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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > New Zealand - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

New Zealand - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

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

A

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

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2
Q

What type of climate does New Zealand have overall?

A

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

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3
Q

How does New Zealand’s geography affect its climate?

A

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.

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4
Q

What are the main climate challenges in New Zealand?

A

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

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5
Q

How do New Zealand’s viticulturists manage vine vigor?

A

They use advanced trellising and canopy management techniques.

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6
Q

hat is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?

A

An initiative promoting environmentally friendly vineyard and winery practices.

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7
Q

What is the flagship grape variety of New Zealand?

A

Sauvignon Blanc.

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8
Q

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

A

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

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9
Q

What are the characteristics of New Zealand Chardonnay?

A

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

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10
Q

Which aromatic varieties are gaining popularity in New Zealand?

A

Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

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11
Q

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

A

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

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12
Q

How does New Zealand Syrah compare to Australian Shiraz?

A

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

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13
Q

What are the key regions in the North Island?

A

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

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14
Q

What are the main grape varieties in Auckland?

A

Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.

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15
Q

Why is Waiheke Island significant?

A

It produces premium red wines, especially Merlot and Syrah.

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16
Q

What grape dominates Gisborne’s plantings?

A

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

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17
Q

What is Hawke’s Bay best known for?

A

Bordeaux-style blends and premium Syrah.

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18
Q

What grape is Martinborough (Wairarapa) famous for?

A

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

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19
Q

What is Marlborough’s flagship grape variety?

A

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

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20
Q

How do Wairau and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough differ?

A

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

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21
Q

What other grapes thrive in Marlborough?

A

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

22
Q

What makes Nelson different from Marlborough?

A

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

23
Q

What are the two main viticulture centers in Canterbury?

A

Waipara Valley and plains west of Christchurch.

24
Q

What is Waipara Valley known for?

A

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

25
Q

What is the primary climate factor in Central Otago?

A

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

26
Q

What is the flagship grape of Central Otago?

A

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

27
Q

How is Sauvignon Blanc typically vinified in New Zealand?

A

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

28
Q

What is the typical style of New Zealand Pinot Gris?

A

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

29
Q

How are New Zealand Rieslings typically styled?

A

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

30
Q

How is oak used in New Zealand Chardonnay?

A

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

31
Q

Why is sustainability important in New Zealand wine production?

A

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

32
Q

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

A

Over 90%.

33
Q

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

A

Known for consistent quality, vibrant styles, and sustainability.

34
Q

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

A

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

35
Q

What are the key climate challenges in Central Otago?

A

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

36
Q

Why is Hawke’s Bay significant for red wines?

A

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

37
Q

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

A

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

38
Q

What distinguishes New Zealand Syrah from Australian Shiraz?

A

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

39
Q

What is the export importance of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?

A

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

40
Q

What distinguishes Central Otago Pinot Noir from other regions?

A

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

41
Q

How do canopy management techniques benefit New Zealand vineyards?

A

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

42
Q

What is unique about the soils in Gimblett Gravels?

A

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

43
Q

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

A

Towns of Hastings and Napier. Gimblett Gravel region.

44
Q

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

A

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

45
Q

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

A

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

46
Q

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

A

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

47
Q

What are the main appellations of Canterbury?

A

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

48
Q

How does the climate of Waipara Valley benefit grape growing?

A

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

49
Q

What is the climate of Central Otago?

A
50
Q

Name Central Otago vineyard factors?

A

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

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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