44. New Zealand

Question 1

What is the climate in New Zealand?

Answer 1

cool to moderate maritime climate for most areas; the exceptions are moderate to cool continental for Central Otago and warm maritime for Auckland

Question 2

What is the relative size of New Zealand vineyards compared to Bordeaux?

Answer 2

production is small in global terms, acreage was 1/3 of that of Bordeaux in 2015

Question 3

What is the impact of wine laws in New Zealand?

Answer 3

The impact of wine laws is relatively small with a paucity of defined wine regions; labels that indicate variety, vintage or origin promise at least 85%. In 2015 legislation was introduced to establish Geographical Indications (GI), mainly an effort to protect brands.

Question 4

What is the most planted variety in New Zealand?

Answer 4

Sauvignon Blanc, about 60%

Question 5

What are the minor white grapes found in New Zealand?

Answer 5

(In addition to Sauvignon Blanc) Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling

Question 6

What are the markers of New Zealand Pinot Noir?

Answer 6

purity of fruit, high alcohol

Question 7

What are the markers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 7

intense aromas of capsicum and gooseberry, intense fruit concentration and high acid

Question 8

What is the most planted red grape in New Zealand?

Answer 8

Pinot Noir

Question 9

What regions of New Zealand are noted for Chardonnay?

Answer 9

Gisborne and Marlborough

Question 10

What region of New Zealand is noted for Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 10

Marlborough

Question 11

What regions of New Zealand are noted for Pinot Noir?

Answer 11

Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago

Question 12

What region of New Zealand is noted for Cabernet Saugvignon and Merlot?

Answer 12

Hawke’s Bay (warmer at lower latitude with high number of sunshine hours allows ripening)

Question 13

What aspects of New Zealand climate most greatly favor the final wine product?

Answer 13

cool to moderate temperatures with a large diurnal range and intense sunshine

Question 14

What aspects of New Zealand grapes and wine most greatly reflect the special climate?

Answer 14

high levels of sugar ripeness, high alcohol, high acidity, intense aromatic flavors

Question 15

Name three wine areas that start with W in New Zealand?

Answer 15

Wairarapa (southern tip of North Island), Waipara (just North of Canterbury), Wairau (north coast of South Island)

Question 16

What is the biggest viticultural challenge in New Zealand?

Answer 16

control vine vigor (and perhaps birds)

Question 17

What are the biggest challenges in terms of price of New Zealand wines?

Answer 17

matching supply and demand, global perception of homogeniety

Question 18

What is the biggest vinicultural challenge in New Zealand?

Answer 18

logistics, establishing winery production facilities close to vineyards (which have grown in scale faster than the required processing capacity)

Question 19

In 2016 NZ wine exports totaled how much?

Answer 19

US$ 1.1 billion (compared with US$ 2.9 billion for the world leader Spain.)

Question 20

What percent of NZ wine exports are Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 20

86%

Question 21

What percent of NZ wine is exported?

Answer 21

About 2/3.

Question 22

What percent of wine consumed in NZ is from NZ?

Answer 22

about 60%