Méthode Marlborough Day
28th March 2025
Today, March 28th, 2025, is Méthode Marlborough Day, a celebration of the region’s sparkling wine harvest and the quality of New Zealand’s traditional method sparkling wines.
What is Méthode Marlborough?
Méthode Marlborough is a society of highly regarded Marlborough producers; established with the aim to communicate the quality and heritage of Marlborough traditional method sparkling wines.
What is Méthode Marlborough Day?
It’s an annual event on the last Friday of March, celebrating the end of Marlborough’s sparkling wine harvest and the artistry and joy behind every bottle of Méthode Marlborough.
Méthode Marlborough’s Origins
In 2012, Adele Le Brun, from No.1 Family Estate, along with founding partners Nautilus and Cloudy Bay, set up Méthode Marlborough. The aim of the group was to provide New Zealand consumers an assurance of quality. Members must conform to the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by riddling and ageing for a minimum of 18 months on lees before disgorging. Méthode Marlborough wines must be made exclusively using 100% Marlborough grown grapes either as a blend or alone.
“Importantly, Méthode Marlborough members use the traditional grape varietals of Champagne and adhere strictly to the traditional method and is an assurance of quality from our region.” – Adele Le Brun
Adele and Daniel Le Brun have been pioneers of Méthode Traditionelle in New Zealand for 40 years.
No.1 Assemblé was the first wine in New Zealand to be labelled ‘Méthode Marlborough’ in place of Méthode Traditionelle.
Criteria for membership
1. Wines must be grown, bottled, matured and disgorged in Marlborough
2. Wines must be made using the traditional method of production
3. Wines must be produced with classic sparkling varieties only (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier)
4. Wines must be aged for a minimum of 18 months on lees to the first disgorgement of any batch
Award Winning Méthode Marlborough
No.1 Family Estate
No.1’s range of vintages and blends are handcrafted by owner winemaker Daniel Le Brun in the time honoured traditions of his family in Champagne.
No.1 Rosé NV
Gold Medal Winner in the Summer Days category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2024.
Tasting Notes – Slight mineral and sea breeze touch, a gentle classic & elegant taste, very good, full, rich and plenty of ripe red berries – Glass of Bubbly
No.1 Reserve NV
Silver Medal Winner in the Oaky & Toasty category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2024.
Tasting Notes – Lemon fennel & herbaceous flavours, rich on the palate with toasty notes and saline – Glass of Bubbly
No.1 Assemblé NV
Silver Medal Winner in the Pastries Delight category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2023.
Tasting Notes – Toast and vanilla aromas. Flavours of vanilla, buttered toast, sweet spice, nutmeg and apple with citrus notes – Glass of Bubbly
Cuvée No.1 NV
Silver Medal Winner in the Summer Days category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2024.
Tasting Notes – Fresh lime juice with white peaches, rose petals, greengage, chalk and a touch of yeast. Light and lively, a good definition – Glass of Bubbly
Esses
Specialising in late disgorgement vintage méthode traditionnelle, Esses is a boutique family owned grower and producer. Named after the family and terroir, Esses is crafted from 20 year old vines grown on the Skinner family’s 1.5 hectare estate.
Esses Coeur de Cuvée 2015
Silver Medal Winner in the Oaky & Toasty category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2024.
Tasting Notes – Smoky, oaky, bruised fruits, toast, hints of spice with a soft palate – Glass of Bubbly
Specialing in late disgorgement vintage méthode traditionnelle, Esses is a boutique family owned grower and producer. Named after the family and terroir, Esses is crafted from 20 year old vines grown on the Skinner family’s 1.5 hectare estate.
Spy Valley Wine
Deep in the Waihopai Valley, Bryan and Jan Johnson dared to establish 180 hectares of estate vineyards on land considered too hard, too dry and too unfertile for wine.
It was a venture that started with a passion for the land. This pioneering spirit established one of New Zealand’s most successful family-run wineries, now growing 7 varietals and exporting to 35 countries.
Echelon 2020
Silver Medal Winner in the Light & Fruity category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2023.
Tasting Notes – Delicate lemon, apple and orchard fruits with a hint of floral aromatics. Light flavours of pear with white flowers overlay – Glass of Bubbly
Glass of Bubbly
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