New Zealand Flashcards
What are the 4 winemaking regions in the South Island?
Marlborough
Nelson
Canterbury
Central Otago
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Marlborough?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Wairau Valley: numerous valleys with different aspects and altitudes
Sauv. Blanc here = tropical fruit
Awatere Valley: drier, cooler, windier than Wairau
Sauv. Blanc here = higher acid, herbaceous
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir used for still & sparkling
Growing reputation for Pinot Noir
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Nelson?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
Cooler and wetter than Marlborough
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Canterbury?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling
Plains and Waipara Valley
Cooled by Pacific ocean
Warmed by NW winds
Riesling grown in Waipara Valley
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Central Otago?
Pinot Noir
Numerous valleys with different aspects, soil, altitudes
Continental climate with risk of frost damage in Spring & Autumn
Warm summer, high diurnal range, intense sun (= high alc)
Pinot Noir = full body, concentrated ripe red fruit
What are the 4 winemaking regions of the North Island?
Auckland
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Wairarapa
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Auckland?
Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah
Warmest and wettest in NZ
Fungus and issue
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Gisborne?
Chardonnay
Also has some Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Hawke’s Bay?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Longest sunshine hours
Diverse soils
Various wine styles
Gimblett Gravels: well drained, heat absorbing area in valley.
Makes premium black grapes.
What are the main regions, grapes, and climates of Wairarapa?
Pinot Noir
Martinborough: global reputation for Pinot Noir.
Hot summer but wide diurnal range.
Describe the climate and grape growing of New Zealand.
Maritime climate
Cool south island, warmer north island
Long sunshine hours, cool nights (sea breezes) creates long season. Allows grapes to have flavor ripeness and retain acid.
Mountains on south island protect vineyards in the East
Soils usually free draining (with lots of rain)
Experts in canopy management to fight fertile soils
Sustainable wine growing very important
What are the main white grape varieties of New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc: Flagship grape, #1 in production
Pungent, elderflower, passion fruit, high acid
North island: tropical flavor
South island: higher acid, green bell pepper, gooseberry
Chardonnay: varies in style, often with new oak
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer
What are the main red grape varieties of New Zealand?
Pinot Noir: #2 in production, mainly south island
Vibrant fruit, fine tannins, soft texture, high alc.
Distinct regional styles exist too
Merlot: Second most important black grape after Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon: Added to blends for tannin and flavor
Syrah: Northern Rhone style
