New Zealand Flashcards
New Zealand first wine production
1830 / vines introduced in the country in 1819
Main varieties in New Zealand
White: SAUVIGNON BLANC + Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer
Red: PINOT NOIR + cab sav, Merlot, Syrah
Which country is the most eastern and southern ?
New Zealand
Which New Zealand island has the biggest land mass?
South Island
What’s the mountain range that divide the South Island through its axis?
The southern alps / rain shadow effect
North island
Warmer / less mountainous / rainier
Where are vineyards located in New Zealand?
Along the north-south axis in the eastern coastline of the islands
On flat land / mechanisation common as it’s difficult to find cheap labour
New Zealand climate
Ocean mitigates temperature variation + moderates growing season
Abundant sunshine hours = help Ripening
Consistent cool nights = help with acidity
New Zealand wine governing body
New Zealand winegrowers / founded in 2002
How many GI’s in New Zealand
22
Min % of grapes stated on the label in New Zealand
85% min stated variety
85% min stated GI
100% spirit stated GI
North island GI’s
Northland
Auckland (includes Waiheke Island)
Waikato / bay of plenty
Gisborne
Hawke’s bay
Wairarapa (includes Martinborough)
Northland GI
1st plantings in NZ
Warmest / wettest region
Clay rich loam over compact clay soils
Cab sav / Merlot / Syrah
Chardonnay / Pinot Gris / Viognier
Auckland
Centre of business of the wine industry / host to largest wine companies
Moderate, rainy , humid maritime climate = rot and fungal diseases
Chardonnay/ Pinot Gris / cab sav / cab franc / Syrah / petit Verdot
Waiheke island
Singularly sunny and dry climate
Excellent Bordeaux style wines
Kumeu
Previously part of Auckland / GI since 2018
High humidity = fungal diseases
Sea breezes extend the growing season
Some of the best Chardonnay in NZ
Waikato GI / bay of plenty
High rainfall and humidity / moderate warm climate
High risk of frost in the inland vineyards
Chardonnay / cab sav / sav blanc
Gisborne
World most easterly wine region
Maritime climate / sheltered from strong winds = can result in early harvest
Chardonnay / Merlot
Best vineyards = higher well drained soils and foot hills
Hawkes bay GI
Maritime influence temper hot sunny days
Chardonnay most planted variety + Merlot / cab sav / Sauvignon blanc / Syrah
Gimblett’s Gravel
Hawkes bay
Gravelly soils suited for Bordeaux varieties + Syrah
Wairarapa GI
between 2 mountain ranges that offer protection from warm northwesterly winds in summer and cold southeasterly winds and rain
Low humidity = organic farming
Martinborough
Part of Wairarapa
Best Pinot noir in the north island
Pinot noir + sav blanc / Chardonnay / Pinot Gris / Riesling
Nelson GI
Extreme north of the South Island
Sunniest region in South Island
Protected from autumn storms and northerly winds by Tasman mountains (west) and Richmond hills (east)
Hot summer days / cool nights
Only 2% of NZ production
Sav blanc / Pinot Noir / Chardonnay
Marlborough GI
Largest wine producer region = 65 %
Long sunshine hours / less rain than Nelson
Richmond hills (west) / Wither Hills (east)
3 subregions: awatere valley / wairau valley / southern valley
87% of NZ sav blanc + Pinot Noir / Chardonnay
Canterbury GI
Pinot Noir / Chardonnay
Waipara valley
Previously part of Canterbury
Gravel and limestone soils
Protected from hills = harvest 10-12 days later
High diurnal shift = long growing season + quality of the fruit
Pinot noir / Riesling / Pinot Gris / sav blanc
Central Otago
Worlds most southerly region / highest vineyards in NZ (450m)
Pinot noir
Hot summers / cold winters / high diurnal shift
Low humidity / high risk of spring frost
BENDIGO
GIBBSTON
WANAKA
BANNOCKBURN
CROMWELL
