Nouvelle Zélande Flashcards
What is the predominant climate of New Zealand?
Maritime.
South Island’s climate is cool, North Island’s is a bit warmer.
The combination of long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes and a long ripening period allows grapes to reach a high level of sugar and flavours while retaining acidity.
Which region in New Zealand is NOT Maritime climate?
Central Otago: The climate here is Continental.
What is the body of water on New Zealand’s eastern side?
The Pacific Ocean
What is the name of the body of water separating New Zealand and Australia?
Tasman
What is the name of the mountain range on the South Island?
(hint: Central Otago is in the foothills)
Southern New Zealand Alps
What role do the Southern Alps play in the South Island’s climate?
The Southern Alps protect regions from cold winds off the Tasman Sea, creating a rain shadow from westerly winds for most regions east.
Which island generally sees more rain: the North Island or the South Island?
The North Island
The North Island is wetter and also tends to be warmer than the South Island.
Generally speaking, what are the differences between Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island and South Island?
Because the North Island tends to be warmer than the South Island, Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island show more tropical, passionfruit flavors and the Sauvignon Blancs from the South Island show higher acidity, green bell pepper, and gooseberry flavors.
SVB is most frequently fermented in inert vessels at cool temperatures to retain fruity flavours and aromas, although some producers make oak-matured styles.
What is the most planted grape in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc (>22,000 ha)
SInce the early 1990s, SVB has been firmly establised as the flagship grape and accounts for the majority of wine production
Behind Sauvignon Blanc, what other white grape varietals are New Zealand producers cultivating?
CHARDONNAY (diversity of styles but mainly citrus & tropical fruits with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from French new oak).
RIESLING, PINOT GRIS and GEWURZRAMINER. Dry autumns and cool nights ensure aromatic compunds have plenty of time to develop before harvest. Wines range from dry to sweet, however off-dry tends to be the most prevalent style.
What is the most planted red/black grape in New Zealand?
Hint: it’s also the second most planted grape in New Zealand of either color.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety.
It is widely grown thoughout the Southern island and in a few selected sites in the Northern island.
Overall profile is one of vibrant fruit, fine ripe tannins, soft texture, high levels of alcohol.
After Pinot Noir, what other black/red grapes are cultivated in New Zealand?
MERLOT, and CABERNET SAUVIGNON (often blended to add tannins and cassis). These varieties is strongly concentrated in the North Island (where warmer temperatures helps to ripen black grapes).
SYRAH’s style similar to Rhône.
What are the North Island’s wine regions?
Auckland
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Wairarapa (incl. MARTINBOROUGH)
What are the South Island’s wine regions?
Marlborough
Nelson
Canterbury
Central Otago
What is the leading weather hazard on the North Island?
Fungal diseases because of plentiful rain and warm temperatures
What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
Auckland
What are the 3 most planted grape varieties in Auckland?
Chardonnay
Merlot
SYrah