New World/New Zealand/South Africa: Day 23

Question 1

Identify the key wine regions on New Zealand’s North Island. Describe their climate and principal grape varieties respectively and identify several top producers.

Answer 1

1. Northland GI
2. Auckland GI
3. Gisborne GI
4. Hawke’s Bay/Hawkes Bay GI
5. Wairarapa GI

Question 2

What is the climate of Northland GI?

Answer 2

warm maritime climate

Question 3

What are the grapes of Northland GI?

Answer 3

1. Bordeaux varieties
2. Chardonnay
3. Syrah

Question 4

New Zealand Producers

Answer 4

1. Craggy Range (Hawke’s Bay / Martinborough- Pinot Noir)
2. Ata Rangi (Martinborough - Pinot Noir)
3. Kumeu River (Auckland - Chardonnay)
4. Millton (Gisborne – Certified Organic, Chenin Blanc)
5. Villa Maria (Auckland – NZ’s largest family winery
   Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay)

Question 5

Climate of New Zealand’s South Island

Answer 5

warm maritime climate

Question 6

Grapes of New Zealands South Island

Answer 6

1. Sauvignon Blanc
2. Pinot Noir
3. Chardonnay
4. Riesling
5. Pinot Noir

Question 7

Discuss the best region for Pinot Noir (and why it’s successful here) in New Zealand.

Answer 7

Central Otago
Coolest climate – Continental climate

Question 8

Note the optimal region for Bordeaux and Rhône varieties in New Zealand, and describe why these varieties are successful here.

Question 9

Discuss the development of Pinotage and its parentage.

Answer 9

Pinot Noir x Cinsault (Hermitage) created by Professor Abraham Perold in 1925 - it combines the noble characteristics of the former with the reliability of the latter.
Can produce complex and fruity wines with age but is also often very drinkable when young.

Question 10

Define the term cultivar.

Answer 10

grape variety that has been cultivated or bred by humans for specific desirable characteristics

Question 11

Describe the wine known as Vin de Constance.

Answer 11

naturally sweet South African wine, specifically from the Constantia region near Cape Town. It’s made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes, also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The wine’s production method involves letting the grapes raisin on the vine (passerillage), which concentrates the sugars and flavors, resulting in a rich and luscious character.

Question 12

Identify the principal WOs in South Africa’s Coastal Region.

Question 13

Recommend a WO suitable for sparkling wine production.

Answer 13

Central Otago