New Zealand Flashcards
When were the first vines planted in New Zealand?
The first vines were planted in 1819.
Who brought the first grapevine cuttings to New Zealand?
English missionary Samuel Marsden brought the cuttings from Australia.
What region in New Zealand was the initial site of grapevine plantings?
The initial plantings were in Kerikeri, Northland.
What did Samuel Marsden predict about New Zealand’s wine potential?
He noted that New Zealand promises to be very favorable to wine production.
What was the major wave of migration to New Zealand in the 19th century?
The major wave of migration came from Britain.
Who is considered responsible for producing New Zealand’s first wine?
Scottish-born James Busby is believed to have produced the first wine.
Which group founded the Hawke’s Bay wine industry?
French missionaries founded the industry in 1851.
What influence did Dalmatians have on New Zealand’s wine industry?
Dalmatians forged a winegrowing community in west Auckland from the early 1900s.
When did the Māori likely arrive in New Zealand?
The Māori likely arrived in the early 14th century CE.
What is the Māori term for tribes?
Māori tribes are referred to as iwi.
What percentage of New Zealand’s wine labels feature Māori names?
Approximately 80 of the 700 wine labels feature Māori names.
What was the temperance movement’s impact on New Zealand’s wine industry?
The temperance movement created legal and social challenges for the wine industry.
What significant event occurred in New Zealand’s wine industry in 1919?
A national vote on prohibition took place.
When were pubs allowed to remain open past 6pm?
Pubs were allowed to remain open past 6pm in 1967.
What is the most important grape variety in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc is the most important grape variety.
Where was the first commercially available Sauvignon Blanc produced?
The first commercially available Sauvignon Blanc was produced in Auckland.
When did New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc gain international recognition?
The first examples made their way to overseas critics in the mid-1980s.
What percentage of global vineyard area does New Zealand account for?
New Zealand accounts for only 0.5% of the total vineyard area globally.
What is the nickname for New Zealanders?
Kiwi is a nickname for New Zealanders.
How much did New Zealand’s wine exports value in 2020?
Wine exports were valued at over NZ$2 billion in 2020.
What is the geographical significance of New Zealand’s location?
New Zealand is surrounded by vast bodies of water, influencing its maritime climate.
What is the average growing season temperature in Marlborough?
The average growing season temperature is 15.2 degrees Celsius (59.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is the Geographical Indications Bill?
The bill protects the names of 18 New Zealand wine regions.
What is the 85% rule in New Zealand wine law?
If a vintage, variety, or origin is stated on the label, at least 85% must be sourced from that vintage, variety, or origin.
What is the significance of screwcaps in New Zealand wine?
Screwcaps are increasingly used for sealing New Zealand wines.
What is the minimum alcohol level for wines sold in the European Union?
Wines sold in the European Union must have a minimum alcohol level of 8.5%.
What certification must producers gain for their wines before export from New Zealand?
Producers must gain export eligibility certification for each of their wines before they leave New Zealand shores.
What is the global leader in bottling wines under screwcap?
New Zealand is the global leader in bottling wines under screwcap.
What percentage of wine globally is sealed under screwcap?
Approximately 30% of wine globally is sealed under screwcap.
What was the main reason for the New Zealand Screwcap Initiative?
The initiative was driven by the poor quality of cork reaching Oceania in the 1990s and early 2000s, which was prone to TCA infection.
What character is often attributed to New Zealand wine due to screwcap bottling?
Many have attributed a reductive character to New Zealand wine due to bottling under screwcap.
What is the average size of a vineyard in New Zealand?
The average size of a vineyard is 19 hectares.
When was the first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc produced?
The first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was produced in Auckland by Ross Spence in 1974.
What grape variety usurped Chardonnay to become New Zealand’s most planted variety?
Sauvignon Blanc usurped Chardonnay to become New Zealand’s most planted variety in 2002.
What are the hallmark characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough?
A hallmark of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is its green-yet-ripe tropical fruit character.
What compound causes the buttery character often found in Chardonnay?
Diacetyl is the compound that causes the buttery character often found in Chardonnay.
What grape variety has become the third most planted white grape in New Zealand?
Pinot Gris has become the third most planted white grape in New Zealand.
What is the most planted red variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir is New Zealand’s most planted red variety.
Where is Merlot predominantly planted in New Zealand?
Merlot has found its Kiwi home in Hawke’s Bay, which contains 90% of the nation’s plantings.
Where is Merlot predominantly planted in New Zealand?
Merlot has found its Kiwi home in Hawke’s Bay, which contains 90% of the nation’s plantings.
How does Merlot’s ripening compare to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Merlot buds, flowers, and ripens at least a week before Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are the typical characteristics of Merlot?
The expression of Merlot is typically a little fruitier and juicier than an equivalent Right Bank wine, with acidity and supple tannins.
What percentage of New Zealand’s vineyard land is planted with Merlot?
Merlot accounts for 2.7% of vineyard land.
What is notable about Syrah in New Zealand?
Despite limited plantings, Syrah thrives in New Zealand, exhibiting distinctive blackberry, violet, and black pepper characters.
What significant action did Dr. Alan Limmer take regarding Syrah?
In 1984, Dr. Alan Limmer took cuttings from the national viticulture center and planted them in his vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels district.
What is the current percentage of Syrah planted in Hawke’s Bay?
Today, 77% of New Zealand’s Syrah is planted in Hawke’s Bay.
What is the significance of Cabernet Sauvignon in New Zealand?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of some of New Zealand’s most expensive wines.
What is the typical aging process for Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines?
The finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines are often aged in French oak barrels for around 18 months.
What percentage of vineyard land is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 0.5% of vineyard land.
What challenges does Northland face for grape growing?
Northland’s subtropical climate and high annual rainfall discourage most serious grapegrowers.
What is the most planted variety in Northland?
Chardonnay is the region’s most planted variety.
How does the climate in Auckland affect wine production?
Auckland’s humid climate makes it challenging to produce fine wine.
What is the most important variety in Auckland?
The most important variety in the Auckland region is Chardonnay.
What is Gisborne known for in the wine industry?
Gisborne was once the country’s largest wine producer and is known for its fertile soils and temperate maritime climate.
What grape variety accounts for approximately 50% of Gisborne’s vineyard area?
Chardonnay remains Gisborne’s most important grape variety.
What is the historical significance of Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s wine industry?
Hawke’s Bay is home to the country’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, founded in 1851.
What is the average growing season temperature in Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay enjoys an average growing season temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius (61.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
What are the major challenges for grape growers in Hawke’s Bay?
Challenges include autumn rain, frost, and site-dependent climate variations.
What is the cooling influence on valleys?
Valleys benefit from the cooling influence of a small increase in altitude.
What are the major challenges for growers in different climates?
The major challenges for growers are site dependent, with inland vineyards being more prone to frost than coastal ones.
What is a common method used to combat frost in vineyards?
Frost fans are commonly used among the vines to circulate air and keep temperatures above freezing.
What climatic issues affected vintages in New Zealand between 2010 and 2020?
Several vintages suffered due to ex-tropical cyclones from the South Pacific hitting New Zealand during harvest.
What type of soils are most of Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards planted on?
Most vineyards are planted on gravel-based alluvial soils of the Heretaunga Plains.
What is the significance of Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay?
Gimblett Gravels is renowned for its Bordeaux blends and Syrah, covering more than 800 hectares of vineyard.
What geological event shaped the Gimblett Gravels region?
An 1867 earthquake changed the course of the Ngaruroro River, leaving behind gravel, silt, and loam.
What is necessary for vines to survive in Gimblett Gravels?
Due to free-draining soils, vines cannot survive without daily irrigation.
What challenges do winemakers face in Gimblett Gravels?
Winemakers must avoid stuck ferments caused by a lack of nitrogen and ensure fermenting wines receive plenty of oxygen.
What characterizes the wines from Bridge Pa Triangle?
Bridge Pa wines are fleshier than those from Gimblett Gravels due to its soils.
Why is Hawke’s Bay not suitable for fine Pinot Noir?
Hawke’s Bay is too warm for growing fine Pinot Noir.
What percentage of New Zealand’s Bordeaux plantings are in Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay is home to 90% of New Zealand’s Bordeaux plantings.
What has favored Cabernet Sauvignon over Merlot in recent years?
Cabernet Sauvignon has proved more resilient to harvest rain and performs better on bony, gravel soils.
What wine styles are typical of Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay’s wines are ripe yet mid-weight, with structured and elegant Bordeaux blends and Syrahs.
What are the aromatic characteristics of Hawke’s Bay Syrah?
Hawke’s Bay Syrah presents ripe blackberry fruit, violets, smoked bacon, black pepper, and sometimes green peppercorn.
What is the calling card for fine wine lovers in Hawke’s Bay?
Chardonnay is the region’s calling card for fine wine lovers.
What is the most planted white variety in Hawke’s Bay?
Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted white variety in Hawke’s Bay.
What is the Wairarapa known for in terms of grape growing?
Wairarapa is known for fine, savory Pinot Noir, accounting for around half of all plantings.
What climatic conditions define Wairarapa?
Wairarapa has a cool, windy climate with a large diurnal temperature range.
What type of soils are found in Wairarapa?
Wairarapa’s vineyards lie on alluvial terraces created by the Ruamahanga River.
What is the significance of Martinborough in Wairarapa?
Martinborough is the most famous subregion of Wairarapa, particularly suited for growing Pinot Noir.
What is the primary challenge for Wairarapa’s wine production?
Wairarapa represents around 3% of New Zealand’s vineyard area but just 1% of its wine production due to low yields.
What is the typical style of Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc?
Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc leans toward a more citrusy, grassy expression.
What is the historical significance of Marlborough in New Zealand’s wine industry?
Marlborough’s modern wine history began in 1973 with the establishment of vineyards by Frank Yukich.
What percentage of New Zealand’s vineyard area does Marlborough represent?
Marlborough represents 70% of the national vineyard area.
What is the climate like in Marlborough?
Marlborough has a sunny climate with 2,475 hours of sunshine annually and a fairly dry climate.
What are the two major valleys in Marlborough?
The two major valleys are the Wairau Valley and the Awatere Valley.
What is the main soil type in Marlborough?
The main soil type is alluvial, consisting of gravels, silt, sand, and loam.
What grape variety dominates Marlborough’s vineyard area?
Sauvignon Blanc dominates, accounting for 80% of the region’s vineyard area.
What is the typical style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright, fruit-forward style.
How has Marlborough Pinot Noir’s reputation compared to other regions?
Marlborough Pinot Noir has not enjoyed the same reputation as those from Martinborough or Central Otago.
What is the role of Chardonnay in Marlborough?
Chardonnay can produce exceptional results in Marlborough, despite being less dominant in plantings.
What factors have led to major improvements in winemaking?
Clones, increased vine age, and a more hands-off approach to winemaking, particularly less extraction and pulling back on new oak use.
Which varieties have significant plantings in Marlborough?
Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
How is Pinot Gris typically produced in Marlborough?
It generally employs cool fermentation to produce a neutral, off-dry style with subtle pear flavors.
What are the similarities between Marlborough and Burgundy?
There are several similarities in terms of temperatures and rainfall.
What is the typical fermentation method for Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough?
Typically fermented in stainless steel before being bottled young and released within months of the harvest.
What is the significance of Methode Marlborough?
It was created in 2013 to set a framework for quality production of sparkling wines.
What varieties must be used by Methode Marlborough members?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
What is Nelson’s climate like?
It has a sunny, maritime climate with more rain than regions on the east coast.
What is the average vineyard holding size in Nelson?
Below the national average at 12 hectares.
Who was a pioneer in the Nelson wine region?
Austrian Hermann Seifried, who started planting grapevines in 1974.
What is Nelson’s most planted variety?
Sauvignon Blanc, accounting for a little more than half of all vineyards.
How does Nelson’s Sauvignon Blanc compare to Marlborough’s?
It tends to be slightly more restrained aromatically.
What are the two subregions of Nelson?
Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills.
What is the main variety planted in North Canterbury?
Pinot Noir.
What is the climate of Waipara Valley?
It has a cool climate, with 1,065 growing degree days.
What is the primary soil type on the valley floor in North Canterbury?
Free-draining, alluvial soils known as Glasnevin Gravels.
What is Central Otago known for?
Its deeply colored, powerful Pinot Noirs.
When were the first commercial wines produced in Central Otago?
In 1987.
What percentage of vineyard area in Central Otago is planted with Pinot Noir?
More than 75%.
What climatic conditions are typical in Central Otago?
Very dry conditions with wide diurnal temperature ranges.
What is the significance of the 2002 vintage for Central Otago?
It made a global splash, showcasing the region’s wines to critics.
What challenges do growers face in Central Otago?
Frost, water stress, and the need for careful canopy management.
What has improved in Central Otago Pinot Noir production?
The maturation of vines and winemakers has led to improved skin and seed tannin, making oak less essential for providing tannins and flavor.
What is the significance of the Gibbston subregion in Central Otago?
Gibbston is the coolest and westernmost subregion, known for lifted aromatics, delicacy, and notable acidity, but it is risky to make wine there.
Where are the majority of Central Otago’s vines planted?
70% of the region’s vines are planted around the shores of Lake Dunstan due to its warmer climate and ready source of irrigation water.
What are the characteristics of Bannockburn subregion?
Bannockburn is the warmest subregion and was promoted to GI status in 2022.
How does Wanaka’s climate affect its Pinot Noir?
Wanaka’s more temperate and slightly wetter climate tends to produce more mellow, gentler expressions of Pinot Noir.
What distinguishes Alexandra’s Pinot Noir?
Alexandra’s producers pick later than lakeside counterparts, resulting in a more red-fruited, herbal expression with ripe flavors and bright acidity.
What white wines are notable in Central Otago?
Central Otago produces interesting white wines, notably from Chardonnay and Riesling, which retain striking acidity.
What are the characteristics of the finest Chardonnays from Central Otago?
The finest Chardonnays are barrel fermented, offering ripe orchard fruit and citrus flavors in a mid-weight package.
What is the most planted white variety in Central Otago?
The most planted white variety is Pinot Gris, which can be treated with respect by some producers to create intensity of flavor.
What is the Waitaki Valley known for?
Waitaki Valley, New Zealand’s smallest region, is known for its limestone and pioneering producers, with just 60 hectares of vineyard as of 2020.
What challenges does the Waitaki Valley face in viticulture?
Waitaki receives only 850 growing degree days, making it the coldest viticultural area in New Zealand, and ripening can be a challenge.
What grape varieties are preferred in Waitaki Valley?
The preferred grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, producing highly aromatic wines with refreshing acidity.
