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.
What are the main sub-regions of Marlborough?
Wairau Valley, Awatere Valley, and Southern Valleys – each with slightly different soil/composition and microclimate for SB, PN, Chardonnay.
Describe Canterbury and North Canterbury’s specialties.
Cool, dry climate near the east coast – known for Riesling, Pinot Noir, aromatic whites. Waipara Valley has limestone/clay soils for high-quality PN, Chard, Riesling.
Name two top Central Otago producers for Pinot Noir.
Felton Road (Block 3, Block 5) and Rippon are recognized. Also Mount Difficulty, Two Paddocks, etc.
Which region in South Island is overshadowed by Marlborough but also produces SB, PN?
Nelson, near the Tasman Bay, smaller area but with sunny, mild maritime climate. Known for artisan producers focusing on quality SB, PN, aromatic whites.
Which GI is the southernmost in NZ?
Central Otago is the southernmost wine region in the country – often labeled “world’s southernmost major wine region.”
Why did NZ adopt screwcaps so enthusiastically after 2001?
To ensure freshness and avoid cork taint. The “Screwcap Initiative” found success with crisp whites (SB, Riesling) and also reds.
Which mid-19th century French Marist missionaries introduced grapes to Hawke’s Bay?
French Marists in 1851 established missions, pioneering local viticulture (e.g., Mission Estate Winery).
What is Romeo Bragato known for in NZ wine history?
He was an Austrian-born viticulturist hired by the NZ government in 1895 to identify best areas and advise on grape growing, shaping early industry decisions.
Which North Island region is recognized for top-tier Pinot Gris and Riesling besides Martinborough’s Pinot Noir?
Gisborne is known for aromatic whites, though also Hawke’s Bay has some success. Martinborough tends to highlight Pinot Noir and SB, but not as much PG or Riesling.
Why is thick-skinned Pinot in Central Otago not as high in sugar?
Long daylight hours but cooler nights preserve acidity and moderate sugar accumulation, balancing intense flavor with moderate alcohol potential.
Name a recognized single-vineyard label from Central Otago.
Felton Road “Block 3” Pinot Noir is a hallmark single-block bottling. Also “Block 5” or Rippon’s single-vineyard wines.
How do producers handle rot or mildew in humid areas (Auckland, Northland)?
They implement canopy management, leaf plucking for airflow, disease-resistant varieties, and carefully timed sprays to minimize rot.
Which sub-region of Marlborough is drier and windier, producing more herbaceous SB?
Awatere Valley is typically cooler, drier, showing more herbaceous, limey SB with pronounced pyrazines.
When did the GIs become official in NZ?
2019 saw the first official confirmations, though drafts were out by 2017. This ensures 85% from the region if GI is claimed.
What is the largest NZ GI region by volume?
Marlborough, thanks to extensive plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, dominating NZ’s wine exports.
Which variety dominates Northland and Kumeu near Auckland?
It’s quite humid, but some producers do Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah – typically smaller scale due to climate constraints.
Name a high-profile Canterbury/North Canterbury producer.
Pegasus Bay in Waipara Valley is recognized for aromatic whites, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. Also Muddy Water, Greystone, Bell Hill (for PN, Chard).
Summarize NZ’s approach to oak in Sauvignon Blanc.
Most keep it unoaked or minimal oak to preserve the pungent, tropical/herbaceous character, though some “Fumé” styles exist with subtle barrel aging.
Why is “Antarctica” mentioned in NZ’s overall climate?
NZ is ~3,885 miles from Antarctica; high-latitude southern location and polar influences can bring cold ocean currents, adding to the maritime chill.
Which South Island region is recognized for older metamorphic soils like schist, hosting robust PN?
Central Otago’s schist-based soils impart structure and minerality to Pinot Noir.
