New Zealand

Question 1

Introduction of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 1

With its extreme southerly latitude and cool maritimes breezes, NZ could be considered as one of the most ideal locations in the Southern Hemisphere to produce sparkling wines.
Products range from fresh-fruit driven to complex and autolytic.

Question 2

Location of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 2

Concentrated in Marlborough.

Question 3

Climate of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 3

Cool maritime climate with dry, sunny summers.

Question 4

Soils of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 4

Soils are free-draining, and sometimes irrigation is needed.

Question 5

Grape varieties of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 5

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most popular grape varieties.

Question 6

Winemaking of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 6

• Premium wines usually use traditional method. Transfer method may also be used.
• More basic wines use tank method or carbonation, leading to fresher, fruitier styles of wine for immediate consumption.

Question 7

Styles of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 7

• Non-vintage, Vintage, Blanc de Blancs and Rosé are most frequently seen styles.
• Common with most of the New World, reliable ripening conditions mean vintage variation not as marked as in Champagne > most wines based on the base wines from a single vintage. Vintage wines not having same quality connotations as in Champagne.

Question 8

Important trade structures of New Zealand sparkling.

Answer 8

• Few estates specialise in sparkling wine. However, most producers have a sparkling wine as part as a wider portfolio of still wines.
• Many producers use contract facilities to bottle, age and disgorge their sparkling wines to avoid the costs of specialized equipment and benefit from highly skilled staff.