Wines Marlborough No.1 Family Estate - No.1 Reserve

Viniou Reviews

No.1 Family Estate Cuvée No.1 Reserve hails from the heart of the Marlborough region in New Zealand, an area celebrated for its expressive sparkling wines. This non-vintage sparkling blanc is crafted predominantly from traditional Champagne grape varieties—typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—meticulously hand-harvested and vinified using the Méthode Traditionnelle. The wine is aged on its lees, allowing for a creamy texture and complex autolytic notes, while remaining refreshingly crisp and vibrant. The blend reveals fine bubbles, enticing aromas of citrus peel, white stone fruit and toasted brioche, finishing with a lingering, elegant freshness that’s characteristic of quality Marlborough fizz.

Marlborough, New Zealand’s most renowned wine region, benefits from a cool maritime climate with ample sunshine and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. These factors contribute to slow, even grape ripening and the retention of crisp acidity so prized in sparkling wines. The valley’s alluvial soils, formed from centuries of river activity, are rich in minerals and ensure excellent drainage, encouraging vine roots to develop depth and complexity. Viticulture in Marlborough has a relatively recent history, with the boom truly beginning in the late 20th century, but the region’s dedication to quality and sustainable practices has earned it global acclaim—particularly for fine, expressive sparkling wines.

For food pairing, this reserve sparkler shines with a wide array of dishes. Its delicate mousse and bright acidity make it a classic companion to oysters, fresh prawns or a simple platter of shellfish. The creamy autolytic character complements smoked salmon blinis, sushi, or lighter poultry dishes. If you wish to explore local accents, a New Zealand green-lipped mussel salad or whitebait fritters would pair wonderfully. The wine’s freshness also holds up to mild soft cheeses and can be delightful with canapés during an aperitif.

To fully appreciate its finesse, serve the Cuvée No.1 Reserve well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C. This will highlight the wine’s vibrancy while allowing those subtle yeasty and orchard fruit notes to blossom in the glass. Enjoy with good company and celebratory moments.