New Zealand Flashcards
Learn the geography, grape varieties, climate, soil, wine styles, and producers of New Zealand.
What is the predominant climate of New Zealand?
Maritime
Which region in New Zealand is NOT Maritime climate?
Central Otago: The climate here is Continental.
New Zealand is split into the:
- _______ Island
- _______ Island
- North Island
- South Island
What is the body of water on New Zealand’s eastern side?
The Pacific Ocean
What is the name of the body of water separating New Zealand and Australia?
The Tasman Sea
What is the name of the mountain range on the South Island?
(hint: Central Otago is in the foothills)
Southern New Zealand Alps
What role do the Southern Alps play in the South Island’s climate?
The Southern Alps protect regions from cold winds off the Tasman Sea, creating a rain shadow for most regions east.
Which island generally sees more rain: the North Island or the South Island?
The North Island
The North Island is wetter and also tends to be warmer than the South Island.
Generally speaking, what are the differences between Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island and South Island?
Because the North Island tends to be warmer than the South Island, Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island show more tropical, passionfruit flavors and the Sauvignon Blancs from the South Island show higher acidity, green bell pepper, and gooseberry flavors.
What is the most planted grape in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc (>22,000 ha)
Behind Sauvignon Blanc, what other white grape varieties are New Zealand producers cultivating?
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Gewurztraminer
What is the most planted red/black grape in New Zealand?
Hint: it’s also the second most planted grape in New Zealand of either color.
Pinot Noir
After Pinot Noir, what other black/red grapes are cultivated in New Zealand?
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
What are the North Island’s wine regions?
- Auckland
- Gisborne
- Hawke’s Bay
-
Wairarapa
- Martin borough
What are the South Island’s wine regions?
- Marlborough
- Nelson
- Canterbury
- Central Otago
What is the leading weather hazard on the North Island?
Fungal disease due to heavy rainfall
What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
Auckland
Fungal disease can be an issue here.
What are the 3 most planted grape varieties in Auckland?
- Chardonnay;
- Merlot;
- Syrah.
East of Auckland is the wine region ___ which has a promising reputation for quality wines, particularly its ___.
- Waiheke Island;
- Reds.
Which GI on the North Island is the warmest and sees the longest hours of sunshine?
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is notable for growing which red grape varieties?
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the subregion in Hawke’s Bay that is gaining a reputation for Syrah and red Bordeaux blends?
Gimblett Gravels, an area on the valley floor with well-draining gravel.
Which GI on the North Island is known for its white wines?
Which white grapes thrive there?
Gisborne (high rainfall!)
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Gewürztraminer
Martinborough, a subregion of Wairarapa, is best known for which grape?
Why does this grape do well here?
Pinot Noir
Wide diurnal range allows Pinot Noir to succeed here.
Where is Wairarapa?:
- northern tip of the North Island
- southern tip of the North Island
- northern tip of the South Island
Southern tip of the North Island
Which South Island region is cooler and wetter than Marlborough?
Nelson, the northernmost region on the South Island.
What are 2 subregions of Marlborough?
- Wairau Valley (larger)
- Awatere Valley
Which subregion of Marlborough is cool, windy, and dry?
Awatere Valley
Sauvignon Blancs from Awatere Valley tend to have brighter acidity and more herbaceous flavors than Sauvignon Blancs from Wairau.
What grapes perform best in Canterbury?
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
Two areas in Canterbury are well known for wine production.
Describe each and how they are different.
The two areas are the plains west of Christchurch and the Waipara Valley to the north of Christchurch.
Plains
- vineyards are warmed by northwesterly winds;
- Pacific Ocean is a cooling influence;
Waipara Valley
- less Pacific influence due to protection from a range of hills;
- warmer than Plains because northwesterly winds have greater impact.
Which region is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps?
Central Otago
Central Otago’s altitude provides two things:
- intense sunlight
- big diurnal shifts
What effect does this have on the Pinot Noir grown there?
The intense sunlight and large diurnal shifts create concentrated, juicy, full-bodied Pinot Noirs with high alcohol.
What weather threat does Central Otago face?
Frost - both in the spring and autumn.
What is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?
SWNZ is a sustainability program that sets standards for wineries committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Read more about the initiative here.
Why have New Zealand winegrowers become experts in trellising and canopy management?
They’ve learned how to deal with fungal problems and vine vigor, the latter of which is seen on fertile plains.
