Method Marlborough has recently sent 11 bottles of Methode Marlborough for tasting; I shared them with a few local wine enthusiasts.
There are 12 members currently:
No.1 Family Estate
Allan Scott
Tohu
Nautilus
Johanneshof
Daniel Le Brun
Spy Valley Wines
Hunter’s
Saint Clair
LV – Louis Vavasour
Pernod Ricard New Zealand
Whitehaven’s (about the launch their first methode traditionelle later this year)
Their goal is to build recognition for the quality, diversity and affordability of their member wines.
Methode Marlborough organization was established in 2013, but Methode Marlborough member wineries have an impressive history to share and much more to make. No.1 Family Estate is celebrating their 40th year of producing methode traditionelle this year! They believe their stories and successes will resonate with the NZ wine community. Steep in tradition, crafted in excellence.
Methode Marlborough website has recently refreshed to include a ‘buy methode’ page – www.metodemarlborough.org/buy-methode. It is an ideal landing page for sighting current members and their MM wines in one place, with links to their website and on-line shops. A handy tool for any sparkling enthusiast.
Methode Marlborough members respect the art of methode traditionnelle production. All wines must be:
– grown and made in Marlborough
– only incorporate the three classic varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier
– undergo a second fermentation in the bottle
– followed by riddling and disgorging process
– aged for a minimum of 18 months on lees in the bottle
These rules are integral to producing quality Methode Marlborough.
Leading up to NZ’s summer and festive period, I encourage you to support our locally well-made, quality and affordable Methode Marlborough to celebrate the ending of a very strange year and welcome the new 2021!
https://www.methodemarlborough.org/
See my note below for the selection I tasted.
Saint Clair Dawn Methode Traditionelle 2015
65% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir spent 10 months in older French oak barriques. Aged 39 months on lees in bottle, 12% alc, 6 g/l RS. Fresh creamy palate with aromas of stonefruit, sherbet, cranberries and subtle spices. Elegant and clean finish.
Allan Scott Cecilia Brut Methode Traditionelle NV
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 100% MLF, only in stainless steel. Aged at least 18 months on lees in bottle, 12.5% alc, 8.8 g/l RS. Fresh buttery, creamy nose. Citrus and raw almonds, clean and dry finish.
No.1 Family Estate Cuvee No.1 NV
Bright, lemon with some depth. Bubbles are fine and persistence. The nose is elegantly voluminous, nuances of stonefruit, lemon sherbet, custard pastry, underlying subtle nuttiness. Medium-bodied, dry to taste, the palate is elegantly presented, a concentrated core of peaches, lemon sherbet is with good flavour intensity, broaden by creamy custard and pastry elements, linger to a linear finish. The mouthfeel is filled with creamy mousse and lees ageing details, enriched by subtle nutty notes. The wine flows seamlessly with good energy and bright acidity, in harmony with a small dose of sugar sweetness. This is a poised and refined, Blanc de Blancs style méthode traditionelle with flavours of peaches and lemon sherbet, creamy custard and nuts in harmony on a seamless flow. Match with prawn cocktails and crayfish over the next 3-4 years. 100% Chardonnay, 12% alc. Ages on lees for two years, 6.3 g/l RS. 18.5+/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $36
Deutz Prestige Cuvee 2017
A blend of 64% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, fermented in stainless steel and 22% French oak Cuvees, full MLF, 12.2% alc, 8.5 g/l RS. 12% Reserve wine. Aged 36 months on lees in bottle. Full bouquet with nuances of toast, marzipan. Fresh palate with citrus, redcurrants, underlying toasty almonds and creamy autolysis. Full body with long persistent finish.
Hunter’s Mirumiru Rose NV
A blend of Pinot Noir 55%, Chardonnay 42%, and Pinot Meunier 3%, 12.5% ALC, 7.47 G/L rs. Aged on lees in bottle for 36 months before disgorgement. Blush pink in colour, the bouquet display aromas of red berries, cranberries and brioche intermix. Lacy acidity compliment by balanced creaminess. Vibrant palate with a fine phenolic texture.
LV Methode Traditionelle NV
A blend of 60% organic Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 100% MLF, 12.5% alc, 5.5 g/l RS. Aged on less in bottle for 27 months before disgorgement. Full bouquet of baked apple, citrus, toasty autolysis. Full-bodied and bold flavours of apple crumble, citrus and toasted almonds on a taut palate with a light grip.
Nautilus Cuvee Marlborough Brut NV
A blend of 74.5% Pinot Noir and 25.5% Chardonnay with 11.6% reserve wine, full MLF, 12% alc, 6 g/l RS. Aged on lees in bottle for at least for 36 months before disgorgement. Full creamy mousse, robust aromas of toasted brioche and fresh citrus on the bouquet. Rich on the palate, lemon curd, minerals, sherbet, toasty autolysis. Creamy mouthfeel with bright acidity with a long lengthy finish. Closest to Champagne style.
Spy Valley Echelon Methode Traditionnelle 2012
A blend of 48% Pinot Noir, 51% Chardonnay, fermented in older oak and aged for 12 months before tirage. 12$ alc, 4.3 g/e RS. Aged on lees for 42 months before disgorgement. Elegant bouquet with subtle details and developed red fruit aromas. The palate is soft, lemon sherbet, cranberries, dried red plums interwoven brioche. Lovely soften acidity on a creamy mouthfeel flow to a lingering, poise finish.
Tohu Rewa Methode Traditionelle Rosé 2016
Pinot Noir fermented in stainless steel, aged on lees. MLF, 13% alc, 5.1 g/l RS. Aged 26 months on lees in bottle before disgorgement, a dose of reserve Pinot Noir to create the blushing pink hue. Bright, creamy underlying red fruit. Creamy mousse, strawberry, rhubarb with tingling spices on the palate, exquisite and refine biscuity finish.
Johannesburg Cellars Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle Brut NV
100% Chardonnay grown in lower Wairau, fermented in French oak of mixed-age, underwent MFL. 10% reserve wine. 12% alc, 9 g/l RS, aged on less in bottles for 9 years. Mature aromas of peach, lemon curd, baked apple and bready autolysis. Persistent along a creamy palate, delicate spices and integrated acidity.
Daniel La Brun Blanc de Blancs 2013
100% Chardonnay, 30% of the whole blend fermented in older French barrels, the rest in stainless steel, underwent full MLF. 12.5% alc, 8 g/l RS, aged on lees in bottle for 5 years. Aromas of brioche, zesty lemon, stonefruit. Rich palate with almond pastry, citrus. The creamy, round palate flows with mineral and lengthy-stonefruit, lively finish.
