New Zealand

Question 1

What is the predominant climate of New Zealand?

Answer 1

Maritime

Question 2

Which region in New Zealand is NOT Maritime climate?

Answer 2

Central Otago: The climate here is Continental.

Question 3

New Zealand is split into the:

1. _______ Island
2. _______ Island

Answer 3

1. North Island
2. South Island

Question 4

What is the body of water on New Zealand’s eastern side?

Answer 4

The Pacific Ocean

Question 5

What is the name of the body of water separating New Zealand and Australia?

Answer 5

The Tasman Sea

Question 6

What is the name of the mountain range on the South Island?

(hint: Central Otago is in the foothills)

Answer 6

Southern New Zealand Alps

Question 7

What role do the Southern Alps play in the South Island’s climate?

Answer 7

The Southern Alps protect regions from cold winds off the Tasman Sea, creating a rain shadow for most regions east.

Question 8

Which island generally sees more rain: the North Island or the South Island?

Answer 8

The North Island

The North Island is wetter and also tends to be warmer than the South Island.

Question 9

Generally speaking, what are the differences between Sauvignon Blancs from the North Island and South Island?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What is the most planted grape in New Zealand?

Answer 10

Sauvignon Blanc (>22,000 ha)

Question 11

Behind Sauvignon Blanc, what other white grape varieties are New Zealand producers cultivating?

Answer 11

• Chardonnay
• Riesling
• Pinot Gris
• Gewurztraminer

Question 12

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.

Answer 12

Pinot Noir

Question 13

After Pinot Noir, what other black/red grapes are cultivated in New Zealand?

Answer 13

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah

Question 14

What are the North Island’s wine regions?

Answer 14

• Auckland
• Gisborne
• Hawke’s Bay
• Wairarapa
  
  • Martin borough

Question 15

What are the South Island’s wine regions?

Answer 15

• Marlborough
• Nelson
• Canterbury
• Central Otago

Question 16

What is the leading weather hazard on the North Island?

Answer 16

Fungal disease due to heavy rainfall

Question 17

What is the wettest region of New Zealand?

Answer 17

Auckland

Fungal disease can be an issue here.

Question 18

What are the 3 most planted grape varieties in Auckland?

Answer 18

• Chardonnay;
• Merlot;
• Syrah.

Question 19

East of Auckland is the wine region ___ which has a promising reputation for quality wines, particularly its ___.

Answer 19

• Waiheke Island;
• Reds.

Question 20

Which GI on the North Island is the warmest and sees the longest hours of sunshine?

Answer 20

Hawke’s Bay

Question 21

Hawke’s Bay is notable for growing which red grape varieties?

Answer 21

• Syrah
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 22

What is the subregion in Hawke’s Bay that is gaining a reputation for Syrah and red Bordeaux blends?

Answer 22

Gimblett Gravels, an area on the valley floor with well-draining gravel.

Question 23

Which GI on the North Island is known for its white wines?

Which white grapes thrive there?

Answer 23

Gisborne (high rainfall!)

• Chardonnay
• Pinot Gris
• Gewürztraminer

Question 24

Martinborough, a subregion of Wairarapa, is best known for which grape?

Why does this grape do well here?

Answer 24

Pinot Noir

Wide diurnal range allows Pinot Noir to succeed here.

Question 25

Where is Wairarapa?: * northern tip of the North Island * southern tip of the North Island * northern tip of the South Island

Answer 25

Southern tip of the North Island

Question 26

Which South Island region is cooler and wetter than Marlborough?

Answer 26

**Nelson**, the northernmost region on the South Island.

Question 27

What are 2 subregions of Marlborough?

Answer 27

* **W**airau Valley (larger) * **A**watere Valley

Question 28

Which subregion of Marlborough is cool, windy, and dry?

Answer 28

**Awatere Valley** ## Footnote *Sauvignon Blancs from Awatere Valley tend to have brighter acidity and more herbaceous flavors than Sauvignon Blancs from Wairau.*

Question 29

What grapes perform best in Canterbury?

Answer 29

* Pinot Noir * Sauvignon Blanc * Riesling

Question 30

Two areas in Canterbury are well known for wine production. Describe each and how they are different.

Answer 30

The two areas are the **plains west of Christchurch** and the **Waipara Valley to the north of Christchurch**. _Plains_ * vineyards are warmed by northwesterly winds; * Pacific Ocean is a cooling influence; _Waipara Valley_ * less Pacific influence due to protection from a range of hills; * warmer than Plains because northwesterly winds have greater impact.

Question 31

Which region is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps?

Answer 31

**Central Otago**

Question 32

Central Otago's altitude provides two things: * intense sunlight * big diurnal shifts What effect does this have on the Pinot Noir grown there?

Answer 32

The intense sunlight and large diurnal shifts create **concentrated, juicy, full-bodied Pinot Noirs with high alcohol**.

Question 33

What weather threat does Central Otago face?

Answer 33

**Frost** - both in the spring and autumn.

Question 34

What is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?

Answer 34

SWNZ is a **sustainability program** that sets standards for wineries committed to reducing their environmental impact. ## Footnote Read more about the initiative [here](https://www.nzwine.com/en/sustainability/swnz).

Question 35

Why have New Zealand winegrowers become experts in trellising and canopy management?

Answer 35

They've learned how to deal with **fungal problems** and **vine vigor**, the latter of which is seen on fertile plains.