MÉTHODE MARLBOROUGH SOCIETY LAUNCHED

Press Release: 17th September 2013

 
Through collaboration, communication and education, we aim to build recognition and respect
for the heritage and quality of Marlborough traditional method sparkling wines.

A group of highly regarded Marlborough producers are pleased to announce the formation of
"Méthode Marlborough"; a society formed to communicate the quality and heritage of
Marlborough traditional method sparkling wines.

The society launched 1 September and comprises, in alphabetical order, the following nine
members:-
Allan Scott
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
Hunter’s Wine
Johanneshof
Lion
Nautilus Estate
No 1 Family Estate
Spy Valley
Tohu Wines

The group is open to any producer who makes a sparkling wine meeting the following criteria:-
1. Wines are 100% grown and made in Marlborough.
2. Wines are made by traditional method production.
3. Wines are 100% made from the three traditional varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot
Meunier) either individually or as a blend.
4. Wines are aged for a minimum of 18 months on lees.

Chairperson Stephanie McIntyre says the initiative is intended to celebrate the quality and
diversity of sparkling wine styles produced in the region. "We are very proud of the quality
sparkling wines produced in this region. A superb cool climate, extensive sparkling winegrowing
experience, the right clones in the right places, and a group of skilled & quality-minded producers has led to a local tradition of premium wines.”

“The purpose of this group is to educate consumers on how our sparkling wines differ from other
styles. Variations of quality in sparkling wines are the result of tangible winemaking techniques.
For example all ‘Méthode Marlborough’ wines are made in the traditional method which means
the second fermentation is in the bottle, followed by the intricate riddling and disgorging process.

This produces the finest and most persistent bead. Additionally, all these wines are aged for a
minimum of 18 months before disgorging takes place. This allows complex flavours to develop,
balancing fresh and fruit driven character with savoury notes of toast and brioche.”
The group is dedicated to promoting wines made only from Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot
Meunier. McIntyre explains that, while sparkling wines can be made from other varieties, this trio of varieties is internationally recognised as a benchmark style by sparkling wine producers all around the world.

A collaborative approach has been the driving force for the formation of the group. McIntyre
states that, “Although small, the Marlborough region is incredibly diverse and the range of
sparkling wines within our society demonstrates well the level of quality attainable in the region. I think the trade and consumers will enjoy having the opportunity to taste a cross section of wines from our group. It is a delicious showcase of the region.”

The Méthode Marlborough group will feature in a seminar at the Marlborough Wine Weekend in
November, and renowned international sparkling wine expert Tom Stevenson will be on the
panel.

Tickets for that event can be purchased at the Wine Marlborough website:
http://www.wine-marlborough.co.nz/marlborough-wine-weekend-tickets/
More information about the group can be found online at www.methodemarlborough.com
Information for Editors
The society launched 1 September and comprises, in alphabetical order, the following nine
members:-
Allan Scott
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
Hunter’s Wine
Johanneshof
Lion
Nautilus Estate
No 1 Family Estate
Spy Valley
Tohu Wines

The group is open to any producer who makes a sparkling wine meeting the following criteria:-
1. Wines are 100% grown and made in Marlborough.
2. Wines are made by traditional method production.
3. Wines are 100% made up of the three traditional varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot
Meunier) either individually or as a blend.
4. Wines are aged for a minimum of 18 months on lees.

The following wines are part of the programme:-
Allan Scott Sasa Vintage 2009
Allan Scott Cecillia NV
Allan Scott Blanc de Blanc NV
Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Rosé
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Blanc de Blancs
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Vintage 2007
Daniel Le Brun NV
Daniel Le Brun Rosé NV
Daniel Le Brun Blanc de Blancs 2009
Daniel Le Brun Vintage 2008
Hunters MiruMiru Reserve 2009
Hunters MiruMiru NV
Johanneshof Blanc de Noirs 2007
Johanneshof Emmi 2008
Johanneshof Blanc de Blancs NV
Johanneshof New Dawn Rosé 2010
Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough NV
No 1 Cuvée
No 8 Cuvée
No 1 Reserve
No 1 Cuvée Rémy
No 1 Rosé
No 1 Cuvée Adele
Spy Valley Echelon 2009
Tohu “Rewa” Blanc de Blancs 2011

More information can be found at:
www.methodemarlborough.com
Facebook: methodemarlborough
Twitter: @methodemarlborough
Please contact chairperson Stephanie McIntyre for more information or comment at:
stephanie.mcintyre@cloudybay.co.nz | 021 280 1465 | 03 520 9193



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