New Zealand Copied & Amended Flashcards
The majority of New Zealand’s Syrah plantings are in which region?
What percentage?
Hawke’s Bay
75%
Where is Nelson wine region, what is it’s climate like and what’s made there?
North coast of South Island directly west of Marlborough
Cooler and wetter than Marlborough due to exposure to westerlies from Pacific Ocean.
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
What is the highest quality sub region of Hawke’s Bay, what is the soil like and what does it have a high reputation for producing?
Gimblett Gravels
Well drained, heat absorbing gravel / shingle soils on the valley floor.
High reputation for producing black grapes; Merlot, Cab Sav made in a BDX style. Makes premium Syrah too.
Which giant French company currently owns and produces around 40% of New Zealand wines?
Pernod Ricard
Which produces the most wine - North Island or South Island?
South Island
What are the primary climate differences between New Zealand’s North and South Islands?
N. Island: warm, humid, maritime.
S. Island: cooler, more continental
Which French wine region is nearest to New Zealand in terms of total hectares under vine?
Burgundy
____ and ___ plantings are two of the fastest growing segments in the New Zealand wine industry.
Pinot Gris / Syrah
Where is Marlborough wine region, what is it’s climate like and what’s made there?
NE tip South Island
Wairau - Largest estuary, long sunny days. Side valleys giving aspects and altitudes.
Outstanding Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc - Tropical Fruit
Awatere Valley - Drier, cooler and windier = leaner, more acidic wines.
Sauvignon Blanc - higher acidity and pronounced herbaceous character.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir too for still and sparkling.
Still Pinot Noir - Med body, fine tannins, cherry and cranberry flavours
Working North to South what are the 6 main wine regions (and 1 sub-region) of North Island?
Northland
Auckland
Waikato / Bay of Plenty
Gisbourne
Hawke’s Bay
Wairarapa (contains Martinborough)
Name the two sub regions of Marlborough and summarise the main differences between them
Wairau - Norther section. Largest estuary, long sunny days, side valleys give aspects and altitudes, wines have more tropical fruit flavors
Awatere Valley - Southern section. Drier, cooler, windier = leaner, more acidic wines.
Where is Gisborne wine region, what is it’s climate, and what is made there?
East coast of North Island
High temperatures and rainfall plus long sunshine hours
Over half of production is Chardonnay - Ripe tropical fruit
Pinot Gris / Viognier / Gewurztraminer / Muller-Thurgau also planted
Which is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand?
Central Otago
The _____ Strait is the body of water that separates the North Island from the South Island.
Cook
What is the name of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region?
Central Otago
What percentage of New Zealand wines are exported?
75%
Describe a typical NZ Pinot Noir
Vibrant fruit, fine ripe tannins, soft texture, quite hi alc
What alcohol by volume percentage would you most likely encounter on a bottle of Pinot Noir from Central Otago?
14%
What is one potential hazard of grape growing in NZ. How is it, in part, naturally mitigated?
Rain can be a problem during ripening but most soils are free draining
Waiheke Island is a sub-region of which larger New Zealand GI?
Auckland
In which New Zealand GI is the sub-region of Bannockburn located?
Central Otago
What is the name of the initiative to promote the reduction of environmental impact in winemaking in New Zealand?
“Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand”
Which global company now owns the famous Cloudy Bay?
LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy)
Where is Wairarapa, what’s the most important sub region there, what is it’s climate like, what is it most famous for making and what does it taste like?
Southern Tip of North Island
Martinborough
High Summer temps but wide diurnal range
Pinot Noir - med~full body and ripe with hints of dark plum and spice
Where is Central Otago wine region, what is it’s climate like and what is made there?
Inland in foothills of Southern New Zealand Alps, south of Canterbury.
Continental climate with RISK of frost damage in Spring and Autumn. Summers warm but large diurnal range. Very intense sunlight = Hi alc
Spread over a number of diff aspects, soils and altitudes
Mainly Pinot Noir, Full bodied, juicy and vibrant with concentrated ripe fruit flavours.
Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay too.
Working North to South name the 4 wine regions of NZ South Island
Nelson
Marlborough
Canterbury
Central Otago
What do NZ’s Southern Alps provide?
A rain shadow that protects Central Otago and Canterbury from weather systems coming from the Tasman Sea.
Why do aromatic white grapes thrive in NZ?
Because the cool nights retain the aromatic compounds in the grapes
What is the 3 Key Factors For Success of NZ wine?
How do these factors affect the grapes?
Long sunshine hours,
Nights cooled by sea breezes
Long Autumnal ripening period
High sugar, High flavour ripeness and retained acidity
Which country imports the most New Zealand wine?
USA
How would you describe a typical NZ Chardonnay?
Concentrated citrus and tropical fruits with subtle toast and sweet spice from new French oak
What are the top 4 black grapes in NZ?
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
List the 5 most popular white grapes in NZ
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Rielsing
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Enrichment, acidification, and chaptalization are all permitted winemaking practices in New Zealand.
True / False?
True
Which region on New Zealand’s North Island has the most hectares of vines planted?
Hawke’s Bay
What are 3 soil types found in Hawke’s Bay, NZ?
What is the main soil type in the sub-region of Gimblett Gravels?
Greywacke gravel / heavy silt / sandy loam
Deep shingle soils
Which wine growing region of New Zealand produces the most Merlot?
Hawkes Bay
Which region of New Zealand’s North Island has the driest climate?
Hawke’s Bay
Where is Auckland wine region, what is it’s climate, what is a risk of it’s climate and what is made there?
Almost the most northern part of North Island
Warm, wettest part of NZ with a RISK of Fungal diseases
Cab & Syrah (Can be outstanding: Full bodied, black fruits, oak spice)
In which month is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc typically harvested?
April
Which 2 regions in NZ have developed the highest reputations for Pinot Noir?
Martinborough
Central Otago
In the year 2000 New Zealand produced fewer than 7 million cases of wine - what had this expanded to by 2015?
30 million cases
How would you descripe a typical NZ Sauvignon Blanc?
How would you expect it to be fermented?
Piercing and pungent; highly intense aromas of passion fruit, jalapeño, ripe grapefruit, and grass.
High acidity.
Fermented in temperature controlled inert vessels
What grape is the region of Gisborne known for?
Chardonnay
What are 3 highly regarded sub-regions of Auckland GI?
Kumeu,
Waiheke Island
Matakana
Which region is New Zealand’s largest producer of red wines by volume?
Hawke’s Bay
Waiheke Island, a subregion of Auckland, is primarily known for its:
Cab Sauv & Syrah
What is the general climate of New Zealand?
Influence of Pacific Ocean = Maritime climate
What is the name of the wine region situated to the west of Marlborough?
Nelson
Besides Gimblett Gravels, what is another superior sub-region of Hawke’s Bay?
Bridge Pa
Sandy clay loam soils limiting need for irrigation
The majority of Canterbury’s vineyards are in what major subregion?
North Cantebury
(Waipara & Waikari within N. Cantebury: International repuatation for High Quality Pinot Noir)
Vine training is key in New Zealand given the marginal climate in places, what systems are generally used?
- Vine training:
- trellised using VSP with 2 canes
- Large volume producers use complex canopy techniques like: 4 cane systems like Scott Henry
- tend to train vines so height of fruiting zone is high and easier to hand pick
- vines don’t need the reflected heat from the ground to ripen the fruit
- low density plantings – only 2,000 to 2,500 vines/Ha.
- High yields can be an issue in cooler years
Hazards to viticulture in New Zealand?
- Hazards to viticulture
- rainfall high, humidity, fungal diseases a problem esp in warmer N Island.
- Birds cause substantial damage - not only eating but damaging bunches & fungal infection as a result
- producer put nets to protect fruit, install bird scarers, noise, shooters - increasing costs
- sunburn of fruit
- major concern because it can introduce unpleasant phenolics into the wine, particularly white wines
- cause is due to high UV levels so leaf positioning critical to provide protection
- unsettled weather such as tropical cyclones can cause issues
- spring frosts – but more in places like central Otago where the continental environment is quite extreme
- phylloxera - >94% of vines are grafted
NZ Sustainable winegrowing initiative?
NZ Sustainable Winegrowing initiative with members committed to reduce the use of chemicals, energy, water & packaging and recycle.
Name two techniques for Pinot Noir (and Syrah for one of them) in the winemaking process
- For Pinot Noir and Syrah – some experimentation with whole bunch to give herbal or floral notes
- Cold maceration before fermentation – commonplace, particularly for Pinot Noir, to extract more colour and aromas
Maturation of premium red is generally ?
-
Premium examples
- tend to be matured in French oak barriques; esp. for Cab Sav & Merlot based wines
- whereas larger oak vessels for Pinot Noir – less obvious oak so not to obscure the delicate fruit profile of Pinot Noir
New Zealand has a wine law to protect regional names - describe it?
-
2017 - The Geographical Indications Act came into force.
- registers regional place names for wines to ensure names are protected overseas.
- 18 names registered as of July 2017
- act allows for overseas GI’s to be registered in NZ- allowing them protection in NZ (Prosecco, etc)
2018 Appellation Marlborough Wine - what is covered by this?
-
2018 - Appellation Marlborough Wine
- Aim with protecting regions reputation as volumes grow.
- Currently applicable to Sav Blanc – wines must be made from grapes grown in Marlborough; maximum yields; certified sustainable; bottled in NZ.
50% of what varietal makes up Gisborne’s vineyards - what is it and what styles does it make?
-
Chardonnay
- Inexpensive examples in simple, fruity, unoaked styles
- to Premium ,outstanding, full bodied, barrel-fermented styles with ripe stone, creamy flavours - medium to medium (+) acidity
The dominant varietal of Merlot - and it made in two styles - what are they?
Merlot
- dominant variety with range of styles:
- Inexpensive, fruity Merlot w/o oak
- Premium, outstanding made with cab sav & cab franc more concentrated, French oak barrels for 12-18 months
75% of NZ’s Syrah vineyards are where?
and what do the wines taste like and how are they matured?
Hawkes Bay
- home to 75% of Syrah planting in NZ!
- quantity is tiny – only 350 ha
- ripe blackberry aromas; black pepper spice/floral character
- medium to medium(+) body, Medium to Medium (+) Acidity, matured in French oak
- Some new barrels 12-18 mths.
- Finest are outstanding quality & premium priced
Machine harvesting is thought to have a positive effect on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - what is it thought to do?
- machine harvesting:
- common due to flat landscapes
- research has shown machine harvesting promotes flavor precursors that generate passion fruit & bell pepper aromas typical of Marlborough Sav Blancs;
- 5-10 times higher than hand harvested wines due to short maceration period on skins!
The climate of Wairarapa?
-
Climate
- Cool maritime climate
- Summer warm; Diurnal range large, which slows ripening, helps retain acidity
- low yields caused by strong winds coming from Cook strait during flowering & fruit set
What is different about Pinot Noir grapes from Wairarapa?
- Pinot Noir grapes tend to be small and thick skinned, so PN has higher levels of fine grained tannins
Pinot Noir wines from Wairarapa?
- Wines tend to have:
- Medium (+) Acidity
- red cherry, black plum often with spicy notes
- intense concentration of fruit and medium to medium (+) tannins
- Many matured in French oak for 12-18 mths
- range of clones
What proportion is Marlborough of New Zealand’s total vineyard area?
2/3rds of ALL New Zealand plantings!
the climate of Marlborough
-
Climate
- High sunshine hours - 2410 sunshine hours
- cool climate, moderately warm summers, mild winters
- protected from much rain by surrounding mountain ranges
- annual precipitation 650mm
- free draining Alluvial soils so irrigation important
- underground aquifers providing water
- High level of sunshine, relatively dry growing season, allows grapes to be kept on the vines well into Autumn, leads to intense flavor
The main valley of Marlborough is the Wairau valley - describe it, the climate, and the varieties
Wairau:
- from western most edges of Marlborough along the Wairau river to the mouth of Cloudy bay at the eastern end
- western inland section has less moderating influence from the ocean hence warmer days & cooler nights (greater diurnal range) - thus greater risk of frost
- Wairau valley is former riverbed; a combination of Gravel, silt, sand, loam & clay that vary in composition
- soils more fertile & water table higher nearer the coast thus higher yields here
- These free draining soils require irrigation but provide warmth needed to extend growing season; allows for intense aromas
- Sav Blanc most planted grape
- From passionfruit notes to grassy herbaceous notes
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are widely planted
The Awatere Valley in Marlborough, where is it, climate, varietals?
Awatere:
- South of Wairau – over the Wither Hills is the Awatere valley
- cooler, windier due to proximity to coast & higher elevation
- harvest later than rest of Marlborough
- Sav Blanc
- more herbaceous & less tropical;
- very high levels of Acidity due to cooler temps
- Pinot Noir
- windy weather so PN berries are smaller with thicker skins leading to more deeply coloured wines than Wairau
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - describe the style, the winemaking
Sauvignon Blanc:
- over 70% of all planting are SB
- Typical style is:
- dry with high Acidity, intensely aromatic (cat pee) with a mixture of herbaceous, floral, tropical fruit aromas, esp. passionfruit, gooseberry
- good to very good quality with prices inexpensive to mid-priced (some premium examples)
- Blending
- producers blend from the diff sub regions to obtain desired aromas
- also necessary to blend across sub regions to get the large volumes required
- Winemaking
- High volume producers style is generally produced using cool ferment temps
- cultured yeasts, prevent MLF with no oak in maturation
- producers experimenting with ambient yeasts ;partial barrel ferment; lees stirring to create complex ,textured examples; can be very good to outstanding & premium priced
- some focusing more on site specific expression rather than blending across region
Climate of Nelson?
- Climate
- its westerly location means it is not quite protected from cool, wet wind from the west
- 970mm rain/year
- 2405 of sunshine hours – similar to Marlborough
- cool maritime climate
- proximity to coast means experiencing cool sea breezes during day & relatively warm at night
The two sub regions of Nelson are?
describe each one.
Moutere Hills
- North west of the town of Nelson
- Soils are clay based gravel soils with sandy loam top soils on undulating terrain
- vineyards located 50-150 m – so altitude not a significant factor
- soils are low in nutrients - ability to retain water so many dry farm as a result
- wines tend to be fuller bodies; more concentrated than those of Waimea plains
- source of highest quality wines
Waimea plains
- low lying former riverbed of alluvial soils with fine silt & clay loams of moderate fertility (Waimea means “River Garden’)
- High rainfall, very free draining soils so irrigation necessary
- wines are lighter in body with fresh fruit characteristics
Canterbury is a large region but is broken into two principal sub regions - name them and their sub regions
- can be broken into 2 principal sub regions
- North Canterbury
- 90% of region’s vineyard located in the north of Canterbury
- includes smaller sub regions of Waipara Valley & Waikari
- Canterbury Plain
- small no of vineyards around town of Christchurch & on Banks Peninsula
- North Canterbury
The two sub regions of North Canterbury are acclaimed for their wines, particularly Pinot Noir, describe the growing environment of both sub regions.
-
Waipara Valley (sub region)
- slightly warmer than rest of the region
- to the north of Christchurch
- Teviotdale Hills protect it from cold easterly winds
- Wines made from
- flat valley floor on Gravelly sandy loam - lighter bodied, less intense than
- Vineyards:
- North & North-West facing slopes
- on clay loams with differing proportions of limestone
-
Waikari (sub region)
- In the hills inland from Waipara valley
- Clay limestone soils
Pinot Noir from Waipara Valley - describe it.
-
Pinot Noir
- from delicate red berried to full bodies, dark fruited examples (although generally lighter bodied)
- Both examples have high Acidity
- Very good to Outstanding quality
- Dry summers, cool nights enable fruit to ripen fuller slowly with pronounced fruit expression
What is the latitude of Central Otago?
46 degrees south
The climate of Central Otago is ?
-
Climate
- Only region in NZ with a semi continental climate
- Protected by several mountain ranges from rain bearing westerly winds
- very dry, only 360 mm rainfall
- Summers warm & Dry
- Southerly latitude means daylight hours long; paired with high UV levels, grapes have no problem ripening
Bannockburn is a sub region of Central Otago - describe its growing environment and what does this environment produce in the wines?
-
Bannockburn
- East of Gibbston & slightly lower in elevation
- vineyards planted on the southern bank of Kawarau river as it meets the Cromwell valley
- most intensively planted sub region
- Diverse range of soils
- One of the warmest & driest parts of Central Otago
- Ripe & concentrated wine styles
- Felton Road Wines, Mt Difficulty Wines
The Pinot Noir of Central Otago is highly rated, what proportion is it of the plantings, what are the wines like and what contributes to these qualities?
-
Pinot Noir:
- Dominates-70 % of the regions plantings
- ¼ of NZ’s plantings
- Wines
- very good to outstanding quality
- almost always premium or super premium price
- high UV levels, warm summers & cold nights leads to deeply coloured
- relatively full bodied
- good level of Acidity; ripe tannins; intense plum & Black cherry notes
- Ageing in Oak barrels adds to complexity
some experimenting with whole cluster ferments
Northern Otago - the one key sub region?
- Waitaki Valley
- same latitude as Central Otago’s most northerly sub-region Wanaka
- east of Southern Alps, Waitaki river flows East to the cool southern pacific ocean
give some key statistics about New Zealand wine production and exports
- Some statistics
- NZ produces 1% of worlds wine in volume
- But 7th largest exporter in value & 10th in Volume
- 400 % increase in production from 2000-2018
- bulk shipping represents 1/3 of exports- representing trends in market bottling
What percentage is Sauvignon Blanc of New Zealand’s wine exports?
86%
what has New Zealand been able to develop in terms of reputation and positioning for its wines around the world and what image does it market?
- Reputation/Marketing
- has developed reputation for high quality wines
- global reputation for clean, environmentally friendly credentials
- 98% of producers participating in Sustainable Wine New Zealand ( SWNZ)
- Gives NZ an edge in markets where consumers are conscious of carbon foot print of consumed wines
- 10% vineyards certified organic
- Wine labels focus on the natural beauty of the country, reinforcing high quality, and eco-friendly image
New Zealand Wine - the govt administered marketing body - what does it do?
-
New Zealand Wine
- coordinates marketing
- marketing campaigns focus on bringing influencers to the country immersing them in culture, landscape & wine
- Current focus on international sommeliers & Americas cup with promotional partner Air New Zealand
