New Zealand Flashcards
What is the predominant white grape variety in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc is the leading white grape, central to NZ’s global reputation (esp. from Marlborough).
Which major red varieties does NZ focus on?
Pinot Noir is the flagship red, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often blended), plus some Syrah in Hawke’s Bay.
How does New Zealand’s southern latitude benefit grape growing?
Being far south, days are long, with moderate temps and an extended growing season; grapes develop flavor without excessively high sugars, preserving acidity.
What is the “ozone hole” effect in NZ viticulture?
Higher UV exposure can cause grapes to form thicker skins, intensifying flavor/phenolics while still maintaining moderate sugars/alcohol.
How do typical Kiwi Sauvignons differ from, say, French or Californian ones?
NZ Sauvignon Blanc often shows heightened pyrazines (jalapeño, gooseberry, cut grass) alongside ripe tropical notes, from the combination of warm sun + high UV + cooler nights.
When were New Zealand’s first official GIs recognized?
In 2019, establishing legal definitions for each region in line with European trade standards.
Name the major white and red secondary varieties in NZ.
Secondary whites: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer; Secondary reds: Syrah, Malbec (grown on a smaller scale).
Which two main islands comprise NZ, and which sees more rainfall/humidity?
The North Island and South Island. The North Island is typically more humid, especially Auckland & Gisborne, while the south is generally cooler and drier.
Describe the location of Auckland in latitude terms.
Auckland sits near the 37th parallel south – roughly analogous to Mendoza, Argentina, but with a maritime climate rather than continental.
What is Greywacke, and why is it relevant to NZ soils?
Greywacke is a hard sedimentary rock common in NZ, forming gravelly/sandy loam soils that frequently underlie vineyards, especially in parts of the North Island.
Which bodies of water and mountains shape NZ’s climate?
North Island: The Tasman Sea, South Pacific, various bays (Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty) + volcanoes. South Island: The Southern Alps, Tasman Sea, Cook Strait, etc.
How does the Southern Alps create a rain shadow on the South Island?
Moist westerly winds drop rain on the alps’ western slopes, leaving eastern areas (Marlborough, Canterbury, Central Otago) drier with more sunshine.
What is the principal reason Central Otago is continental rather than maritime?
The Southern Alps block rain/wet coastal winds, producing a semi-continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, large diurnal range.
Outline the soils in Marlborough vs. Central Otago.
Marlborough: alluvial gravel over sandy or loamy subsoils near rivers. Central Otago: schist, mica, gravel, silt on mountainsides, and heavier soils in the valley floors.
Which region in NZ is known for intense Pinot Noir color and tannin due to strong UV?
Central Otago – Pinot can show more color density, slightly thicker skins, and robust structure.
Name the minimum variety/vintage/GI content requirement under NZ wine law.
85% for the stated variety, vintage, or region (GI).
Which are the major cities for market distribution in NZ?
Northern Island: Auckland, Wellington. Southern Island: Christchurch, Nelson, Dunedin. They serve as hubs for domestic distribution and export.
Name a famous Hawke’s Bay red wine.
Te Mata Coleraine (a Bordeaux-style blend) or Trinity Hill “Homage” Syrah are classic examples.
List a hallmark Martinborough Pinot Noir.
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is iconic for Martinborough, known for savory/spicy red fruit notes.
Which label first brought Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to global attention in the mid-1980s?
Cloudy Bay (1985 vintage was a breakthrough), establishing NZ Sauvignon Blanc’s international fame.
What was the “vine pull scheme” of 1986 in NZ?
Government initiative to remove low-quality vines and replace them with high-quality, commercially viable varieties (like SB, PN), fueling NZ’s quality surge.
Which region in the North Island is known for Bordeaux-style blends and Syrah due to warmer climate?
Hawke’s Bay. Gimblett Gravels sub-area focuses on Cab/Merlot, Syrah with well-drained gravel soils.
Why is Auckland less prominent for wine despite being the largest city?
Its humid, rainy conditions increase rot pressure; farmland is expensive. Most large wineries there source fruit from other regions.
Which region in the North Island is known for aromatic whites and some excellent Chardonnay?
Gisborne – historically a bulk region, now focusing on quality Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, etc.
