New Zealand Flashcards

1
Q

What parts of New Zealand produce grapes for sparkling wine? Why?

A

Southern Island is cooler, thus better suited for sparkling wine

Marlborough - cool temperatures, north-west winds that increase transpiration and reduce fungal threats, low risk of hailstorms

Central Otago - P. Noir ripens well, a few adventurous producers there

Northern Island is warmer and home to large volume sparkling producers

Gisborne - home to large volume producers of fuller bodied, lower acid sparkling producers

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2
Q

Why is Marlborough suited for the production of sparkling wine?

A

Cool temperatures, north-west winds that increase transpiration and reduce fungal threat, low risk of late frost or hailstorms, clean water always present in an underground water table.

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3
Q

What factors must grape growers in Marlborough face regarding soil and wind?

A

The alluvial soils are free draining and the winds increase transpiration, thus requiring irrigation to maintain healthy water levels in the soil.

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4
Q

When does harvest for sparkling wines generally begin in New Zealand?

A

Two weeks before harvest for still wine

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5
Q

What grapes are typically used in New Zealand sparkling wine?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

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6
Q

What methods of production are used to produce sparkling wine in New Zealand? What price points do they fit?

A

Traditional method for mid to premium prices

Transfer method among the biggest producers

Carbonation for inexpensive wines

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7
Q

True or False

Wineries in New Zealand are mostly able to bottle sparkling wines in-house.

A

False.

The majority of wineries do not have the equipment or expertise to make high quality sparkling wine, thus relying on contract winemaking facilities.

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8
Q

How are grapes for sparkling wine harvested in New Zealand?

A

Either by machine or by hand, with quality conscious producers preferring the latter to take advantage of bunch pressing.

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9
Q

What method of harvest and pressing is used by quality conscious sparkling wine producers in New Zealand?

A

Hand harvest and whole bunch pressing

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10
Q

How are the majority of sparkling wines initially fermented in New Zealand?

A

With cultured yeast in stainless steel tanks.

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11
Q

Do New Zealand sparkling wines undergo malolactic fermentation? Why or why not.

A

Usually yes to reduce the harshness of the region’s acidity and to prevent the process from occurring later.

A small number prevent it to preserve the malic acid.

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12
Q

How long do traditional or transfer method wines from New Zealand spend on the lees?

A

Around 18 months

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13
Q

Do sparkling wine producers in New Zealand maintain reserve wines for non-vintage bottlings?

A

Some do

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14
Q

What is the typical level of dryness in New Zealand sparkling wines?

A

Brut (6 g/l to 12 g/l)

Some zero dosage wines are produced

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15
Q

What type of sparkling wine was developed in New Zealand following the 2008 harvest? Why? Has it remained successful?

A

A sparkling sauvignon blanc due to a massive harvest in 2008. Produced with the carbonation method, the country exported less than 60,000 liters in 2017 and it is not sought after.

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16
Q

Who founded New Zealand’s No. 1 Family Estate? What types of wine do they produce?

A

Champagne pioneer Daniel LeBrun. They make traditional method sparkling wines.

17
Q

What is the style of New Zealand’s No. 1 Family Estate’s entry-level wine?

A

Traditional method with 18 months on the Lee’s and a minimum 9 g/l residual sugar

18
Q

What are the qualities of sparkling Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand?

A

Carbon injected sparkling wine wih medium (+) intensity capsicum, passionfruit, high acid, medium (-) length, and no autolytic flavor.

19
Q

What is the typical character of New Zealand traditional method wine?

A

Medium intensity yellow apple and lemon with light toasty autolytic notes and high acidity.

20
Q

Sparkling wine comprises what percentage of New Zealand’s wine exports?

A

.5%