New Zealand

Question 1

Who established Marlborough’s first commercial vineyard in 1973, and released the country’s first varietal wine (Gisborne Chardonnay) and one of the first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wines (in 1979)?

Answer 1

Montana

Question 2

What mountainous range divides New Zealand’s South Island?

Answer 2

The Southern Alps

Question 3

What is the world’s most southernmost wine region?

Answer 3

Central Otago, which lies on the 45th parallel

Question 4

True or False: New Zealand wine on average commands a higher price per bottle than any other country in the world.

Answer 4

True! New Zealand has little land to spare; thus, modern bulk wine production is not economically feasible.

Question 5

What is the New Zealand Winegrowers?

Answer 5

an organization formed in 2002 as a joint initiative of the Grape Growers Council and the New Zealand Wine Institute.

Question 6

When did a group of New Zealand producers pioneered the Screwcap Initiative?

Answer 6

2001, an international association committed to using the closure—even on ultra-premium bottlings.

Question 7

Who was the first to commercially release a New Zealand wine under screwcap?

Answer 7

Kim Crawford

Question 8

What are Major the major wine regions on the North Island?

Answer 8

Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and Wairarapa.

Question 9

What are Major the major wine regions on the South Island?

Answer 9

Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Central Otago.

Question 10

In line with European standards, New Zealand wines must contain a minimum _____% of a stated grape or vintage.

Answer 10

85%

Question 11

Which of Auckland’s unofficial subregions enjoys a uniquely sunny and dry climate, as opposed to the rest of the North Island which experiences a rainy maritime climate?

Answer 11

Waiheke Island

Question 12

_________ is the second largest region in the country, and the North Island’s driest climate.

Answer 12

Hawkes Bay

Question 13

What are the most planted varieties in Hawkes Bay?

Answer 13

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 14

Who is New Zealand’s largest producer of red wine? What is this region’s leading red grape?

Answer 14

Hawkes Bay; Merlot

Question 15

What is the name of the region on the North Island that is known for having deep shingle soils, and is rapidly building a reputation for producing Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends?

Answer 15

Gimblett Gravels

Question 16

What is Ngatarawa known for producing?

Answer 16

Merlot

Question 17

Where are the first vines in the world to see the sun each day located?

Answer 17

Gisborne, otherwise known as Poverty Bay

Question 18

What is the southernmost region on the North Island?

Answer 18

Wairarapa

Question 19

What is New Zealand’s sunniest wine-producing region, but also the South Island’s rainiest wine-producing region?

Answer 19

Nelson

Question 20

About how many hectares of Sauvignon Blanc does Marlborough have planted?

Answer 20

10,000 ha

Question 21

What is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region?

Answer 21

Canterbury

Question 22

What is the only region in New Zealand to experience a truly continental climate?

Answer 22

Central Otago

Question 23

What are some of Central Otago’s best-known subregions?

Answer 23

Wanaka, Gibbston, Alexandra, and Cromwell Basin

Question 24

Who is New Zealand’s first recorded winemaker, and where did he first plant vines on the North Island?

Answer 24

In 1836 James Busby, New Zealand’s first recorded winemaker, planted a vineyard at Waitangi (in the north of the North Island) and it is possible that some of the cuttings may have been Pinot Noir.

Question 25

What are Baco 22a and Albany Surprise?

Answer 25

Two America hybrids that provided the backbone of plantings for cheap bulk wine production in the 1960’s.

Question 26

What major natural feature divides Nelson and Marlborough?

Answer 26

The Richmond Range