Monthly Archives: July 2017

At No.1 Family Estate we love a good movie, and you will often find some of the team here, heading off to the Top Town Cinema in Blenheim. But in the depths of winter we can’t always bring ourselves to tear ourselves away from the comfort of the sofa and a roaring fire, so we’ll indulge in a movie night at home.

If you’d like to join us, here’s how to hold your own No.1 movie night…

• Casablanca paired with a bottle of No. 1 Cuvée. A classic movie deserves a classic wine, and No. 1 Cuvée is not only the first wine produced by No. 1 Family Estate, it’s also one of New Zealands most highly regarded Methode Traditionelle wines.
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s paired with a bottle of No 1 Rosé. Whilst it’s true that Breakfast at Tiffany’s is another classic movie, it was also a trail blazing chick flick! No.1 Rose is dry, yet fresh and elegant, leaving a lasting impression of opulence and splendour. Much like Audrey’s style and grace as a film and fashion icon.
• The Philadelphia Story paired with a bottle of No.1 Reserve. Another classic, this 1940 movie was remade in 1956 as High Society. Each year, a limited amount of No. 1 is set aside for long-term aging on lees and released after several years as a “Reserve”, so you could also call it a remake of a classic in its own right!
• Lost in Translation paired with No. 1 Assemblé. You could categorise this iconic Sofia Coppola movie as a romantic comedy, but it’s way deeper than your average romcom and was ahead of its time in terms of cinematography and nuanced storytelling, that’s why it’s a perfect match for No. 1 Assemblé often characterized for its sophistication and intense flavours.
• True Grit paired with 70 Calibre. Yep, we know we’re suckers for classic movies, but this western is also a front-runner in the action movie genre, so it seems an appropriate match for Daniel’s pioneering spirit and the wine that was made to celebrate his 70th birthday. 

So now all you need to do is download your movie and find your wine… Buy yours HERE. Happy viewing!

This month Virginie was delighted to represent No.1 Family estate at a Tri-Nations dinner held at Michelin starred U.K. restaurant, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

Roger Jones, Australian wine expert and owner of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, launched the Tri Nations Wine Challenges as a concept to highlight the quality of premium wines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, matched with Michelin star food.

At this month's dinner, in a battle of great sparkling wines, Cuvée Virginie (09) went head-to-head with an Arras Grand Vintage (08) from Tasmania. Both were paired with Ceviche of Sea Bass and Sea Bream, with Thai Flavours and Yuzu. We're thrilled to say that Cuvée Virginie was the winner of its round at the dinner.

The excitement of a tri-nations dinner made us think about other ways to bring three nations together in a wonderful food and wine experience.

The U.K., France and New Zealand – A match made in heaven…

As summer is in full swing in the U.K. we want you to enjoy our French heritage and our New Zealand home… Here are three ways to enjoy No.1 wines in the U.K. this summer.

Picnic in the park – Whether it’s an organized event or casual weekend get together, a picnic in the park is quintessentially British. Pack traditional favourites like Scotch Eggs, sharp cheddar cheese and hand carved ham. Add a bottle of No. 1 Assemblé, you’ll find it fresh and inviting with sophisticated and typical characters and intense flavours.

Fish & Chips – There’s nothing better on a warm evening than a stroll along the coastline, followed by fish and chips fresh from the wrapping. Sit on the beach, enjoy the view and to add a little elegance to the evening, enjoy a bottle of No. 1 Cuvée, one of New Zealand's most highly regarded Méthode Traditionelle wines.

A long lunch – Long summer weekends are perfect for sharing time with friends and family, so why not host a long lunch, and serve bubbles with every course?
To Start: Gravadlax of Salmon served with No.1 Assemblé
Main Course: Confit duck with red cabbage and chestnuts. Add a salad of endive, pear, blue cheese and toasted pecans, serve with No.1 Rosé
To Finish: Lemon Posset served with No.1 Cuveé
Bon appétit!

Order your wines from  Amathus in the U.K. and start your tri-nations summer!