No.1 News and Updates

One of our favourite days of the year is approaching… September 4th is Father’s Day in New Zealand; a day to celebrate your own Dad, being a Dad, fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society as amazing role models.This year if you’re looking for the perfect present for a Dad in your life, why not step away from the socks and gift him something that he’ll really enjoy.

Here’s our No.1 gift guide for Father’s Day.

For the true gentleman – Nothing says quiet, classic, sophistication quite like No.1 Cuvée. Introduced into the New Zealand market on 14 July 1999, it is one of New Zealand's most highly regarded Methode Traditionelle wines. No. 1 Cuvee was the first wine produced by No. 1 Family Estate.  It is renowned throughout New Zealand and internationally winning numerous trophies (including IWSC and Winestate), gold medals and five star awards since its release.

For the hunting, shooting and fishing fella – 70 Calibre was released last year to celebrate our founder and winemaker Daniel Le Brun on the occasion of his 70th birthday and 35th year pioneering Methode Traditionelle in Marlborough. 30 months on lees, this blend is Pinot Noir predominant, a Blanc de Noirs, carefully blended in secret from our reserve base wines. Zero dosage is the mark of full development and autolysis, requiring no enhancement.

For the connoisseur – Of course all of our wines are suitable for any connoisseur; but he’ll especially love No.1 Reserve. Each year, a limited amount of No. 1 is set aside for long-term aging on lees and released after several years as a “Reserve”. This release from the family’s winery was held on lees for five and a half years allowing full autolysis displaying a consistent superfine bead, and firm mousse resulting in a typical, complex, champagne-like character, and giving it the title of “Reserve”. The palate is intensely flavoured and focused with the good fruit-yeast balance providing elegance and style. The extended lees aging has given it extra richness with complex biscuity notes, a well-balanced delicate freshness and a lengthy finish.

For the new man – No.1 Assemblé is the country’s first sparkling wine to be labelled as Méthode Marlborough. A non-vintage brut, Assemblé has spent a minimum of 18 months on lees, encouraging full yeast autolysis, making it an easy-drinking, aperitif style. It is fresh and inviting with sophisticated and typical characters, intense flavours, and a long finish.

Of course if you can’t decide what to get for Dad, our mixed cases represent excellent value and are available exclusively from the No.1 Family Estate online store.

We might be in the depths of a cold snap, but spring really isn’t too far away, and that can mean only one thing… Daffodil Day!

Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s annual flagship event and one of the most important fundraising and awareness campaigns in New Zealand, this year it will be marked on Friday, 26th August 2016. But we’re getting started a little earlier with our sponsorship of the Blenheim Cancer Society Daffodil Day Dinner on 15th August at Bamboo Garden.

We’ve donated some sparkling prizes for the auction…

A Magnum of Number 8 Cuvée
A bottle of 70 Calibre
A bottle of Cuvée Virginie

You can buy your tickets to the event by visiting the Blenheim Cancer Society in Market Street. And if you’re not in Blenheim why not visit your local Cancer Society to find out how you can help support Daffodil Day in your area?

We might be in the depths of a cold snap, but spring really isn’t too far away, and that can mean only one thing… Daffodil Day!

Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s annual flagship event and one of the most important fundraising and awareness campaigns in New Zealand, this year it will be marked on Friday, 26th August 2016. But we’re getting started a little earlier with our sponsorship of the Blenheim Cancer Society Daffodil Day Dinner on 15th August at Bamboo Garden.

We’ve donated some sparkling prizes for the auction…

A Magnum of Number 8 Cuvée
A bottle of 70 Calibre
A bottle of Cuvée Virginie

You can buy your tickets to the event by visiting the Blenheim Cancer Society in Market Street. And if you’re not in Blenheim why not visit your local Cancer Society to find out how you can help support Daffodil Day in your area?

Here at No. 1 Family estate, the home of Méthode Traditionelle wine in New Zealand, our cellar door is famous, not just for the delicious bubbles you can taste here, but also for our landmark arch way. Here it is in all its picturesque autumnal glory.

We often get newly married couples or honeymooners call by and have their photo taken underneath the arch way that has become synonymous with celebration… Fitting really, as bubbles have a tendency to do that!

It seemed only appropriate to include the arch way within our branding, so we had the wonderful Alex Lloyd work on a new logo for us…. here it is ...

We’re excited to let you know that our No.1 Reserve, recently received a sparkling review from Cameron Douglas, and scored top of the class with 96 points (using the 100-point wine rating system).

The 100-point wine rating system has become the benchmark of quality in the wine industry.

Cameron Douglas is New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier. He is a Senior Lecturer at AUT University in Auckland, local and international wine judge, wine commentator and wine educator as well as a speaker and presenter in New Zealand and internationally. Cameron is also an examiner with the Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide; so you could say he knows a thing or two about wine…!

Here’s what he said about No.1 Reserve;

Very elegant with a rich and complex bouquet, focused citrus and peach aromas balanced by a complex toasty autolysis and light strawberry note. On the palate – toasty, fresh, packed with flavours of white peach, strawberry and citrus, a nutty layer and autolysis complexity; medium++ acidity, fine mousse and long finish, an excellent example of sparkling wine.
96 Points

No.1 Reserve was held on lees for five and a half years allowing full autolysis displaying a consistent superfine bead, and firm mousse resulting in a typical, complex, champagne-like character, and giving it the title of “Reserve”. The palate is intensely flavoured and focused with the good fruit-yeast balance providing elegance and style. The extended lees aging has given it extra richness with complex biscuity notes, a well-balanced delicate freshness and a lengthy finish.

No.1 Reserve is limited to 500 bottles, (each of which have been individually hand numbered and hand labelled), and is now on allocation.
Magnums, also numbered, are available in extremely limited numbers.
The bottles are presented in a gift box and the magnum in a wooden box.

Here at No.1 Family Estate, we’re strong advocates for sensible drinking, in moderation. However, we also hold by the general rule of thumb, that a “little bit of what you fancy” keeps you happy, and with happiness comes health! So we’re not going to get into the “is it good for you?” or “is it bad for you?” alcohol debate.That said, drinking a glass of bubbles does come with its own benefits in that it may certainly be better for the waistline! Here are the reasons why…

Methode traditionelle wines are generally lower in calories than still wines, a standard glass contains approximately 80-90 calories, as opposed to still wine which is around 120 calories. A Brut de Brut, such as our Cuvée Adele has no sugar added.
Glasses or flutes used to serve bubbles are generally smaller in size than those used for still wines, this keeps the calorie count even lower.
The bubbles in a glass of methode traditionelle wine have been known to slow down a person’s drinking, as well as making them feel fuller quicker.  This concept is described perfectly by Mireille Guilian, on her blog “French women don’t get fat”; she says… “The drama in the glass makes it hard to drink it too quickly.“

Of course the flip side of the coin is that a glass of bubbles is often served as an apéritif, served before a meal to stimulate the appetite!

We’ll leave it for you to decide… To your waistline! To your health! Or as we say in France… A votre santé!

We’re thrilled to be part of Hospice North Shore’s Vintners’ Brunch. This celebration of Auckland’s finest restaurants and New Zealand’s world-class wineries is in its 20th year. The Vintners’ Brunch offers 450 guests the chance to sample delectable food and wine; to meet the chefs and wine personalities that produce them and to vote for the winner of the coveted Vintners’ Brunch Wine & Food Match Award.

All tickets and seats have been allocated, so if you haven’t been lucky enough to find a place on the guest list why not create your own bubbly brunch? You could even make it a fundraiser, gather some friends together to support your local hospice.

All tickets and seats have been allocated, so if you haven’t been lucky enough to find a place on the guest list why not create your own bubbly brunch? You could even make it a fundraiser, gather some friends together to support your local hospice.

Here are a few tips to help you throw the perfect bubbly brunch.

Don’t forget the appetisers – Many of your guests will have skipped breakfast because they know they’re going to eat brunch… Like all parties and occasions your guests will arrive at various times, so ensure you have some tasty morsels on hand for those that arrive early. We love this recipefor Gougères.
Prepare your eggs ahead of time – Okay so that’s tricky with a perfectly poached egg, opt instead for a delicious Quiche or Frittata. Or consider having all your ingredients ready for these Annabel Langbein Breakfast Pies, and pop them in the oven just as your guests start to arrive.
Have a fruity time – Some people just aren’t into eggs and savouries, so don’t forget to have a delicious fruit salad on hand, but make sure it’s seasonal. If you’re reading this in the midst of our NZ winter try this Vibrant Citrus and Pomegranate Winter Fruit Salad, the jewel like tones will add a festive feel to your brunch. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, make the most of seasonal berries, this recipe uses honey and vanilla for flavour.
Buffet if you need to – If you’re hosting just half a dozen friends you can probably go to town and set the table, if you get above ten people it’s sometimes easier to consider a buffet style option, and let your guests help themselves to the fruits of your labour.
Remember the most important ingredient… Break out the bubbles!

Here at No.1 Family Estate we’re proud to be sponsoring RISE 2016; we have supported this event in previous years and it’s always a great pleasure to be involved. RISE is the perfect platform for women who are serious about business and success, the event’s mission is to empower women in business and we think that’s important.

We make Methode Traditionelle wine in Marlborough, New Zealand, employing the time honoured traditions used by our family’s ancestors in Champagne. Although the famous monk, Dom Perignon, is credited with inventing Champagne, there are in fact several famous “widowed” women of the region who shaped the industry including Barbe-Nicole Clicquot and Lilly Bollinger.

Our very own Daniel Le Brun – Winemaker, has been referred to as “New Zealand’s Grand Poobah of bubbles”! But as you know, No. 1 Family Estate, is exactly that… A family business; and Adele Le Brun has always been a very prominent and important part of our success.

So we thought it appropriate to raise a glass to all those women in business and celebrate three reasons why you’re so important to our changing world.

Women inherently possess a high capacity for emotional intelligence, important for executing strategies and building support.
It’s no cliche… Women really are better multi-taskers than men; a 2013 study by BMC Psychology, found that women outperformed men in several multi-tasking paradigms, although it cautioned against making strong generalisations due to a near lack of empirical studies on gender differences in multitasking.
Women can often be patient by nature, a key attribute in running a successful business.

If you haven’t yet attended a RISE event, connect with them on Facebook to find out when the next one is coming to a town near you!

The days are shorter, the nights longer and it stands to reason that you may want to hibernate. If you’re suffering from a case of mid-winter melancholy check out our “10 Tip Guide” to banishing those winter blues so you can bubble with happiness!

1. Head outside… We know it’s cold, but a brisk walk in the open air is sure to lift your spirits.
2. Eat well… You know the old adage, you are what you eat… Well it’s true, what you eat affects your energy levels and so affects your mood. If you’re participating in “Junk Free June“, it’s likely your spirits have lifted already!
3. Be present… Don’t dwell on the lazy, hazy days of the past summer or long for the one that is on its way; be present and make the most of your “here and now”, discover the things that are good to do in winter and enjoy them.
4. Stay social… And we’re not talking Facebook! We know it’s tempting to stay in on a cold, dark evening; but you’ll feel so much happier when you’re out doing the things you love with the people you care for.
5. Enjoy a mid-winter Christmas… Go all out with friends, we’re talking, gifts, fairy lights good food and of course bubbles!
6. Eat chocolate… If you’re anything like us you won’t need an excuse; but there is science behind it… In winter you may be lacking a natural amino acid called trytophan, luckily contained in chocolate! Trytophan is involved in the manufacture of the feel-good hormone serotonin, which the body produces when exposed to sunshine. Make it the good stuff, 70% cocoa solids, (remember number 2 above – “Eat Well”).
7. Help others… There’s no better way to feel better about yourself, than by helping somebody else; it could be a friend, family member, neighbour or a complete stranger… Do something good for somebody else today and we guarantee you will immediately feel an inner glow that’s hard to beat.
8. Give a gift… It’s a proven fact that altruism and generosity make us healthier and happier!
9. Focus on your joy… It might be your family or a hobby; but there is bound to be something in your life that brings you great pleasure, something you’re passionate about. Once you’ve identified your joy, give it some time and attention.
10. Drink bubbles… Could there be a more joyful sound than the “pop” of a cork?

Drink bubbles with friends at a mid-winter Christmas; and give them the gift of bubbles… You’ve crossed off number 2, 3, 4, 5, (possibly number 6), 8 and number 10! Walk to the mid-winter Christmas and you’ve covered number 1. Help with the cooking and you’ve sorted number 7. Celebrating with friends and family… You’ve likely found your joy, there goes number 9!

It happens to the best of us… You can’t remember where you left your keys or the name of the actress who played the lead in your favourite movie.

Whilst forgetfulness is often associated with growing older, your brain (just like the rest of your body) needs exercise and certain nutrients to remain healthy and keep your memory strong at any age.

Thankfully there are lots of things you can do to enhance your mental performance. Here’s a list of 5 ways to improve your memory.

 1. Give your brain a workout – You’ve heard the expression “use it or lose it”, so find new ways to stimulate your grey matter. Whether it’s suduko or a crossword, research has shown that mental stimulation keeps the brain healthy and increases the strength of memory.

 2. Give your body a workout – Physical exercise is as important to keeping your brain healthy as mental exercise. It increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk of physical illnesses that can lead to reduced memory.

 3. Don’t worry be happy – Stress puts the stops on memory and chronic stress can destroy brain cells all together. Laughter is always the best medicine and can lower cortisol levels, increase dopamine and engage multiple regions across your whole brain.

 4. Eat well – A diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy” fats (such as olive oil, nuts, fish) and lean protein will provide lots of health benefits, and can also improve memory.

 5. Drink bubbles – A study from the University of Reading have shown that phenolic compounds can improve spatial memory. 

It sounds to us like it could be time to party… Time spent with friends on the dance floor with good food and Méthode Traditionelle wine ticks a number of these off the list! If you’re planning to party a Classic Mixed Case is a great way to get it started.

Here at No.1 Family Estate, we believe that our Methode Traditionelle Wines are wines for all seasons…

So whether you’re just approaching summer in the Northern Hemisphere, or winter in the Southern Hemisphere, there’s no excuse not to enjoy a glass or two of bubbles.

Although Methode Traditionelle wines are often served on their own as an aperitif, we’ll let you into a little secret… They are food-pairing champions. What may differ from season to season is the food you choose to serve alongside your No.1 Family Estate wines.

Here are a few suggestions for seasonal menu inspiration…

Celebrate the best moments of summer by sipping your bubbly with lighter dishes.

Oysters and No.1 Cuveé are a match made in heaven!
Smoked salmon, served with brown bread and butter. Simple yet delightfully satisfying.
Fresh Dover Sole with buttery potatoes and fresh peas, will become even more tantalising for your taste buds when served with No.1 Assemblé.
Ripe strawberries become deliciously hedonistic with a glass of No.1 Rosé. Now sit back and enjoy Wimbledon!
Choose desserts that aren’t too sweet, a delicious Lemon Posset is a family favourite. An alternative might be a berry filled summer pudding.

Enjoy the cooler months by pairing No.1 wines with comforting winter foods...

Hibernate on a winter’s evening, with fish and chips picked up from the local takeaway.
Serve any combination of terrines, pâtés and ham, add some warm breads and crackers, but don’t forget the bubbles!
What could be more comforting than a winter roast? Choose lamb and pair it with No.1 Rosé.
Delight your guests with a winter cheese board, choose hard nutty cheeses, such as Gruyere or Comté. Or a beautiful creamy cheese, like Délice.
A warming seafood chowder served with a crisp glass of No.1 Cuvee is perfect as a lunchtime treat or light supper.

Now all you need is your wine!