New Zealand

Question 1

Why is New Zealand such a newcomer to the export market?

Answer 1

Temperance movement until 1960s; Sale of Liquor Act only passed in 1989

Question 2

What made it so easy for New Zealand to adopt its signature clean, fruity style of wine in the late 20th century?

Answer 2

Long-standing dairy industry–high standards of hygiene and usage of temperature control were second nature to farmers moving into wine production

Question 3

What is the name of the mountain range that runs through New Zealand’s South Island, and what does it do for viticulture?

Answer 3

Southern Alps; protects vineyards from excessive rains and prevailing winds

Question 4

What helps grapes to ripen fully in New Zealand’s cool climate?

Answer 4

high UV radiation, long hours of sunlight (2000+ hrs/year), a large diurnal range to help retain acidity

Question 5

Discuss vine training and trellising, and harvesting in New Zealand.

Answer 5

Usually VSP with two canes; large vol prod use big vine systems; machine harvesting commonplace (mostly flat lands)

Question 6

Why does NZ still use irrigation with such high rainfall?

Answer 6

Many soils are free-draining so irrigation still needed; also strong winds increase evapotranspiration

Question 7

___% of NZ producers hold organic certification.

Answer 7

10%

Question 8

Describe the common winemaking practices for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Answer 8

low fermentation temps
neutral vessel (stainless steel)
cultured yeasts for increased aromatics
malolactic conversion avoided to preserve acidity
no oak ferm/maturation, no extended lees contact
use of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant

Question 9

__% of New Zealand production uses a screwcap to seal the bottles.

Answer 9

90%

Question 10

Where are you more likely to find red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah in New Zealand?

Answer 10

northern part of North Island; warmer temperatures

Question 11

Describe the climate, soils, and wines of Hawke’s Bay.

Answer 11

Very similar to Bordeaux: moderate maritime climate, gravelly, alluvial soils; Merlot-dominant/BDX inspired wines

Question 12

Where will you find Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels?

Answer 12

Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island

Question 13

Martinborough is a subregion of _____. This region is most well known for what style of wines?

Answer 13

Wairarapa; premium wines that are elegant and perfumed; less overt than Marlborough; winds are stronger here; wine tourism is important here

Question 14

What are the two main valleys in the Marlborough region? How does the wine differ in each?

Answer 14

Wairau (largest)
Awatere

Awatere is cooler and windier; creates wines with more herbaceous notes and less tropical, higher acidity

Question 15

Describe the climate and location of Nelson in New Zealand.

Answer 15

Cool maritime and rainy, but comes in big storms so also very sunny; northwest corner of South Island

Question 16

Where is North Canterbury located, and what varieties have they become known for?

Answer 16

Flat, open plain facing the Pacific Ocean on New Zealand’s South Island; Pinot noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc highly regarded

Question 17

What influences make Central Otago so continental? How does the climate and geography affect the grapes?

Answer 17

Protected by several mtn ranges
High UV levels
Above 300m elevation on a plateau
High diurnal range (elevation)

Question 18

Where will you find Gibbston and Bendigo?

Answer 18

Sub-regions in central Otago

Question 19

Pinot Noir accounts for ___% of plantings in Central Otago.

Answer 19

70%

Question 20

Discuss New Zealand’s reputation for clean and environmentally friendly wine scene.

Answer 20

98% of producers participate in Sustainable Wine New Zealand
10% of all producers are certified organic
Quality winemaking with consumers willing to pay above average prices
Marketing/labeling connected to environmental beauty of NZ