New Zealand - Wairarapa

Question 1

Where is Wairarapa located?

Answer 1

Most southerly region of North Island

Question 2

Most famous Wairarapa sub region?

Answer 2

Martinborough

Question 3

Reputation of Wairarapa wines?

Answer 3

Premium Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc made with naturally low yields

Question 4

Climate of Wairarapa?

Answer 4

Cool maritime climate with a large diurnal range.

Question 5

What natural helps to keep yields low in Wairarapa? (2)

Answer 5

Strong winds from the cool straight in the south affecting flowering and fruit set

Frosts

Question 6

Soils of Wairarapa? (2)

Answer 6

Wide range but mostly gravel with silt loam and loess

These soils are said to help slow ripening as they warm up slower than rocky soils

Question 7

Significant producer in Wairarapa?

Answer 7

Ata Rangi

Question 8

What is unique about Wairarapa Pinot noir grapes? (2)

Answer 8

Small berries with thick skins, said to come from Domaine De La Romanee-Conti (Abel clone)

Higher levels of tannin that other NZ regions

Question 9

Wairarapa Pinot Noir tasting note? (5)

Answer 9

Med+ acid
Med-med+ tannins
Red cherry and black plum
Oak flavours
Pronounced intensity from low yields

Question 10

Rainfall in Wairarapa? (2)

Answer 10

800-1000mm

High but not a huge issue due to free draining soils

Question 11

What is unique about the Abel clone? (4)

Answer 11

1. Late budding
2. Productive
3. Bigger bunches
4. Good for Wairarapa as it’s yields are naturally controlled by wind

Question 12

Sauvignon Blanc reputation in Wairarapa? (5)

Answer 12

1. Premium in price
2. Lower yields
3. Restrained
4. Wild yeast and barrel fermentation common for premium wines
5. Aging on lees common for premium wines