New Zealand Flashcards
Syrah grown in New Zealand’s North Island is closest in style to which other classic Syrah region?
The Rhône
What influences the plain area of Canterbury?
Cooling breezes from the Pacific
What is Nelson’s climate like in comparison with Marlborough’s?
Cooler and wetter
Where in New Zealand is production of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah concentrated?
The North Island, where warmer temperatures help ripen them
What has been New Zealand’s flagship grape since the 1990s and accounts for most production?
Sauvignon Blanc
What is New Zealand’s climate in:
1) The North Island
2) The South Island
1) Moderate maritime
2) Cool maritime
Which Marlborough valley produces which Sauvignon style:
1) Higher acidity, green herbaceous character
2) Tropical fruit flavours
1) Awatere
2) Wairau
What protects the vineyards in the east of New Zealand’s South Island from rain and wind?
The Southern Alps, which run down its centre
In what styles can Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris be made in New Zealand?
What is the most prevalent style?
- Dry to sweet
- Off-dry
How is most New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc fermented?
What do some producers use as a point of difference?
- Protectively; in inert vessels at cool temperatures
- Oak maturation
What are New Zealand’s 2 main soil types?
1) Free draining with no waterlogging
2) Overly fertile soil on the flat lands
Where in New Zealand is Pinot Noir mostly grown?
Throughout the South Island, and on a few select North Island sites
What accounts for the following in Central Otago:
1) Grape quality
2) High alcohol
1) Wide diurnal range
2) Intense sunlight
What are the 5 main winegrowing regions of New Zealand’s North Island?
1) Auckland
2) Gisborne
3) Hawke’s Bay
4) Wairarapa
5) Martinborough
What are the 4 main black varieties of New Zealand?
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Which region of New Zealand is famous for Bordeaux-style blends and premium Syrah?
Hawke’s Bay
For which variety is Martinborough famous?
Pinot Noir
Which New Zealand Island produces which style of Sauvignon:
1) Tropical flavours
2) Higher acidity; gooseberry and green bell pepper
1) North (warmer)
2) South (cooler)
What is the vineyard area like in Central Otago?
It is spread over a wide area in the foothills of the Alps, so has a range of different valleys, aspects, altitudes and soils.
What are the 2 most planted varieties in Canterbury?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
What is Central Otago’s climate?
Cool continental
Where at Canterbury’s 2 main centres of viticulture?
1) The plain to the west of Christchurch
2) Waipara Valley
What area of Hawke’s Bay:
- Well-drained, heat-absorbing gravel soil
- On a valley floor
- Excellent black grape varieties
Gimblett Gravels
Which New Zealand vineyard area:
- Close to towns of Hastings and Napier
- On an estuary plain
- Warmest area with longest sunshine hours
- Diverse soils, aspects and altitudes
Hawke’s Bay
What high-quality grape does Waipara Valley produce?
Riesling
Even though summers are hot in Martinborough, how is Pinot Noir able to grow?
Wide diurnal range, with cool nights
Where in New Zealand are there many large wineries processing grapes from around the country?
Auckland
Which region is Waiheke Island part of?
Auckland
Which New Zealand wine:
- Medium to full body
- Ripe
- Dark plum and spice
Martinborough Pinot Noir
What is the main climatic influence on Waipara Valley, Canterbury?
A warming north-westerly wind
Which New Zealand variety:
- High acidity
- Pungent aromas
- Elderflower
- Passion fruit
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the main variety grown in Central Otago?
What would you typically expect its wines to be like?
Pinot Noir: gives a full body and juicy, vibrant flavours
Which New Zealand variety:
- Distinct regional styles
- Vibrant fruit
- Fine ripe tannins
- Soft texture
- High alcohol
Pinot Noir
Is rainfall ever a problem in New Zealand?
Yes, during the ripening period
Which 3 aromatic/semi-aromatic varieties are aided by dry autumns and cool nights in New Zealand?
- Riesling
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris
Where is New Zealand’s major centre of grape growing?
Where is the 2nd most important?
1) Marlborough
2) Hawke’s Bay
What initiative set standards for wineries to reduce their environmental impact?
Sustainable Winegrowing For New Zealand
Which 3 grapes dominate in Nelson?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
As a generalisation, what is are the growing conditions of:
1) Wairau Valley
2) Awatere Valley
1) Warmth from long, sunny days (but lots of side valleys with different aspects and altitudes)
2) Dry, cool, windy
What are Auckland’s 3 most planted varieties?
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Syrah
Which 2 varieties are blended in New Zealand to create a Bordeaux style with good tannin, red fruit and cassis?
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the 4 main white varieties of New Zealand?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
What are the 2 adjacent estuary valleys where most of Marlborough’s vineyards are found?
1) Wairau Valley
2) Awatere Valley
Which New Zealand wine:
- Medium body
- Fine tannins
- Cherry and cranberry
Marlborough Pinot Noir
What 2 varieties are widely planted and used for still and sparkling production in Marlborough?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Which other region does Martinborough lie within?
Wairarapa
What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
What problem does the rain cause?
- Auckland
- Fungal disease
What is New Zealand’s biggest challenge to viticulture and how do they combat it?
- Vine vigour
- Expert canopy management and trellising, in which they are world innovators
1) What accounts for over half of plantings in Gisborne?
2) What 2 other varieties also grow there?
1) Chardonnay
2) Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris
What is a big risk in spring and autumn in Central Otago?
Frost damage
For what characteristic are the wines of New Zealand most noted?
Purity of fruit flavours
Which New Zealand variety:
- Concentrated citrus
- Tropical fruits
- Subtle toast and sweet spice (with new French oak)
Chardonnay
What 3 factors help grapes in New Zealand ripen while retaining acidity?
1) Long sunshine hours
2) Cool nights from sea breezes
3) Long ripening season
What is the climate like on the broad estuary plain of Gisborne?
(3 points)
1) High rainfall
2) High temperatures
3) Long sunshine hours
What are the 4 main regions of New Zealand’s South Island?
1) Marlborough
2) Nelson
3) Canterbury
4) Central Otago
