New Zealand Flashcards
What is New Zealand best known for?
fresh vibrant Savignon Blanc - a style that has inspired many other wine region producers
Where is New Zealand located?
its isolated in the Pacific Ocean with the nearest landmass being Australia 1900 km away
What is the climate of New Zealand
maritime overall although South Island climate is cool whereas North Island is a little warmer.
What allows grapes to reach high levels of sugar and and flavor ripeness retaining acidity in New Zealand
the combination of long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes, and a long ripening period
Where are vineyards located on the South Island of New Zealand?
typically on the east side protecting them from rain bearing westerly winds by mountains in the center of the island. however many vineyards still experience plentiful rainfall which can be problematic in ripening season
Describe the soils in South Island of NZ
soils are free draining which assists with waterlogging, however those on flat land can be overly fertile leading to excessive leaf and shoot growth.
What is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?
an initiative that sets winery standards to help growers reduce the environmental impact of their vineyard
Which grape has been the flagship of New Zealand since early 1990’s and accounts for majority of wine production
Sauvignon Blanc
Describe a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
pungent aromas, intense flavors of elderflower, and passionfruit with high acidity
What are the subtle differences between North and South islands in NZ with Sauvignon Blanc?
North - warmer so it produces with more tropical flavors,
South - high acidity, flavors of green bell peppers, and gooseberry
How is Sauvignon Blanc fermented in NZ
in inert vessels at cool temperatures to retain full fruity flavors and aromas, but some producers also make oak matured styles as a point of difference
What other white variety is widely planted in NZ
Chardonnay
Describe the style of Chardonnay in NZ?
there are a range of styles however then general style tends to be led by concentrated citrus and tropical fruits with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from new French Oak.
What are some aromatic varietals that are being explored in NZ
Riesling, Gewurztraminer and semi aromatic Pinot Gris - ranging from dry to sweet but mostly tend to be off dry
What ensures the aromatic compounds have plenty of time to develop before the grapes are harvested in NZ
dry autumns and cool night temperatures
What is the second most planted grape varietal in NZ?
Pinot Noir
Where is Pinot Noir widely grown in NZ?
the South Island and a few select sites in the North Island
What is the overall profile of NZ Pinot noir?
Vibrant fruit fine ripe tannins, soft texture and often quite high levels of alcohol - distinct regions styles have also emerged
What is the second greatest volume red variety grown in NZ?
Merlot
Describe a Merlot from NZ
often blended with Cabernet Sauvginon to add tannins and notes of cassis making up a Bordeaux style blend. known for purity of fruit flavors
Where are Merlots concentrated in NZ?
North Island where warmer temperatures help to ripen black grapes.
Describe Syrah’s in NZ
does better in the warmer climates and produces elegant wines closer in style with Rhone than Australia. Plantings are small but increasing
Where did the wine industry start off in NZ?
in the north of North Island around Auckland.
Describe climate of Auckland
warm and wettest part of NZ and fungal diseases are an issue
What are the most planted varietals in Auckland?
Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah
what area has a growing reputation for top quality wines in Auckland, particularly reds
Waiheke Island - immediately to the east
Where are the vineyards of Gisborne located
on the east coast of North Island in the broad estuary plain close to the town of Gisborne itself.
what is the climate of Gisborne?
rainfall, temperatures and sunshine are high in the growing season.
What varietal accounts for over 50 % of the vines planted in Gisborne
Chardonnay
Describe Chardonnay in Gisborne
distinct tropical fruit flavors.
Besides Chardonnay what are two other varietals planted in Gisborne
full bodied Pinot Gris and small amount of high quality Gewurztraminer
Where is Hawke’s Bay located?
close to twin towns of Hastings and Napier, on the east coast of North Island in an estuary plain.
Describe Hawke’s Bay climate
longest sunshine hours and it is the warmest. particularly diverse with its soils, aspects and altitudes of its plantings.
Describe Gimblett Gravels soils in Hawke’s bay?
well drained heat absorbing gravel soil on the valley floor - good for growing black varieties
What varietals are widely know in Hawke’s Bay?
region built its fame on Merlot and Cab in Bordeaux style blends but also Syrah
Where is Wairarapa in NZ?
its made up of a number of small vineyard areas spread over a wide area at the southern tip of the North Island
What is the most important area in Wairarapa?
around a small town of Martinborough
What variety is Martinborough built a reputation for? and describe the wine
PInot Noir - med to full bodied and ripe with hints of dark plum and spice
Describe the climate of Martinborough
summer temperatures can be high but a wide diurnal range makes it suitable for Pinot Noir.
What is the major grape growing center in NZ
Marlborough in South Island
What primary varietal is found in majority of planting in Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc
Where do most of the vineyards in Marlborough lie
in two adjacent estuary valleys Wairau (by far the largest) and Awatere
What is the climate in Wairau?
similar to Martinborough with long sunny days but the valley is far from uniform with a number of side valleys on the southern side of Wairau Valley that give producers a range of altitudes and aspects to work with.
What is the climate in Awatere?
drier, cooler and windier than Wairau
Describe a Sauvignon Blanc from Awatere
higher acidity with pronounced herbaceous character, lack the tropical fruit flavors that are found in Wairau
What two varietals are planted in both Awatere and Wairau
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay used for both still and sparkling wines.
Describe still Pinot Noirs from Marlborough
often med bodied with fine tannins and flavors of cranberry and cherry
What are two other white varieties perform well in Marlborough
Riesling and Pinot Gris
Where is Nelson located
Northwest of Wairau Valley on the north coast of South Island NZ
Describe climate in Nelson NZ
cooler and wetter than Marlborough
What varieties dominate the plantings in Nelson NZ
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
What are the two main centers of viticulture in Canterbury NZ
one in the plain immediately to the west of the town of Christchurch and a larger one Waipara Valley to the north
What is the climate in Canterbury NZ
plain area is exposed to cooling influence from the Pacific although there is a slight warming effect from north westerly winds that impact the Waipara Valley region more as it is less exposed to the ocean due to range of hills
What are the most planted varieties in Centerbury NZ
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with waipara also noted for high quality Riesling
Where is Central Otago in NZ?
inland in the foothills of the Southern NZ Alps - vineyard itself is spread over a wide area incorporating a number of different valleys with different soils, aspects and altitudes.
Describe the climate of Central Otago?
in contrast to the rest of NZ it is continental and frost damage is a real risk in spring and autumn. Summer is warm but important for grape quality. diurnal range in the growing season is large. Sunlight is intense which accounts for high amount of alcohol.
What is the vast majority of plantings in Central Otago?
Pinot Noir
Describe PInot Noir from Central Otago
full bodied, juicy, vibrant with concentrated ripe red fruit flavors
What are other varietals besides Pinot Noir also grown in Central Otago
Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay
