New Zealand

Question 1

What is the predominant climate of New Zealand? Apart from ___?

Answer 1

Maritime
Central Otago is Continental

Question 2

New Zealand is split into the:

_______ Island
_______ Island

Which is warmer? Which sees more rainfall?

Answer 2

North Island (A little warmer and more rainfall)
South Island

Question 3

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

Answer 3

The Pacific Ocean

Question 4

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

Answer 4

The Tasman Sea

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Southern Alps

Question 6

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

Answer 6

The Southern Alps protect regions from rain-bearing westerly winds (from Tasman Sea), creating a rain shadow for most regions east.

Therefore, regions in Southern island tend to be located on the east side.

Question 7

Soils in New Zealand

Answer 7

The soils tend to be free draining so do not experience waterlogging.
However, those on flat land can be overly fertile, leading to excessive shoot and leaf growth.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

They’ve learned how to deal with vine vigor problems, which is seen on fertile plains.

Question 9

What is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand?

Answer 9

SWNZ is a sustainability program that sets standards for wineries committed to reducing their environmental impact.

Question 10

What is the most planted grape in New Zealand?

Answer 10

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 11

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

Oaked?

Answer 11

North Island = More tropical flavors

South Island = Higher acidity, green bell pepper, and gooseberry flavors.

Most commonly fermented in inert vessels at cool temperature to retain fruity flavours and aromas but some producers also make oak-matured styles.

Question 12

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

Dryness

Answer 12

Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Gewurztraminer

Wines range from dry to sweet but off-dry tends to be the most prevalent style.

Question 13

Chardonnay in New Zealand
7

Answer 13

7 Concentrated citrus, tropical fruits with a subtle hints of toast from new oak

Question 14

What is the most planted red/black grape in New Zealand?

Which island is it planted more?

Answer 14

Pinot Noir

It is the second most planted grape variety in NZ after Sauvignon Blanc.

Widely grown throughout the South Island
Few selected sites in the North island

Question 15

Pinot Noir in New Zealand
5,6,7

Answer 15

5 High tannins
6 High alcohol
7 Vibrant fruit

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Merlot (Second greatest volume after Pinot Noir)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah

Question 17

Merlot is often blended with?

Answer 17

Cabernet Sauvignon
To add tannin and notes of cassis, making up a Bordeaux-style blend.

Question 18

Style of Syrah in New Zealand

Answer 18

Elegant wines that are closer in style to those of the Rhone rather than those made in the hotter climates of Australia.

Question 19

What are the North Island’s wine regions?

Answer 19

・Auckland
・Gisborne
・Hawke’s Bay
・Wairarapa - Martin borough

Question 20

What are the South Island’s wine regions?

Answer 20

・Marlborough
・Nelson
・Canterbury
・Central Otago

Question 21

What is the wettest region of New Zealand?
What is the leading weather hazard?

Answer 21

Auckland
Fungal disease can be an issue here.

Question 22

Grape varieties in Auckland

Which subregion of Auckland produces top-quality wines?

Answer 22

Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah

Waiheke Island (particularly reds)

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 with ripe tropical fruit (Most planted)
Full bodied Pinot Gris
High quality Gewürztraminer

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Hawke’s Bay

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Syrah Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux style with Merlot)

Question 26

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

Answer 26

Gimblett Gravels Well-draining heat absorbing gravel soils on the valley floor.

Question 27

Martinborough, a subregion of Wairarapa, is best known for which grape? Why does this grape do well here? 3,7

Answer 27

Pinot Noir Summer temperature can be high but wide diurnal range allows Pinot Noir to succeed here. 3 Medium to Full bodied 7 Ripe with hints of dark plum and spice

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Southern tip of the North Island

Question 29

Which South Island region is cooler and wetter than Marlborough?

Answer 29

Nelson, the northernmost region on the South Island.

Question 30

What are 2 subregions of Marlborough? Which one is larger? Climate difference Style of Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 30

Wairau Valley (larger) Awatere Valley Wairau - Long sunny days = More tropical fruits flavours Awatere - Cool, windy and dry = Brighter acidity and more herbaceous flavors

Question 31

Grape varieties in Marlborough Style of wine

Answer 31

Sauvignon blanc Chardonnay (Still and sparkling) Pinot Noir (Still and sparkling) Riesling Pinot Gris

Question 32

Still Pinot Noir in Marlborough 3,5,7

Answer 32

3 Medium bodied 5 Fine tannins 7 Cherry and cranberry

Question 33

Nelson and Marlborough climate difference

Answer 33

Melson is cooler and wetter than Marlborough

Question 34

Grape varieties in Nelson

Answer 34

Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir Pinot Gris

Question 35

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

Answer 35

・Plains west of Christchurch ・Waipara Valley to the north of Christchurch (larger) Plains ・Vineyards are warmed by north-westerly winds ・Pacific Ocean is a cooling influence Waipara Valley ・Less expose to the Pacific ocean due to a range of hills ・Northwesterly winds have greater impact. = Warmer than Plains.

Question 36

Grape varieties in Waipara

Answer 36

Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir High quality Riesling

Question 37

Central Otago Location What weather threat does Central Otago face?

Answer 37

Foothills of the Southern New Zealand Alps Frost - both in the spring and autumn.

Question 38

Other grape varieties in Central Otago

Answer 38

Pinot Noir Pinot Gris Riesling Chardonnay

Question 39

Central Otago Climate Style of Pinot Noir

Answer 39

Large diurnal range in the growing season Strong sunlight = Juicy and vibrant with concentrated ripe red fruit flavours, full-bodied Pinot Noirs with high alcohol.