No.1 News and Updates

New Release! 'A Special Tribute to our Range'

Posted by [email protected] on October 27, 2023

Today, coinciding with Global Champagne Day, No.1 Family Estate are launching a special tribute and addition to their range; Reine Cuvée Reserve Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle NV.

 

The pre-release was celebrated yesterday with an intimate group of family, friends and wine professionals at the award-winning Arbour Restaurant in Marlborough.

 

Daniel Le Brun, a Marlborough pioneer, hails from 12 generations of Champagne vignerons. The First record of a Le Brun planting vines in Champagne is 1684. The date 1791 is carved into the historic family press, the year the Le Brun’s first started producing wine in Champagne. Today, Daniel’s team craft their wines here in Marlborough, in the traditional method of his homeland. No.1 Reine Cuvée is a tribute to the family’s mother and mémère, Reine Vautrelle Le Brun.

      

Reine’s love of flowers was echoed throughout the restaurant with arrangements and little touches of roses, spring leaves and daisies creating a beautiful, feminine yet humble setting.  The floral pattern on the Reine Cuvée label is inspired by a precious heirloom ring handed down to grandaughter, her ‘petite-fille,’ Virginie Le Brun.

      

On arrival, guests enjoyed their first taste of Reine Cuvée in Arbours beautiful garden, with the Champagne tradition of sabrage by Virginie. They were then seated for a library tasting of No.1 méthodes, followed by lunch with each course matched to a wine from the No.1 range. The day concluded with Arbour’s specially crafted ‘La Fleur de Reims’ cocktail made from No.1 Assemblé and local ingredients. This was served alongside ‘Rosé de Reims biscuits’ which are reminiscent of Adele’s time spent in Champagne.

 

      

 

The day was nostalgic for Daniel and Adele, reminiscing the loyalty, deep love and humble beginnings of Reine and Rene. A boy and a girl from neighbouring Champagne villages, Monthelon and Morangi, their meeting was inevitable. Love blossomed in difficult times as WW2 landed on their doorstep.

 

As the German Army was pushing through Belgium, the French Government ordered the population of Northern France to evacuate and take their families as far as possible from the incoming fighting. A chaotic situation ensued with millions of people fleeing the war and taking with them just a few precious belongings. They had no option but to leave everything else behind including, for those in Champagne, their precious vineyards. Reine and Rene were separated and went with their respective families; the Le Brun’s to Bordeaux where they had relatives, and the Vautrelle’s headed South without any destination in mind.

 

“After six weeks, in July 1940, the armistice was signed, and people returned to their homes to find deplorable conditions. Mildew had left their vineyards in tatters,” said Daniel.

 

“My father and grandfather Nestor went on to fight in the Resistance, ambushing the Germans at great risk to their lives.” 

 

Through this, Reine and Rene’s love held true, and they married on 23rd December 1944. Most of France had been liberated, but on their wedding day the distant rumble of artillery battle could be heard. Ardennes were still engaged in the battle of the Bulge, around the Belgian city of Bastogne. Everyone feared the Nazis return.

 

Yet amongst this, they soon welcomed their first-born, Daniel Le Brun. Daniel was born in Champagne 1945.  A year that signified triumph and change, a determination that he carried with him all the way to Marlborough, New Zealand.

 

Daniel, as the first-born son, was set to take over the family vineyard. However, during harvest in his homeland, Daniel heard tales from travelling grape pickers of a terroir down under. He was intrigued. He was determined. He set off, against the wishes of his parents, on a journey for his ‘Champagne of the Antipodes’.

 

      

 

In 1978, Daniel first laid eyes on the dusty plains of Marlborough. There were only a few vine plantings, mainly Muller Thurgau and Riesling. It was a risk, but his mind was set, Marlborough was to be the home of his first Méthode Traditionelle vineyard.

 

Daniel planted his first New Zealand vineyard in 1980. He launched his first Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle in 1985 under his first venture. His second venture, No.1 Family Estate launched in 1999, 14thJuly, also Bastille Day. He has won countless gold medals and trophies in this time. In 2021 Daniel and Adele were humbled to receive The New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows award, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand wine industry. Most recently, October 2023, they both were awarded the Sir George Fistonich medal in recognition to services in New Zealand wine.

 

Over the years Daniel’s parent’s Reine and Rene came to love Marlborough and New Zealand, the place that Daniel chose for his Méthode Traditionelle journey back in 1978. They have visited many times, showing dedication and support of Daniel’s venture and life here, with their final visit to Marlborough, both aged in their 90’s.

 

Reine and Rene’s connection to New Zealand was deep and they have hosted many New Zealanders in their home and vineyards in Champagne. Mémère loved nothing more than welcoming her son’s friends and industry peers from afar and particularly enjoyed sharing the family’s Champagnes from the birth year of her three children Daniel, Jean-Claude and Isabelle.

 

No.1 Reine Cuvée is classic Méthode Traditionelle blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Extended lees ageing and minimal dosage has created a seamless and sophisticated Extra Brut Reserve NV.

 

Daniel said “I am immensely proud of all the team. They did a great job, starting with Remy and his team in the vineyard, delivering fruit in perfect condition, a joy to work with for Lee and the winemaking crew.”

 

No.1 Family Estate Winemaker, Lee Dobson said “this is a superb example of Marlborough méthode NV made in the classic Champagne style. No.1 NV méthodes come from a predominant vintage, with a blend of reserve wine from multiple years to keep consistency with the house style. The fruit for the Reine Cuvée was predominantly from vintage 2019.”

 

“It was an extremely hot year in Marlborough with drought conditions in the region. The fruit from 2019, with harvest led by Remy, was incredible, perfectly clean making it a winemaker’s dream. With very little intervention in the process, the Cuvée Reine is a true expression of the high-quality fruit produced in Marlborough. Patiently waiting four years on lees has resulted in a beautifully balanced and complex wine, the perfect tribute to Daniels mother Reine,” said Lee.

 

The extended lees ageing has created a charming méthode that is full and rich but retains finesse. Champagne-like characters of brioche and buttered toast are entwined with baked peach and ripe apricot. The pallet is broad with beautifully balanced acidity creating a seamless and elegant méthode that is crisp yet lingers on the taste buds. 

Reine Cuvée Reserve NV

Posted by [email protected] on October 27, 2023

 

No.1 Reine Cuvée is classic Méthode Traditionelle blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Extended lees ageing and minimal dosage has created a seamless and sophisticated Extra Brut Reserve NV.

 

Daniel said “I am immensely proud of all the team. They did a great job, starting with Remy and his team in the vineyard, delivering fruit in perfect condition, a joy to work with for Lee and the winemaking crew.”

 

No.1 Family Estate Winemaker, Lee Dobson said “this is a superb example of Marlborough méthode NV made in the classic Champagne style. No.1 NV méthodes come from a predominant vintage, with a blend of reserve wine from multiple years to keep consistency with the house style. The fruit for the Reine Cuvée was predominantly from vintage 2019.”

 

“It was an extremely hot year in Marlborough with drought conditions in the region. The fruit from 2019, with harvest led by Remy, was incredible, perfectly clean making it a winemaker’s dream. With very little intervention in the process, the Cuvée Reine is a true expression of the high-quality fruit produced in Marlborough. Patiently waiting four years on lees has resulted in a beautifully balanced and complex wine, the perfect tribute to Daniels mother Reine,” said Lee.

 

The extended lees ageing has created a charming méthode that is full and rich but retains finesse. Champagne-like characters of brioche and buttered toast are entwined with baked peach and ripe apricot. The pallet is broad with beautifully balanced acidity creating a seamless and elegant méthode that is crisp yet lingers on the taste buds. 

 

 SPECIFICATIONS:

Composition:   50% Chardonnay
  43% Pinot Noir
  7% Pinot Meunier
Vintage: Non Vintage
Winemaker: Daniel Le Brun
Alcohol: 12.5%
RS:  2.8 g/L
TA: 6.1 g/L
PH: 3.2
Time on Lees:    4+ years
Disgorged: August 2023 ongoing
Cellaring: 5 years
RRP: $63.00

 

Buy Now

 

The Le Brun Family, Champagne

Posted by [email protected] on October 27, 2023

The launch day of No.1 Reine Cuvée was nostalgic for Daniel and Adele, reminiscing the loyalty, deep love and humble beginnings of Reine and Rene. A boy and a girl from neighbouring Champagne villages, Monthelon and Morangi, their meeting was inevitable. Love blossomed in difficult times as WW2 landed on their doorstep.

 

As the German Army was pushing through Belgium, the French Government ordered the population of Northern France to evacuate and take their families as far as possible from the incoming fighting. A chaotic situation ensued with millions of people fleeing the war and taking with them just a few precious belongings. They had no option but to leave everything else behind including, for those in Champagne, their precious vineyards. Reine and Rene were separated and went with their respective families; the Le Brun’s to Bordeaux where they had relatives, and the Vautrelle’s headed South without any destination in mind.

 

“After six weeks, in July 1940, the armistice was signed, and people returned to their homes to find deplorable conditions. Mildew had left their vineyards in tatters,” said Daniel.

 

“My father and grandfather Nestor went on to fight in the Resistance, ambushing the Germans at great risk to their lives.” 

 

Through this, Reine and Rene’s love held true, and they married on 23rd December 1944. Most of France had been liberated, but on their wedding day the distant rumble of artillery battle could be heard. Ardennes were still engaged in the battle of the Bulge, around the Belgian city of Bastogne. Everyone feared the Nazis return.

 

Yet amongst this, they soon welcomed their first-born, Daniel Le Brun. Daniel was born in Champagne 1945.  A year that signified triumph and change, a determination that he carried with him all the way to Marlborough, New Zealand.

 

Daniel, as the first-born son, was set to take over the family vineyard. However, during harvest in his homeland, Daniel heard tales from travelling grape pickers of a terroir down under. He was intrigued. He was determined. He set off, against the wishes of his parents, on a journey for his ‘Champagne of the Antipodes’.

 

      

 

In 1978, Daniel first laid eyes on the dusty plains of Marlborough. There were only a few vine plantings, mainly Muller Thurgau and Riesling. It was a risk, but his mind was set, Marlborough was to be the home of his first Méthode Traditionelle vineyard.

 

Daniel planted his first New Zealand vineyard in 1980. He launched his first Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle in 1985 under his first venture. His second venture, No.1 Family Estate launched in 1999, 14thJuly, also Bastille Day. He has won countless gold medals and trophies in this time. In 2021 Daniel and Adele were humbled to receive The New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows award, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand wine industry. Most recently, October 2023, they both were awarded the Sir George Fistonich medal in recognition to services in New Zealand wine.

 

Over the years Daniel’s parent’s Reine and Rene came to love Marlborough and New Zealand, the place that Daniel chose for his Méthode Traditionelle journey back in 1978. They have visited many times, showing dedication and support of Daniel’s venture and life here, with their final visit to Marlborough, both aged in their 90’s.

 

Reine and Rene’s connection to New Zealand was deep and they have hosted many New Zealanders in their home and vineyards in Champagne. Mémère loved nothing more than welcoming her son’s friends and industry peers from afar and particularly enjoyed sharing the family’s Champagnes from the birth year of her three children Daniel, Jean-Claude and Isabelle.

Shipping Rates

Posted by [email protected] on November 21, 2022

ONLINE STORE SHIPPING UPDATE:

Due to the increase in shipping costs over the past year, our online store shipping rates are now based on weight rather than flat rate. 

The shipping rates are now: 

North Island

0-5kg - $15 

 5.1-10kg - $18

10.1-15kg - $20 

15+kg - $22

 

South Island

0-5kg - $12

5.1-10kg - $15

10.1-15kg - $18

15kg - $20

 

Bracu Estate 25th Anniversary Celebration

Posted by [email protected] on September 28, 2022

Bracu Estate are celebrating their 25th Anniversary in style, presenting an extravagant not-to-be-missed ‘Black Tie Masquerade Gala’.

No detail will be spared for their dazzling event, with red carpet from 6:00 PM. Expect No.1 Assemble bubbles on arrival, as well as an interactive welcome wall and our official evening photographer, Norrie Montgomery.

Your evening will feature a 5-course roaming degustation from 7:00 PM alongside complimentary cocktails and selected beverages.
The glamour-filled evening will feature a large range of entertainment, including fire dancers and bespoke casino experience through to professional dancers and live music on the dance floor.

Raise a glass of bubbles to Bracu Estate at 10:30 PM, with complimentary No.1 Family Estate Methode Traditionnelle and specially made septennial-tiered cake for all guests.

Lemon Posset Recipe

Posted by [email protected] on December 16, 2021

Did you know you can serve bubbles with dessert. Adele’s famous Lemon Posset pairs perfectly with No.1 Cuvée.

Ingredients: (makes 10-12 servings in small glasses)

600 ml cream
¾ cup caster sugar
Grated rind and juice of 2 lemons
Raspberries or blueberries and mint to serve

 

Method:

Place the cream and caster sugar in a small saucepan and stir as it comes to the boil.
Once it boils, reduce the heat to keep gently boiling and time the mixture for exactly 3 minutes. This timing is very important to the ‘chemistry’ of the recipe.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the grated rind and lemon juice.
Cool, then pour into small glasses (sherry or liquor glasses are ideal). Chill for at least 6-8 hours, or it’s even better if you can make it the night before.
Serve chilled with some raspberries or blueberries and small mint leaves on top. 

 

* Recipe inspired by Jo Seager

Buy No.1 Locally

Posted by [email protected] on September 07, 2021

You can purchase No.1 at the following stores:

  • New World Blenheim
  • Wino's Liquor
  • The Winestation
  • PaknSave Blenheim
  • Super Liquor Blenheim
  • Liquorland Blenheim
  • Countdown (Springlands, Redwoodtown)
  • The Bottle-o Redwoodtown Tavern
  • FreshChoice (Picton)

 

You can enjoy No.1 at the following venues:

  • Arbour 
  • Harvest at The Marlborough Lodge 
  • Scotch Bar
  • Raupo
  • Vines Village Cafe
  • Gramados Restaurant
  • The Vintners Retreat
  • Marlborough Vintners Hotel
  • The Yard Bar & Bistro
  • Bamboo Garden
  • Scenic Hotel Blenheim
  • Marlborough Public House
  • Cafe Cortado
  • Furneaux Lodge
  • Punga Cove Resort
  • Koura Bay Lodge

Vacancy - Part Time Administration Officer

Posted by [email protected] on August 12, 2021

Part Time Administration Officer

Mon – Fri. (26 hours).

Including 2 full days and 2 days finishing at 4.30pm.

 

Due to our existing admin lady moving north we are looking for a new team member for our small team.

 

Duties include:

  • Orders
  • Payroll
  • Invoicing
  • Payments
  • PAYE
  • Commissions
  • Cellar Door Balancing
  • Banking as required.
  • Petty Cash returns
  • GST   - Preparation
  • Excise - Preparation

 

Whilst experience in the wine industry, including import/export would be an advantage all applications will be considered. Applicants must be resident in NZ, as this is a long term position.

 

If you enjoy working in a varied & challenging role then apply in writing with CV to:

The Directors

No 1 Family Estate, 169 Rapaura Road, R D 3, Blenheim                             

Email: [email protected]

Applications close 25th Aug 2021.

 

Introducing Penny Murdoch - Senior Administrator

Posted by [email protected] on March 10, 2021

We are delighted to introduce Penny who joined our No.1 Family late last year as Senior Administrator.  Read on to find out more about Penny, her role here with us and life in Marlborough.

 

How long have you been part of the team at No.1 Family Estate? 

I joined 5 months ago, October 2020.

Previous to that, what did you do and how did that prepare you for role at No.1 Family Estate? 

Prior to joining the team here at No.1 Family Estate I worked in various roles and industries which included Medical Laboratory, Commercial Furniture, Telecommunications, Renal Health and Accountants while studying accounting part time at Massey University.

What does your role involve, and who do you work with?

My role is focussed on accounts and I work with the whole team here at No.1. I like to step out and help where I can.

What do you enjoy most about your job so far? 

The variety and the people who I work with, it’s a great team here.

Which is your favourite No.1 Family Estate wine and why? (If you haven’t been taken through a tasting yet let me know and I’ll arrange!)

I absolutely love the Reserve!  It is smooth with toasty brioche notes you get with an aged Méthode – just divine.

When do you enjoy a glass of bubbles the most?

Like many of us, I enjoy a glass of bubbles when celebrating a special occasion.  

Are you from Marlborough? If not, how did you find your way there? 

No, I am originally from Auckland and made my way here via Ireland, London and Sydney.  My husband’s job moved us to Marlborough 5 years ago from Sydney, and sunny Marlborough is now our home.

What do you love most about the Marlborough region? 

We have a small Lifestyle block that goes down to the Onamalutu river. It’s so peaceful and I love the birdsong.

When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?  

With a lifestyle block and two active children aged 8 and 10 I spend a lot of my time outdoors. Whether it be gardening and planting natives on our property, out on the river with the kids, or ferrying them to and from sports, our days a filled with all that Marlborough has to offer.

A Rosy Day for No.1 Rose

Posted by [email protected] on December 11, 2020

It was a rosy start to the day for No.1 Family Estate with the results of the Champagne Sparkling Wine World Championship Trophy results announced over night.

 

We are delighted to announce that the No.1 Rosé Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle NV has been awarded a Gold Medal, Best in Class and Trophy for Best New Zealand Sparkling Wine 2020 at the prestigious Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships!

 

2020 was a record-breaking year for the CSWWC with over 1,000 entries across 30 countries that submitted their top Champagnes and Sparkling wines. The judges for this competition are a small team of sparkling wine specialists who blind taste every single wine entered. Only 75 Best in Class awards are presented and 9 National Trophies and we are very proud to be among these world-class producers.

 

CSWWC Judge Essi Avellans said “For me, learning what our Best in Classes are is only second to the excitement of the World Champion Trophies. I truly enjoyed the Best in Class selection process this year, when we put our heads and palates together to select ‘the one’ amongst all the very good Gold Medal quality contenders within every region and category. These Best In Class are world-class wines.”
 

Ellie Vincent, Marketing Manager at No.1 Family Estate said “We have been eagerly awaiting the results of this competition after it was originally delayed due to COVID-19. Thank you to the judges and organisers who pulled this competition together and executed safely despite the COVID level restrictions in the UK.”

 

Our award-winning sparkling Rosé is made in the traditional method using 100% Pinot Noir. It celebrates the superb climate of Marlborough and has a fresh, youthful and precise bouquet of flowers, cherry and strawberries. Delicate salmon-pink in colour with a mass of tiny bubbles. The palate is dry and elegant with a fine and silky mousse. 

 

Find out more about our No.1 Rose 

Read about the CSWWC results at The Buyer UK.

  

No.1 Rose Marlborough Methode Traditionelle NV | CSWWC Judge Tom Stevenson