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CWA Diploma Module 4 > New Zealand Wine > Flashcards

Flashcards in New Zealand Wine Deck (28)
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1
Q

Flagship grape and planted %?

Where is most of it planted and what % of all NZ sb?

A

Sauvignon Blanc 66%

Marlbourough on South Island. 82%.

2
Q

Why does Sauvignon blanc excel in New Zealand?

A

Robust varietal. Adaptable to several growing environments. Ripens early so as long as there is a lot of bright sunshine and a dry harvest period its naturally high acid alows it to retain freshness even in warmer regions.

3
Q

Two islands of New Zealand

A

North Island South Island

4
Q

Regions of North Island

A
  1. Northland
  2. Auckland
  3. Waiheke Island
  4. Gisborne
  5. Central North Island
  6. Hawkes Bay
  7. Wairarapa Martinborough.
5
Q

Regions of South Island

A
  1. Nelson
  2. Marlborough (largest)
  3. Canterbury and Waipara
  4. Waitaki Valley (North Otago),
  5. Central Otago
6
Q

How many countries does New Zealand export its wines to?

A

90

7
Q

6000ha in 1994. How many in 2018?

A

37,969

8
Q

When did NZ begin its “Vine Pull” project and who was behind it?

A

1980’s Government sponsored removal of poor varietals and replacing with premium.

9
Q

Name a viticulturalist who is credited with improving growing techniques and what did he do?

A

Dr. Richard Smart. Defined that due to good rain and fertile soil, vines grew vigorously and grapes tasted like leaves. He introduced suitable trellising systems and canopy management for the local conditions.

10
Q

Noteable brands?

A

Constellation Brands NZ Pernod Ricard. Villa Maria.

11
Q

Latitude range of NZ wines

A

36 to 45 degrees South

12
Q

Describe New Zealands climate

A

Maritime. The sea moderates the climate. Cool Summers and moderate winters. Cold snaps are possible in summer and warm periods in Winter. Wet climate but wine areas are in the rain shadows with cool nights even in hot Summers. North Island is warmer, hot and humid. South Island is cooler but drier. Noted for their high natural acidity. Global warming is likely to benefit New Zealand.

13
Q

Describe New Zealands soils

A

Free draining alluvial. Lots of Grewacke - a dark coarse-grained sandstone containing clay. Gimblett Gravels - stoney alluvial deposits, are found in Hawke’s Bay. Limestone in Waipara. Pinot noir is planted here

14
Q

What does Waipara mean

A

Muddy Water

15
Q

What is special about Gimblett Gravels?

A

Lower fertility. Lower water table. Stones absord the heat increasing the meso climate.

16
Q

How many wineries in New Zealand in 2016?

A

675

17
Q

Percentage of wines under screw cap from New Zealand?

A

97%

18
Q

What is the domestic/export split?

A

30% domestic 70% export

19
Q

How many major wine regions in New Zealand?

A

10

20
Q

Length of New Zealand

A

2400km

21
Q

Sauvignon blanc in New Zealand

A

Sauvignon blanc - Northern style (Hawkes Bay + north)

  • Riper, richer, melon, nectarine, stone fruit.

Sauvignon blanc - Southern style (Wellington + South)

  • Lighter, crisper, passionfruit, green pepper, gooseberry. more vibrant flavours higher acid.

84% of Sauvignon blanc is in Marlborough

22
Q

Why do Sauvignon blanc growers practice leaf plucking, shoot thinning and trimming?

A

To control the natural vigour and promote flavour ripeness and fruit intensity

23
Q

Describe two wine making variations of Sauvignon blanc in New Zealand.

A

Mostly colf fermentation in Stainless steel to optimise freshness and fruit flavours.

Riper styles are oak fermented and matured on the lees.

Often blended with 10-15% Semillon to increase complexity, structure and lenght.

24
Q

Tell a bit about Chardonnay in New Zealand

A

2nd most important grape varietal.

Diversity of styles.

Auckland + Northland - Rich, ripe

Gisborne - “capital” of chardonnay soft, lush

Hawkes bay - 2nd largest producer.

Wellington -

Nelson -fine elegant

Marlborough - 2nd largest producer.

Canterbury - acidity

Central Otago - flinty

25
Q

Pinot noir

A

3rd most planted

2nd most important

NZ deemed as “Knowing how to make Pinot noir.”

Wellington and most of South Island.- low rainfall + cool.

Martinborough - plum + stoney

Marlbourough + Nelson - Fruits (cherry +plum)

Central Otago - elegant, black cherry

26
Q

Cab + Merlot

A

75% in Hawkes Bay

Best in NZ’s warmer regions. Waheike Island off Auckland.

27
Q

Pino Gris

A
  • 4th most planted variety.
  • More than half is in Marlborough and Hawkes Bay.
  • Growing in popularirt with growers and consumers.
28
Q

Riesling

A
  • Production is increasing fast
  • Cooler dryer sites.
  • South Island. Waipara and Marlbrough. Crisp apple + Citrus.
  • New plantings in Central Otago. Germanic style Floral + lighter.