Flashcards in C40 - New Zealand Deck (90)
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1
What and where is New Zealand's nearest land mass?
Australia - 1900km away
2
What is the overall climate of New Zealand?
Maritime
3
Describe the temperatures of New Zealand's islands
South Island is cool
North Island is warmer
4
The combination of ..., ... and ... allows grapes in New Zealand to...
Long sunshine hours, nights cooled by sea breezes and a long ripening period
reach high levels of sugar and flavour ripeness, while retaining acidity
5
Where do the vineyards of NZ's South Island tend to be located?
On the east side
6
What is the climatic advantage to NZ's South Island vineyards being mostly on the east side?
They are protected from rain-bearing westerly winds here, by mountains in the centre of the island
7
What is a potentially problematic major climatic feature on the South Island of New Zealand?
High rainfall, despite the presence of the mountains to the west
8
Why are the vineyards well adapted to cope with the high levels of rainfall in NZ South Island?
Soils here tend to be free draining and so do not experience waterlogging
9
Describe the poorer vineyard sites of South Island and the result on vines
The land is flat and and can be overly fertile, leading to excessive shoot and leaf growth
10
How have New Zealanders adapted to problems of vine vigour?
They have become experts in trellising and other canopy management techniques
11
What does the New Zealand wine industry commit to as a whole? How do they set out to achieve this?
Reducing the environmental impact of their vineyard management and winery practices
With the initiative 'Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand'
12
What is New Zealand's flagship grape? Since when?
Sauvignon Blanc
Since the early 1990s
13
Which grape accounts for the majority of wine production in New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc
14
What are the benchmark features of Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand?
Pungent aromas
Intense flavours of elderflower and passion fruit
High acidity
15
What are the differences between the Sauvignons of North Island and South?
The north produces more tropical flavours
The south produces more acidity and flavours of green pepper and gooseberry
16
How is NZ Sauvignon usually fermented? Why?
In inert vessels at cool temperatures to retain fruity flavours and aromas
17
What is the role of oak in making NZ Sauvignon?
Some producers mature SB in oak
18
What is NZ's second most planted white grape?
Chardonnay
19
What style of Chardonnay is made in New Zealand?
There is a variety of styles created using different techniques
The general style is led by concentrated citrus and tropical fruits with subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from new french oak
20
What have been the recent grape growing explorations in New Zealand?
For aromatic varieties Riesling and Gewurztraminer
Also for semi-aromatic Pinot Gris
21
Why is New Zealand well suited to aromatic varieties?
Dry night-times and cool night temperatures ensure aromatic compounds have plenty of time to develop before the grapes are harvested
22
Why style are aromatic grapes of New Zealand made into now?
From dry to sweet
Off-dry is the most prevalent style
23
What is New Zealand's second most planted variety after SB?
Pinot Noir
24
Where in NZ is PN grown?
Widely throughout the south island
In some parts of the north island
25
What is the overall profile of Pinot Noir in New Zealand?
Fine ripe tannins
Soft texture
Quite high levels of alcohol
Vibrant fruit
26
What are the exceptions to Pinot Noir's main style in New Zealand?
Some distinct regional styles have also emerged
27
What is the red variety with the second greatest volume in New Zealand?
Merlot
28
How is Merlot often used in New Zealand's wines?
Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add tannin and notes of cassis
29
Like all New Zealand wines, its Bordeaux-style blends are noted for...
The purity of their fruit flavours
30
