Terroir 2012 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Identifying New Zealand Sauvignon blanc terroirs

Identifying New Zealand Sauvignon blanc terroirs

Abstract

The concept of terroir is well established in the ‘old world’ wine industry but its use is still relatively new in New Zealand. Marlborough Sauvignon blanc has become a benchmark for Sauvignon blanc around the world. However, under The NZ Geographical Indications (Wines and Spirits) Registration Act 2006, this label covers all the Sauvignon blanc wines from Marlborough irrespective of brand, sub-region or production method. This is not atypical for a young industry, as it takes many years to understand the subtleties of a ‘terroir’ with its own ecophysiological conditions.
To identify distinctive terroirs, a collaborative project with New Zealand Sauvignon blanc grape producers has been initiated. This study investigates the typicality of individual commercial juices. About 100 Sauvignon blanc juices have been collected from throughout New Zealand during harvest 2011, but with the majority coming from Marlborough. Sub-samples of these juices were analysed for a number of compounds and 700-ml ferments wines were made. Fermentation characteristics were recorded and all wines were chemically analysed. A grower survey on vineyard practices was conducted. GIS technology was used to map vineyard practices, soil type and the geological and climatic conditions as well as juice and wine characteristics. The information that has been gathered will help to define identifiable New Zealand terroirs.

DOI:

Publication date: October 1, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2012

Type: Article

Authors

Marc GREVEN (1), Laure RESSÉGUIER (2), Victoria, RAW (1), Claire GROSE (1), Richard OLIVER (4), Roger HARKER (3)

(1) The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Marlborough, P.O. Box 845, Blenheim, New Zealand
(2) ENITA de Bordeaux, 1 Cours du Générale de Gaulle, 33175 Gradignan, France
(3) The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Mt Albert, Private Bag 92 169, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
(4) The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 3230, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Keywords

Terroir, Marlborough, Sauvignon blanc, GIS

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2012

Citation

Related articles…

European consumer preference for wines made from fungus resistant grape varieties

Fungus resistant grape varieties (FRGV or PIWI) offer many benefits such as less pesticide use or premium prices for enhanced sustainability. Still, winemakers are concerned about inferior wine quality. This study evaluates how European wine consumers assess wines made from new FRGVs in comparison to traditional V. vinifera varieties. Most of them were grown in the same vineyard. Four white (Calardis Blanc, Muscaris, Sauvignac, Cabernet Blanc) und three red (Satin Noir, Cabernet Cortis, Laurot) FRGV were compared to Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Muskateller, Cab. Sauvignon and Merlot. For each FRGV, different styles were vinified using standardized protocols.

Characterization of non-cultivated wild grapevines in Extremadura (Spain) 

Several Eurasian wild grapevine populations were found along Extremadura region (southwestern Spain). For conservation and study, one individual from four different populations (named L1, L2, L5 and L6) was vegetatively propagated and planted at Instituto de Investigaciones Agrarias Finca La Orden (CICYTEX), Badajoz. The aim of the present work was to characterize those conserved individuals from four different populations based on both an ampelographic description and a molecular analysis. Three vines per individual were studied.

Sensory impact of sunburn in white wine and mitigation of climateinduced off-flavours by defoliation and application of reflecting particles on grapes

Climate change is a great environmental challenge with large impact on the Wine and sprakling wine industry. Heat waves and dryness cause frequent sunburn damage in white grapes

Actual challenges and the need to produce alternative products from red grapes rich in phenols and antioxidants

The global consumption of wine has undergone significant changes after several years of covid-19, which was the beginning of a global crisis of the current century. This pushed some people to start looking for comfort and security as they felt that the world around them was losing these benefits. In most cases, this has led to them to idea of rethinking their lives in an attempt to live better or continuing to stay true to their habits and lifestyles despite the pressure of changes. Alcohol in any form is a part of these reactions, leading to increased consumption in the early stages of a crisis, particularly in relation to anxiety.

Influence Of Phytosterols And Ergosterol On Wine Alcoholic Fermentation For Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Strains

Sterols are a fraction of the eukaryotic lipidome that is essential for the maintenance of the cell membrane integrity and their good functionality. During alcoholic fermentation, they ensure yeast growth, metabolism and viability, as well as resistance to osmotic stress and ethanol inhibition. Two sterol sources can support yeasts to adapt to fermentation stress conditions: ergosterol, produced by yeast in aerobic conditions, and phytosterols, plant sterols found in grape musts imported by yeasts in anaerobiosis. Little is known about the physiological impact of the assimilation of phytosterols in comparison to ergosterol and the influence of sterol type on fermentation kinetics parameters.