern Alps protect regions from rain-bearing westerly winds (from Tasman Sea), creating a rain shadow for most regions east.
Therefore, regions in Southern island tend to be located on the east side.
Soils in New Zealand
The soils tend to be free draining so do not experience waterlogging.
However, those on flat land can be overly fertile, leading to excessive shoot and leaf growth.
Why have New Zealand winergrowers become experts in trellising and canopy management?
They’ve learned how to deal with vine vigor problems, which is seen on fertile plains.
What is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?
SWNZ is a sustainability program that sets standards for wineries committed to reducing their environmental impact.
What is the most planted grape in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc
Generally speaking, what are the differences between Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island and South Island?
Oaked?
North Island = More tropical flavors
South Island = Higher acidity, green bell pepper, and gooseberry flavors.
Most commonly fermented in inert vessels at cool temperature to retain fruity flavours and aromas but some producers also make oak-matured styles.
Behind Sauvignon Blanc, what other white grape varietals are New Zealand producers cultivating?
Dryness
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Gewurztraminer
Wines range from dry to sweet but off-dry tends to be the most prevalent style.
Chardonnay in New Zealand
7
7 Concentrated citrus, tropical fruits with a subtle hints of toast from new oak
What is the most planted red/black grape in New Zealand?
Which island is it planted more?
Pinot Noir
It is the second most planted grape variety in NZ after Sauvignon Blanc.
Widely grown throughout the South Island
Few selected sites in the North island
Pinot Noir in New Zealand
5,6,7
5 High tannins
6 High alcohol
7 Vibrant fruit
After Pinot Noir, what other black/red grapes are cultivated in New Zealand?
Merlot (Second greatest volume after Pinot Noir)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Merlot is often blended with?
Cabernet Sauvignon
To add tannin and notes of cassis, making up a Bordeaux-style blend.
Style of Syrah in New Zealand
Elegant wines that are closer in style to those of the Rhone rather than those made in the hotter climates of Australia.
What are the North Island’s wine regions?
・Auckland
・Gisborne
・Hawke’s Bay
・Wairarapa - Martin borough
What are the South Island’s wine regions?
・Marlborough
・Nelson
・Canterbury
・Central Otago
What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
What is the leading weather hazard?
Auckland
Fungal disease can be an issue here.
Grape varieties in Auckland
Which subregion of Auckland produces top-quality wines?
Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah
Waiheke Island (particularly reds)
Which GI on the North Island is known for its white wines?
Which white grapes thrive there?
Gisborne (high rainfall!)
Chardonnay with ripe tropical fruit (Most planted)
Full bodied Pinot Gris
High quality Gewürztraminer
Which GI on the North Island is the warmest and sees the longest sunshine hours?
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is notable for growing which red grape varietals?
Syrah
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux style with Merlot)
What is the subregion in Hawke’s Bay that is gaining a reputation for premium Syrah and red Bordeaux blends?
Soils
Location
Gimblett Gravels
Well-draining heat absorbing gravel soils on the valley floor.
Martinborough, a subregion of Wairarapa, is best known for which grape?
Why does this grape do well here?
3,7
Pinot Noir
Summer temperature can be high but wide diurnal range allows Pinot Noir to succeed here.
3 Medium to Full bodied
7 Ripe with hints of dark plum and spice
Where is Wairarapa?:
northern tip of the North Island
southern tip of the North Island
northern tip of the South Island
Southern tip of the North Island
Which South Island region is cooler and wetter than Marlborough?
Nelson, the northernmost region on the South Island.
What are 2 subregions of Marlborough?
Which one is larger?
Climate difference
Style of Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau Valley (larger)
Awatere Valley
Wairau - Long sunny days
= More tropical fruits flavours
Awatere - Cool, windy and dry
= Brighter acidity and more herbaceous flavors
Grape varieties in Marlborough
Style of wine
Sauvignon blanc
Chardonnay (Still and sparkling)
Pinot Noir (Still and sparkling)
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Still Pinot Noir in Marlborough
3,5,7
3 Medium bodied
5 Fine tannins
7 Cherry and cranberry
Nelson and Marlborough climate difference
Melson is cooler and wetter than Marlborough
Grape varieties in Nelson
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Two areas in Canterbury are well known for wine production.
Describe each and how they are different.
・Plains west of Christchurch
・Waipara Valley to the north of Christchurch (larger)
Plains
・Vineyards are warmed by north-westerly winds
・Pacific Ocean is a cooling influence
Waipara Valley
・Less expose to the Pacific ocean due to a range of hills
・Northwesterly winds have greater impact. = Warmer than Plains.
Grape varieties in Waipara
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
High quality Riesling
Central Otago Location
What weather threat does Central Otago face?
Foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps
Frost - both in the spring and autumn.
Other grape varieties in Central Otago
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Chardonnay
Central Otago Climate
Style of Pinot Noir
Large diurnal range in the growing season
Strong sunlight
= Juicy and vibrant with concentrated ripe red fruit flavours, full-bodied Pinot Noirs with high alcohol.
