New Zealand Flashcards
New Zealand Map
New Zealand Climate
Isolated in Pacific Ocean, MARITIME CLIMATE
S. island is cool, N. island in warmer latitude
Long hours, cool nights, long ripening period
High sugar and flavor ripeness with good acidity
South island vineyards located on EAST SIDE protected by mountains
A lot of rain, but soils are free draining
High fertility requires significant canopy and trellis management
Strong commitment to sustainable practices
New Zealand White Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc - Flagship grape, most grown
Pungent elderflower, passion fruit, high acid, grassy
N. island more tropical, South island more acidity, green bell pepper, gooseberry
Chardonnay - Tends toward Citrus, tropical fruits, toast, spice from new FO
Aromatics: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris
New Zealand Red Grapes
Pinot Noir – second most planted grape (especially on the South Island)
Vibrant fruit, ripe tannins, soft texture, high alcohol
Merlot - often with Cabernet Sauvignon blended into it to add tannin and cassis notes, Bordeaux blend
Noted for purity of fruit, most on North Island
Syrah - style closer to the RHONE than AUS
North Island
Auckland - Warm, wet, fungal issues
Waiheke Island – reputation for high quality reds
Gisborne - Rainy, warm, tropical Chardonnay
Hawke’s Bay - Warmest, main grape region
Wairarapa - small number of vineyards, South tip
Martinborough - High summer temps, wide diurnal
North Island - Auckland
Grape industry started here and many large wineries still here
Warm, wettest region of NZ, fungal issues
Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah
WAIHEKE ISLAND – reputation for high quality reds
North Island - Gisborne
East coast, estuary plain close to Gisborne
High rainfall, warm temperatures good sunshine
More than half is Chardonnay – distinct tropical fruit
Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris
North Island - Hawke’s Bay
East coast, estuary plains close to Hastings and Napier
Warmest main grape region, most sunshine hours
Gimblett Gravels – well-drained heat-absorbing gravel soil on valley floor
High reputation for reds – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, premium Syrah
North Island - Wairarapa
Small number of vineyard areas on the South tip of the North Island
Martinborough
Summer temps high with wide diurnal range
Global reputation for Pinot Noir
Med-to-full body, ripe, dark plum, spice
South Island
Marlborough
Wairau
Awatere
Nelson
Canterbury
Central Otago
South Island - Nelson
NW location on South Island – cooler and wetter
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
South Island - Marlborough
Major center for growing Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau - Long sunny days, aspect and altitude variability, Sauvignon Blanc more ripe / tropical
Awatere - Drier, cooler, windy, Sauvignon Blanc higher acidity, more herbaceous
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir - med body, fine tannins, cherry, cranberry
Riesling and Pinot Gris
South Island - Canterbury
Plains near Christchurch and Waipara Valley to the north
Both exposed to cooling Pacific, but slight warming NW winds
Winds impact Waipara most
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
Some high quality Riesling
South Island - Central Otago
Inland, foothills of South New Zealand alps
Highly variable, over many valleys, different aspects, soils, and altitudes
CONTINENTAL CLIMATE – frost damage in spring and autumn
Summers warm, high diurnal range, high sun intensity = high alc
Pinot Noir - Full body, juicy, ripe red fruit
Also Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay
