Adele and Daniel Le Brun celebrate 40 years of pioneering Méthode Traditional in Marlborough!
L-R Virginie, Daniel, Adele and Remy Le Brun.
Often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘grandfather’ of Méthode Traditionelle, Daniel’s winemaking roots date back to 1684 in Champagne. As the eldest son and 12th generation vigneron Daniel was set to take over the family business. Instead, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to the bare paddocks of Marlborough & The beginning of No.1 Family Estate
“When I first visited Marlborough in 1978 I was immediately convinced this was the place to be. The soil and the climate reminded me of Champagne in the best vintage years, yet it happens every year here in Marlborough. There was no winery infrastructure back then, just bare paddocks. Not a blade of green grass to be seen, just a few dusty sheep and that was about it” said Daniel.
To read more about the wonderful story of No.1 Family Estate visit:
https://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/our-story/40-years-pioneering-methode-traditionelle
Cuvée Virginie 2016
To celebrate this 40 year milestone they have today released the No.1 Family Estate’s Cuvée Virginie 2016
Virginie & Daniel Le Brun with the new release Cuvée Virginie
Although Daniel believes every year in Marlborough could be a vintage year, he only produces a vintage wine in the years he deems to be exceptional, and 2016 was one of those. Each of these hand-crafted vintage wines are dedicated to a member of the Le Brun family and 2016 is a proud tribute to his daughter Virginie.
New release 30th October 2020.
Cuvée Virginie is a vintage Méthode Traditionelle crafted especially by Daniel as a proud tribute to his daughter Virginie. The wine is only made in exceptional vintages and the 2016 is due for release 30th October 2020.
Click image to Purchase your bottle of No.1 Family Estate Cuvée Virginie
Vintage Notes
From the growing period through to harvest 2016 all of the elements were in balance and the grapes ripened to perfection. They were hand-picked in pristine condition showing excellent fruit intensity and pretty aromatics from the Mendoza clone Chardonnay. The resulting Cuvée Virginie 2016 is a wine with elegance and finesse.
Tasting Notes
A pretty bouquet with light stone fruit, honey and defined toasty autolysis. The fine mousse leads to flavours of brioche, white peach, soft citrus and green apple. Uplifted and vibrant with delicate autolysis followed by a silky, long dry finish. This is a wine with elegance and finesse.
Winemaker: Daniel Le Brun
Composition: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016 Alcohol: 12% Sweetness: Extra Brut Residual Sugar: 3.14g/L
Total Acidity: 6.6g/L PH: 3.2
On Lees: 3 years 9 months Cellaring: 5-10 years
https://no1-family-estate.myshopify.com/collections/all-wines/products/virginie