Wines Marlborough No.1 Familiy Estate - No.1 Assemblé

Viniou Reviews

No.1 Family Estate’s Cuvée No.1 is a sparkling white wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted in the traditional method. As a non-vintage blend, it draws upon multiple harvests to achieve a consistent house style and complexity. The wine is typically assembled from classic Champagne varietals, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, grown on Marlborough's stony soils. The grapes benefit from cool nights and sunny days, ensuring bright acidity and fresh aromatics, which are hallmarks of Marlborough sparkling wines. Following a careful hand-harvest and gentle whole-bunch pressing, the base wines undergo secondary fermentation in bottle. Extended lees aging imparts texture, biscuit notes and finesse, culminating in a wine that offers a harmonious balance of freshness and depth.

Marlborough, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is globally renowned for its bright, vibrant white wines, yet has also earned a reputation for its refined sparkling wines. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with plenty of sunshine and cool ocean breezes that moderate the ripening process, preserving natural acidity. The free-draining, alluvial soils, combined with precise viticultural practices, contribute to grapes of remarkable purity and flavour intensity. The region's focus on quality and innovation has helped establish New Zealand as a force in the world of sparkling wines.

This sparkling white is wonderfully versatile with food thanks to its crisp acidity and delicate mousse. It pairs beautifully with fresh seafood – think oysters, scallops or crayfish – which complement the wine’s saline minerality and citrus lift. It also matches well with sushi or delicately cured salmon, highlighting both the wine’s finesse and core of fruit. Regional specialties, such as green-lipped mussels, are a natural fit, as are light, creamy cheeses or tempura vegetables.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this sparkling wine well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C. Use elegant flutes or white wine glasses to enhance its aromatic complexity and effervescence. The freshness and fine beading are best appreciated within the first few years after release, though careful storage in a cool, dark environment will help preserve its vibrancy.