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

Viniou Reviews

No.1 Family Estate Cuvée No.1 Brut is a distinguished sparkling wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted with a non-vintage approach that focuses on consistency and house style. This cuvée is traditionally made, emulating the méthode traditionnelle of Champagne, often blending classic grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and occasionally Pinot Meunier. What sets this sparkling apart is its signature freshness, refined mousse, and purity of fruit, stemming from an expert assemblage and extended time on lees. The result is a lively wine with delicate bubbles, scents of green apple, citrus zest, white flowers, and a subtle note of toasted brioche, which speaks to the craftsmanship of the winemakers at No.1 Family Estate.

Marlborough, the famed region at the north-eastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is particularly renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs and, increasingly, its world-class sparkling wines. The region benefits from a cool maritime climate, with generous sunshine, moderate rainfall, and wide diurnal temperature range that preserves acidity and freshness. Soils in Marlborough are typically alluvial, stony, and well-drained, perfect for fostering vibrant, expressive fruit. The region’s winemaking history is relatively young, with commercial vineyards only established in the late 1970s, but it has quickly risen to international prominence due to its distinctive style and superior quality.

For food pairings, No.1 Family Estate Cuvée No.1 Brut shines as an aperitif or with a range of seafood dishes, especially oysters, prawns, and fresh scallops, where its lively acidity and fine bubbles lift the subtle flavours of the shellfish. It also complements soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, smoked salmon blinis, or even fusion dishes like tempura or sushi. For a regional touch, enjoy it alongside New Zealand green-lipped mussels or a classic fish pie.

Serve this sparkling wine well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C, to highlight its crispness and fine mousse. For optimal enjoyment, use sparkling wine flutes or white wine glasses to allow the aromas and bubbles to develop. This wine is delightful now but can be cellared for a year or two to allow further integration of flavours.