New Zealand: Geography and Climate Flashcards
True or False: New Zealand is the southernmost winemaking country in the world.
True: It is also the easternmost winemaking country in the world.
What Latitude does the wine region Central Otago sit at?
The 45th parallel
What major geological feature provides a rain shadow effect on New Zealand’s South Island?
The Southern Alps—rain clouds moving eastward from the Tasman Sea deposit all of their moisture high in the mountains, resulting in a rain shadow effect for the wine regions of the island.
How many miles separate New Zealand from Tasmania?
The South Island lies on the same latitude as Tasmania, but over 1,200 miles of ocean separate the two.
What climate is Northland?
sub-tropical
What latitude does Northland sit at?
Latitude of 35˚ S
What is the climate of Central Otago?
Alpine climate
What latitude does Marlborough sit at?
Latitude of 41* S
What classic French wine growing region is Marlborough thought as similar to?
Burgundy - Climate is moderated by the ocean.
Is there any land between New Zealand and Chile?
There is no land between Chile and New Zealand’s east coast, just more than 9,000 kilometers of uninterrupted ocean and the International Date Line.
How far is New Zealand from Australia?
4,000 km or a 4 hour plane ride.
What sea separates New Zealand from Australia?
The Tasman Sea
T or F
This is a maritime influenced wine region.
True
T or F
The coastline is never further than a 120km away.
True
Where in relation to the coastline do the majority of the country’s sit?
All but 5% of the country’s vineyards sit within 50 kilometers of the sea.
What wine growing region in New Zealand could be considered semi-continental?
Central Otago
What is the driest spot in New Zealand for grape growing?
Alexandra in Central Otago.
What major weather affected the 2017 and 2018 harvest for New Zealand?
The remnants of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific strike at harvest.
In general South Island is considered cool, moderate or warm climate?
Cool climate
Why is UV radiation a significant factor in New Zealand?
UV radiation can be as much as 40% higher in New Zealand. Canopy management is important to consider to help protect the grapes from sunburn.
