New Zealand

Question 1

New Zealand Location / Geography

Answer 1

Two islands in southern hemisphere
Very influenced by the sea
North is warm and humid
South is cool
Maritime to pockets of Continental

Question 2

New Zealand Grape Varieties

Answer 2

White - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Red - Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon (harder to ripen in this climate), Syrah (Rhone-like, savory driven, meaty, spicy, not as rich as Australia), Merlot (ripens two weeks before Cab)

Question 3

New Zealand Viticulture/Vinification

Answer 3

Innovative
Modern, clean, precise winemaking
Screwcap closures (proved to the wine world that there is a valid place for screwcap closures)

Question 4

NZ Wine Law

Answer 4

On par with EU regulations
NZ wines must contain 85% min stated grape variety and vintage
Geographical Indications (GI) - NEW
New Zealand
North Island
South Island
As of 2020 - 21 total GIs.

Question 4

NZ South Island Important GIs

Answer 4

Marlborough - best known - north tip of South Island
Cool, dry, sunny, long growing season, protected by Alps
-reliable vintage because of weather
-Pinot Noir
Canterbury - sub-region of North Canterbury very high quality
-Pinot Noir
Central Otago
-Pinot Noir

Question 4

NZ North Island Important GIs

Answer 4

Auckland - warm, rainy, maritime, humid
-Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Gisborne - cool maritime
-Chardonnay, Pinot Gris
Hawke’s Bay - sub-region Gimblett Gravels - unique gravelly soil type, exposed alluvial soil
-Chardonnay
Wairarapa - sub region Martinborough
-Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc

Most on eastern side of the country to utilize rain shadow.