New Zealand - MARLBOROUGH

Question 1

Production of pronounced style Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard in Marlborough? (5)

Answer 1

1. High light and irrigation required - ripe fruit and yields can be high
2. High diurnal range - high acid, intense aromas
3. Row orientation generally North - South to increase complexity of flavours (tropical on one side, herbaceous on the other)
4. Early picking an option for increasing complexity of fruit
5. Mechanically harvesting creates some skin contact with natural crushing - higher levels of herbaceous aromas

Question 2

Production of pronounced Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in the winery? (7)

Answer 2

1. Refrigerating of fruit to preserve primary fruit
2. Selected yeast to promote aromatics
3. Low fermentation temperatures to preserve primary fruit
4. Avoid Malo - preserve acid and retain primary fruit
5. Very minimal lees aging - 2-3 months
6. Ascorbic acid and SO2 added at bottling to preserve primary fruit and freshness
7. Screw cap for less oxygen intake to preserve primary fruit and freshness

Question 3

Rainfall in Marlborough? (2)

Answer 3

650mm relatively low

Protection from surrounding mountain range

Question 4

Soils in Marlborough? (2)

Answer 4

Free draining alluvial soil

Irrigation needed due to low rainfall

Question 5

Unique factor about machine harvesting in Marlborough?

Answer 5

Passion fruit and green bell pepper flavours are increased by the short maceration on skins when being transported

Question 6

2 main valleys for growing grapes in Marlborough? (2)

Answer 6

Awatare

Wairau

Question 7

Soil types of Wairau? (3)

Answer 7

Gravel, sand, silt, loam and clay - warm soils that extend the growing season

Free draining

Water table higher towards the coast so naturally higher yields

Question 8

What does the warmer site of Wairau do to Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 8

Extend the growing season and increase the intensity of the aromas and flavours

Question 9

Wairau Sauvignon Blanc characteristics?

Answer 9

Tropical passionfruit to grassy and herbaceous depending on soil and site

Question 10

Awatere and Southern Valleys reputation (4)

Answer 10

Higher clay content soils (slows down ripening)

Higher elevation (Awatere)

Pinot noir thrives

Sauvignon Blanc less tropical

Question 11

Awatere Pinot Noir?(4)

Answer 11

Smaller berries due to wind from coast (thicker skins and more colour in wine)

Intense fruit

Red cherry and plum

Med-full body

Question 12

Awatere Sauvignon Blanc? (2)

Answer 12

Higher acid due to cooler climate (wind and elevation)

Lees tropical and more herbaceous

Question 13

Wairau Pinot Noir vs Southern Valley Pinot Noir (2)

Answer 13

Wairau mid-priced, light bodied, juicy red fruit suitable for early drinking

Southern Valley intense fruit, red cherry and plum, med-full body, often oak aged. Premium priced

Question 14

Pinot Gris styles in Marlborough (2)

Answer 14

Simple dry/off dry crisp, easy drinking

Ripe, dry/off dry full bodied, stone fruit, sometimes partial barrel ferment