New Zealand Wine Flashcards
Overview of New Zealand Wine
Flagship grape and planted %?
Where is most of it planted and what % of all NZ sb?
Sauvignon Blanc 66%
Marlbourough on South Island. 82%.
Why does Sauvignon blanc excel in New Zealand?
Robust varietal. Adaptable to several growing environments. Ripens early so as long as there is a lot of bright sunshine and a dry harvest period its naturally high acid alows it to retain freshness even in warmer regions.
Two islands of New Zealand
North Island South Island
Regions of North Island
- Northland
- Auckland
- Waiheke Island
- Gisborne
- Central North Island
- Hawkes Bay
- Wairarapa Martinborough.
Regions of South Island
- Nelson
- Marlborough (largest)
- Canterbury and Waipara
- Waitaki Valley (North Otago),
- Central Otago
How many countries does New Zealand export its wines to?
90
6000ha in 1994. How many in 2018?
37,969
When did NZ begin its “Vine Pull” project and who was behind it?
1980’s Government sponsored removal of poor varietals and replacing with premium.
Name a viticulturalist who is credited with improving growing techniques and what did he do?
Dr. Richard Smart. Defined that due to good rain and fertile soil, vines grew vigorously and grapes tasted like leaves. He introduced suitable trellising systems and canopy management for the local conditions.
Noteable brands?
Constellation Brands NZ Pernod Ricard. Villa Maria.
Latitude range of NZ wines
36 to 45 degrees South
Describe New Zealands climate
Maritime. The sea moderates the climate. Cool Summers and moderate winters. Cold snaps are possible in summer and warm periods in Winter. Wet climate but wine areas are in the rain shadows with cool nights even in hot Summers. North Island is warmer, hot and humid. South Island is cooler but drier. Noted for their high natural acidity. Global warming is likely to benefit New Zealand.
Describe New Zealands soils
Free draining alluvial. Lots of Grewacke - a dark coarse-grained sandstone containing clay. Gimblett Gravels - stoney alluvial deposits, are found in Hawke’s Bay. Limestone in Waipara. Pinot noir is planted here
What does Waipara mean
Muddy Water
What is special about Gimblett Gravels?
Lower fertility. Lower water table. Stones absord the heat increasing the meso climate.
How many wineries in New Zealand in 2016?
675
Percentage of wines under screw cap from New Zealand?
97%
What is the domestic/export split?
30% domestic 70% export
How many major wine regions in New Zealand?
10
Length of New Zealand
2400km
Sauvignon blanc in New Zealand
Sauvignon blanc - Northern style (Hawkes Bay + north)
- Riper, richer, melon, nectarine, stone fruit.
Sauvignon blanc - Southern style (Wellington + South)
- Lighter, crisper, passionfruit, green pepper, gooseberry. more vibrant flavours higher acid.
84% of Sauvignon blanc is in Marlborough
Why do Sauvignon blanc growers practice leaf plucking, shoot thinning and trimming?
To control the natural vigour and promote flavour ripeness and fruit intensity
Describe two wine making variations of Sauvignon blanc in New Zealand.
Mostly colf fermentation in Stainless steel to optimise freshness and fruit flavours.
Riper styles are oak fermented and matured on the lees.
Often blended with 10-15% Semillon to increase complexity, structure and lenght.
Tell a bit about Chardonnay in New Zealand
2nd most important grape varietal.
Diversity of styles.
Auckland + Northland - Rich, ripe
Gisborne - “capital” of chardonnay soft, lush
Hawkes bay - 2nd largest producer.
Wellington -
Nelson -fine elegant
Marlborough - 2nd largest producer.
Canterbury - acidity
Central Otago - flinty
Pinot noir
3rd most planted
2nd most important
NZ deemed as “Knowing how to make Pinot noir.”
Wellington and most of South Island.- low rainfall + cool.
Martinborough - plum + stoney
Marlbourough + Nelson - Fruits (cherry +plum)
Central Otago - elegant, black cherry
Cab + Merlot
75% in Hawkes Bay
Best in NZ’s warmer regions. Waheike Island off Auckland.
Pino Gris
- 4th most planted variety.
- More than half is in Marlborough and Hawkes Bay.
- Growing in popularirt with growers and consumers.
Riesling
- Production is increasing fast
- Cooler dryer sites.
- South Island. Waipara and Marlbrough. Crisp apple + Citrus.
- New plantings in Central Otago. Germanic style Floral + lighter.