New Zealand - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is New Zealand best known for in the wine world?
Fresh, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, along with premium-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
What type of climate does New Zealand have overall?
Maritime, with long sunshine hours, cool nights, and a long ripening period.
How does New Zealand’s geography affect its climate?
Its isolated location and proximity to the Pacific Ocean create a maritime climate, while the South Island’s vineyards are protected from westerly winds by central mountains.
What are the main climate challenges in New Zealand?
High rainfall and fertile soils, which can lead to excessive vine vigor.
How do New Zealand’s viticulturists manage vine vigor?
They use advanced trellising and canopy management techniques.
hat is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?
An initiative promoting environmentally friendly vineyard and winery practices.
What is the flagship grape variety of New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc.
How does Sauvignon Blanc differ between the North and South Islands?
North Island Sauvignon Blanc has more tropical flavors, while South Island examples show higher acidity and herbaceous notes.
What are the characteristics of New Zealand Chardonnay?
Concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavors, with subtle toast and sweet spice from oak aging.
Which aromatic varieties are gaining popularity in New Zealand?
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
What is the second most planted grape variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir, known for its vibrant fruit, ripe tannins, and soft texture.
How does New Zealand Syrah compare to Australian Shiraz?
New Zealand Syrah is more elegant and closer in style to Rhône wines, with black pepper and floral notes.
What are the key regions in the North Island?
Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa.
What are the main grape varieties in Auckland?
Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.
Why is Waiheke Island significant?
It produces premium red wines, especially Merlot and Syrah.
What grape dominates Gisborne’s plantings?
Chardonnay, known for ripe tropical fruit flavors. Also Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.
What is Hawke’s Bay best known for?
Bordeaux-style blends and premium Syrah.
What grape is Martinborough (Wairarapa) famous for?
Pinot Noir, producing medium to full-bodied wines with dark plum and spice flavors.
What is Marlborough’s flagship grape variety?
Sauvignon Blanc, known for its vibrant acidity and tropical fruit flavors.
How do Wairau and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough differ?
Wairau Valley has tropical fruit-forward wines, while Awatere Valley produces herbaceous wines with high acidity.
What other grapes thrive in Marlborough?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (used for still and sparkling wines), Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
What makes Nelson different from Marlborough?
Nelson is cooler and wetter, producing Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.
What are the two main viticulture centers in Canterbury?
Waipara Valley and plains west of Christchurch.
What is Waipara Valley known for?
High-quality Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the primary climate factor in Central Otago?
A continental climate with a high risk of frost and large diurnal temperature variations.
What is the flagship grape of Central Otago?
Pinot Noir, producing full-bodied wines with concentrated red fruit flavors.
How is Sauvignon Blanc typically vinified in New Zealand?
Fermented in inert vessels at cool temperatures to retain fruit purity, with some oak-aged examples for complexity.
What is the typical style of New Zealand Pinot Gris?
Off-dry, with ripe stone fruit and spice flavors.
How are New Zealand Rieslings typically styled?
Ranging from dry to sweet, often with high acidity and citrus or stone fruit flavors.
How is oak used in New Zealand Chardonnay?
Subtly, adding flavors of toast, vanilla, and sweet spice.
Why is sustainability important in New Zealand wine production?
To protect the environment and maintain the industry’s reputation for quality.
What percentage of New Zealand’s vineyards are certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?
Over 90%.
What is New Zealand’s reputation in the global wine market?
Known for consistent quality, vibrant styles, and sustainability.
What role does New Zealand’s maritime climate play in wine production?
Provides long growing seasons with cool nights, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic intensity.
What are the key climate challenges in Central Otago?
Frost risk during spring and autumn, requiring frost protection measures like wind machines.
Why is Hawke’s Bay significant for red wines?
Its warm climate and gravel soils in areas like Gimblett Gravels are ideal for Bordeaux blends and Syrah.
How does New Zealand’s Pinot Noir compare to Burgundy?
It is more fruit-forward with softer tannins but retains elegance and freshness.
What distinguishes New Zealand Syrah from Australian Shiraz?
New Zealand Syrah is more elegant, with black pepper and floral aromas, closer to a Northern Rhône style.
What is the export importance of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
Accounts for over 70% of New Zealand’s total wine production and dominates its global reputation.
What distinguishes Central Otago Pinot Noir from other regions?
Full-bodied, with concentrated red and dark fruit flavors, and a fine tannin structure.
How do canopy management techniques benefit New Zealand vineyards?
Control vigor, improve airflow, and reduce disease risk in humid climates.
What is unique about the soils in Gimblett Gravels?
Heat-retaining gravel soils promote ripening of Bordeaux blends and Syrah.
What are the key towns and sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay?
Towns of Hastings and Napier. Gimblett Gravel region.
How do New Zealand vineyards manage vine vigor caused by high rainfall?
Through free draining soils, advanced trellising systems and canopy management to control growth and improve airflow.
What is the role of well-draining soils in New Zealand vineyards?
Prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of vine stress and root rot.
How does the climate of Awatere Valley differ from Wairau Valley?
Awatere Valley is cooler and windier, with a longer ripening season, while Wairau Valley is warmer and sunnier.
What are the main appellations of Canterbury?
Waipara Valley is more protected and warmer, plains near Christchurch are more cooler as exposed to the ocean breezes.
How does the climate of Waipara Valley benefit grape growing?
Protected by coastal hills, it experiences warm, dry conditions ideal for Riesling and Pinot Noir.
What is the climate of Central Otago?
Name Central Otago vineyard factors?
Aspect, soil, altitude, diurnal range, intense sunshine.
