New Zealand Flashcards
What is the most widely planted grape variety in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the second most widely planted grape variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir.
What percentage of New Zealand’s wine production is exported?
Approximately 90%.
What is the primary export market for New Zealand wines?
The United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia.
What is the climate of most New Zealand wine regions?
Cool maritime.
What are the two main islands of New Zealand where wine is produced?
North Island and South Island.
What is the role of the Southern Alps in South Island viticulture?
Provides a rain shadow effect, creating dry conditions ideal for grape growing.
What is the labeling law for varietal wines in New Zealand?
At least 85% of the wine must be from the stated variety, vintage, and region.
What is New Zealand’s sustainability initiative in viticulture?
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), adopted by over 96% of vineyards.
What is the typical alcohol range for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?
12.5–13.5%.
What percentage of New Zealand’s wine production comes from Marlborough?
Approximately 75%.
What are the three primary subregions of Marlborough?
Wairau Valley, Awatere Valley, and Southern Valleys.
Describe Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau Valley.
Ripe tropical fruit flavors like passionfruit and guava.
Describe Sauvignon Blanc from Awatere Valley.
Herbaceous and grassy notes with higher acidity.
What is a notable producer of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough?
Cloudy Bay.
What is the typical residual sugar range for dry Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough?
Less than 3 g/L.
What is a notable producer of sparkling wine in Marlborough?
Nautilus Estate.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Marlborough compared to Central Otago?
Marlborough Pinot Noir is lighter-bodied with red fruit and herbal notes.
What is the climate influence of Marlborough’s proximity to Cook Strait?
Moderates temperatures and reduces frost risk.
What is the primary grape variety of Central Otago?
Pinot Noir.
What is the climate of Central Otago?
Semi-continental, with high diurnal temperature variation.
What are the key subregions of Central Otago?
Bannockburn, Gibbston, Alexandra, Cromwell Basin, and Wanaka.
What is a notable producer in Central Otago?
Felton Road, known for biodynamic Pinot Noir.
What is the average vineyard altitude in Central Otago?
200–400 meters above sea level.
What is the typical alcohol range for Central Otago Pinot Noir?
13–14.5%.
What is the significance of the Arrow Basin for Central Otago viticulture?
Known for some of the region’s most premium Pinot Noir vineyards.
What is the primary red grape variety of Hawke’s Bay?
Merlot.
What is the significance of Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay?
An iconic subregion producing premium Bordeaux blends and Syrah on gravelly soils.
What is the primary white grape variety of Hawke’s Bay?
Chardonnay.
Describe Syrah from Hawke’s Bay.
Elegant, peppery wines with black fruit and floral notes.
What is the climate of Hawke’s Bay?
Warm maritime, with long sunshine hours.
What is a notable producer in Gimblett Gravels?
Craggy Range, known for Bordeaux blends and Syrah.
What is the role of the Ngaruroro River in Gimblett Gravels?
Its historic course created the stony soils ideal for viticulture.
What is the typical alcohol range for Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay?
13–14%.
What is the primary style of wines from Bridge Pa Triangle in Hawke’s Bay?
Soft, fruit-driven reds from Merlot and Syrah.
What distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke’s Bay compared to Marlborough?
Riper, rounder, and less herbaceous, often with tropical and citrus notes.
What is the primary wine-producing subregion of Wairarapa?
Martinborough.
What is the primary grape variety of Martinborough?
Pinot Noir.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Martinborough?
Structured and savory, with red fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
What is a notable producer in Martinborough?
Ata Rangi, known for its benchmark Pinot Noir.
What is the primary grape variety of Waipara?
Riesling, followed by Pinot Noir.
What distinguishes Riesling from Waipara?
High-acid wines with lime, floral, and honeyed notes.
What is the climate of Waipara?
Cool maritime with warm summers and long, dry autumns.
What is a notable producer in Waipara?
Pegasus Bay, known for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.
What are the primary grape varieties of Nelson?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
What distinguishes Nelson Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough?
Riper and more aromatic, with softer acidity and tropical fruit notes.
What is the significance of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ)?
A nationwide sustainability program ensuring environmentally friendly viticulture and winemaking.
What is the role of diurnal temperature variation in New Zealand’s vineyards?
Promotes slow ripening, enhancing acidity and aromatic intensity.
What is the typical annual rainfall in New Zealand wine regions?
600–1,200 mm, varying by region.
What percentage of New Zealand’s wine production is Sauvignon Blanc?
Approximately 62%.
What is the largest wine region on New Zealand’s North Island?
Hawke’s Bay.
What is the most southerly wine-producing region in New Zealand?
Central Otago.
What is the most widely planted red grape variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir.
What is New Zealand’s primary sparkling wine-producing region?
Marlborough.
What is the typical alcohol range for New Zealand Pinot Noir?
12.5–14%.
What is the primary style of wines from New Zealand’s North Island compared to South Island?
North Island wines tend to be riper and fuller-bodied due to warmer temperatures.
What is the typical aging potential for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
Most are consumed young, but premium examples can age 3–5 years.
What distinguishes Chardonnay from Marlborough?
Crisp and mineral-driven with citrus and stone fruit notes.