Sparkling Wines Marlborough No.1 Family Estate - No.1 Rosé

Viniou Reviews

No.1 Family Estate Cuvée No.1 Rosé is a sparkling wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted in the traditional method, echoing the techniques of Champagne. This non-vintage cuvée elegantly blends classic Champagne grape varieties, primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to create a delicate pink rosé effervescent wine. The base wines for this cuvée are skillfully selected and undergo secondary fermentation in bottle, a process which imparts refined bubbles and complex autolytic notes. The wine typically displays enticing aromas of wild red berries—strawberries, raspberries—layered with subtle citrus and hints of fresh brioche, adding depth to its vibrant, clean palate.

Marlborough is renowned as New Zealand’s pre-eminent wine-growing region. Situated in the north-eastern tip of the South Island, it enjoys a cool, maritime climate marked by long sunshine hours, significant diurnal temperature shifts, and cooling sea breezes. The soils range from alluvial gravels to clay loams, offering excellent drainage and imparting a crisp, mineral finesse to the wines. The region’s modern viticultural history dates back to the 1970s, and today it is celebrated globally, especially for its Sauvignon Blanc and increasingly for its high-quality méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, owing to the ideal conditions for nurturing grape acidity and purity.

Pairing with food, a sparkling rosé like this shows great versatility. Its bright acidity and delicate red fruit profile make it a wonderful aperitif. For an elevated pairing, enjoy alongside seafood platters—especially fresh Marlborough oysters or cured salmon—as the wine’s freshness complements the brininess beautifully. Regional specialities such as green-lipped mussels or a light summer salad with goat’s cheese are also fine matches. For something heartier, try it with duck rillettes or a terrine, where the wine’s bubbles and acidity help cleanse the palate.

For tasting, serve chilled at 8-10°C. This ensures the finesse and vibrancy of the bubbles are at their best, while allowing the bouquet and red berry flavours to express themselves fully. Consider using tulip-shaped sparkling wine glasses to enhance the aromatic complexity and appreciation of its fine mousse.