New Zealand Flashcards
What is the climate of NZ?
Mostly temperate to cool
What are the top white grapes of NZ?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
What is the top red grape of NZ?
- Pinot Noir
What are the top regions of NZ?
- North Island
- Gisborn
- Hawke’s Bay
- Wairarapa/Wellington
- South Island
- Marborough
- Central Otago
Why does NZ have a temperate to cool climate?
- NZ has the southernmost vineyards in the world
- The oceans maintain a temperate to cool climate
What are the most important changes that marked the modernization of the New Zealand wine industry?
- stainless steel tanks (clean, crisp whites)
- Stelvin closer (screw cap) - world leader
Describe NZ’s prohibition
- early 1800s to mid 1900s wine sales were forbidden or extremely restricted
- selling wine in a restuarant was not legal until the 1960s!
What are the wine laws of NZ?
- New World
- No restrictions for grape varieites or methods
- Labeled by grape variety
Percentages:
- 85% grape varietal from label
- 85% from region on label
Describe Sauvignon Blanc from NZ
- Unique when compared to Sauv. Blancs from elsewhere
- Grapefruit, Goosberry, Tropical Fruit
- Zesty acidity
- highest quality from Marlborough (S. Island)
Describe Chardonnay from NZ
- Varies greatly
- Buttery and heavily oaked
- Vibrant and crisp
- Best Chard from Marlborough and N. Island
Describe Pinot Noir from NZ
- Bright fruit and subtle earthiness
- Regions:
- Central Otago
- Marlborough
- Nelson
- Hawke’s Bay
What are two other red grapes grown in NZ besides Pinot Noir?
- Cab Sauv
- Merlot
What are the ten regions of NZ?
- North Island
- Northland
- Auckland
- Waikata/Bay of Plenty
- Gisborne
- Hawke’s Bay
- Wairarapa/Wellington
- South Island
- Nelson
- Marlborough
- Canterbury
- Central Otago
What are the top wine growing regions on the north island?
- Gisborne
- Hawke’s Bay
- Wairarapa/Wellington
what are the top wine growing regions on the S. Island?
- Marlborough
- Central Otago
What types of wine come from Gisborne?
- white
- sparkling
- Chardonnay
What types of wine are produced in Hawke’s Bay?
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauv
- Merlot
What types of wine are produced in Wairarapa/Wellington?
What is the famous subdistrict in Wairarapa?
- Pinot Noir
- Sauv. Blanc
- Subdistrict: Martinborough
What types of wine are produced in Central Otago?
- High Quality Pinot Noir
- Continental Climate (not near coastline)
- Most Southern vineyards
