New Zealand - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

What is New Zealand best known for in the wine world?

Answer 1

Fresh, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, along with premium-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Question 2

What type of climate does New Zealand have overall?

Answer 2

Maritime, with long sunshine hours, cool nights, and a long ripening period.

Question 3

How does New Zealand’s geography affect its climate?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What are the main climate challenges in New Zealand?

Answer 4

High rainfall and fertile soils, which can lead to excessive vine vigor.

Question 5

How do New Zealand’s viticulturists manage vine vigor?

Answer 5

They use advanced trellising and canopy management techniques.

Question 6

hat is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?

Answer 6

An initiative promoting environmentally friendly vineyard and winery practices.

Question 7

What is the flagship grape variety of New Zealand?

Answer 7

Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 8

How does Sauvignon Blanc differ between the North and South Islands?

Answer 8

North Island Sauvignon Blanc has more tropical flavors, while South Island examples show higher acidity and herbaceous notes.

Question 9

What are the characteristics of New Zealand Chardonnay?

Answer 9

Concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavors, with subtle toast and sweet spice from oak aging.

Question 10

Which aromatic varieties are gaining popularity in New Zealand?

Answer 10

Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

Question 11

What is the second most planted grape variety in New Zealand?

Answer 11

Pinot Noir, known for its vibrant fruit, ripe tannins, and soft texture.

Question 12

How does New Zealand Syrah compare to Australian Shiraz?

Answer 12

New Zealand Syrah is more elegant and closer in style to Rhône wines, with black pepper and floral notes.

Question 13

What are the key regions in the North Island?

Answer 13

Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa.

Question 14

What are the main grape varieties in Auckland?

Answer 14

Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.

Question 15

Why is Waiheke Island significant?

Answer 15

It produces premium red wines, especially Merlot and Syrah.

Question 16

What grape dominates Gisborne’s plantings?

Answer 16

Chardonnay, known for ripe tropical fruit flavors. Also Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Question 17

What is Hawke’s Bay best known for?

Answer 17

Bordeaux-style blends and premium Syrah.

Question 18

What grape is Martinborough (Wairarapa) famous for?

Answer 18

Pinot Noir, producing medium to full-bodied wines with dark plum and spice flavors.

Question 19

What is Marlborough’s flagship grape variety?

Answer 19

Sauvignon Blanc, known for its vibrant acidity and tropical fruit flavors.

Question 20

How do Wairau and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough differ?

Answer 20

Wairau Valley has tropical fruit-forward wines, while Awatere Valley produces herbaceous wines with high acidity.

Question 21

What other grapes thrive in Marlborough?

Answer 21

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (used for still and sparkling wines), Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

Question 22

What makes Nelson different from Marlborough?

Answer 22

Nelson is cooler and wetter, producing Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.

Question 23

What are the two main viticulture centers in Canterbury?

Answer 23

Waipara Valley and plains west of Christchurch.

Question 24

What is Waipara Valley known for?

Answer 24

High-quality Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 25

What is the primary climate factor in Central Otago?

Answer 25

A continental climate with a high risk of frost and large diurnal temperature variations.

Question 26

What is the flagship grape of Central Otago?

Answer 26

Pinot Noir, producing full-bodied wines with concentrated red fruit flavors.

Question 27

How is Sauvignon Blanc typically vinified in New Zealand?

Answer 27

Fermented in inert vessels at cool temperatures to retain fruit purity, with some oak-aged examples for complexity.

Question 28

What is the typical style of New Zealand Pinot Gris?

Answer 28

Off-dry, with ripe stone fruit and spice flavors.

Question 29

How are New Zealand Rieslings typically styled?

Answer 29

Ranging from dry to sweet, often with high acidity and citrus or stone fruit flavors.

Question 30

How is oak used in New Zealand Chardonnay?

Answer 30

Subtly, adding flavors of toast, vanilla, and sweet spice.

Question 31

Why is sustainability important in New Zealand wine production?

Answer 31

To protect the environment and maintain the industry’s reputation for quality.

Question 32

What percentage of New Zealand’s vineyards are certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?

Answer 32

Over 90%.

Question 33

What is New Zealand’s reputation in the global wine market?

Answer 33

Known for consistent quality, vibrant styles, and sustainability.

Question 34

What role does New Zealand’s maritime climate play in wine production?

Answer 34

Provides long growing seasons with cool nights, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic intensity.

Question 35

What are the key climate challenges in Central Otago?

Answer 35

Frost risk during spring and autumn, requiring frost protection measures like wind machines.

Question 36

Why is Hawke’s Bay significant for red wines?

Answer 36

Its warm climate and gravel soils in areas like Gimblett Gravels are ideal for Bordeaux blends and Syrah.

Question 37

How does New Zealand’s Pinot Noir compare to Burgundy?

Answer 37

It is more fruit-forward with softer tannins but retains elegance and freshness.

Question 38

What distinguishes New Zealand Syrah from Australian Shiraz?

Answer 38

New Zealand Syrah is more elegant, with black pepper and floral aromas, closer to a Northern Rhône style.

Question 39

What is the export importance of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 39

Accounts for over 70% of New Zealand’s total wine production and dominates its global reputation.

Question 40

What distinguishes Central Otago Pinot Noir from other regions?

Answer 40

Full-bodied, with concentrated red and dark fruit flavors, and a fine tannin structure.

Question 41

How do canopy management techniques benefit New Zealand vineyards?

Answer 41

Control vigor, improve airflow, and reduce disease risk in humid climates.

Question 42

What is unique about the soils in Gimblett Gravels?

Answer 42

Heat-retaining gravel soils promote ripening of Bordeaux blends and Syrah.

Question 43

What are the key towns and sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay?

Answer 43

Towns of Hastings and Napier. Gimblett Gravel region.

Question 44

How do New Zealand vineyards manage vine vigor caused by high rainfall?

Answer 44

Through free draining soils, advanced trellising systems and canopy management to control growth and improve airflow.

Question 45

What is the role of well-draining soils in New Zealand vineyards?

Answer 45

Prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of vine stress and root rot.

Question 46

How does the climate of Awatere Valley differ from Wairau Valley?

Answer 46

Awatere Valley is cooler and windier, with a longer ripening season, while Wairau Valley is warmer and sunnier.

Question 47

What are the main appellations of Canterbury?

Answer 47

Waipara Valley is more protected and warmer, plains near Christchurch are more cooler as exposed to the ocean breezes.

Question 48

How does the climate of Waipara Valley benefit grape growing?

Answer 48

Protected by coastal hills, it experiences warm, dry conditions ideal for Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Question 49

What is the climate of Central Otago?

Question 50

Name Central Otago vineyard factors?

Answer 50

Aspect, soil, altitude, diurnal range, intense sunshine.