New Zealand

Question 1

Overall climate of NZ?

Answer 1

Maritime climate overall.
South Islands climate is cool with North Island is a little warmer

Question 2

Where do vineyards on the South Island tend to be planted?

Answer 2

Located on the East Side protected by mountains from rain bearing westerly winds. However, rain is still plentiful

Fortunately the soils tend to be free draining so do not experience waterlogging

Question 3

Planting style?

Answer 3

Vineyards on flat soil can be overly fertile so viticulturists here have become experts in trellising and other canopy management techniques.

Question 4

Auckland

Answer 4

Wettest part of NZ so fungal diseases are an issue.
Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah

Question 5

Gisborne

Answer 5

Rainfall is high but so are sunshine hours in the growing season.
Chardonnay here with distinct tropical fruit flavours

Question 6

Hawkes Bay

Answer 6

Warmest with longest sunshine hrs
Merlot, Cab Sav and Bordeaux style blends and premium Syrah

Question 7

Wairapa

Answer 7

The most important area here is around Martinborough
Global reputation for Pinot noir and is now a registered GI.
Medium to full bodied Pinot from here

Question 8

Marlborough

Answer 8

Major centre for grape growing in New Zealand.
Savignon Blanc makes up the majority of wines here
Wairau and Avatere are here
Pinot noir and chard also planted here and used for sparkling wines

Question 9

Nelson

Answer 9

Savignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris

Question 10

Canterbury

Answer 10

Savignon Blanc
Pinot Noir and high quality Riesling

Question 11

Central Otago

Answer 11

Located inland in the foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps.
Different soils, aspects and altitudes
Climate here is actually continental
High level of alcohol here from lots of sunlight
Pinot Noir
Full bodied, juicy, concentrated ripe red fruit flavours