NO. 1 FAMILY ESTATE

THE NARRATIVE
From his early years, Daniel was deeply immersed in the family trade. However, following his studies in winemaking at university, he made a significant life choice by relocating to New Zealand. There, he acquired his initial parcel of land in Renwick within the Wairau Valley of Marlborough. The establishment of No. 1 Family Estate took shape in 1997, marking the second venture in New Zealand for Daniel and Adele Le Brun. While Daniel's expertise lies in winemaking, Adele contributes her skills in business and marketing. The upcoming generation, represented by Remy and Virginie, actively participates in expanding the No. 1 brand globally, embodying the future of the Le Brun legacy.

Since crafting the inaugural Méthode Traditionelle wine, No.1 Cuvée, in 1999, our wines and esteemed winemaker have garnered numerous awards and accolades. Notably, Daniel has been recognized for his contributions to France-New Zealand relations and agriculture, receiving prestigious honors such as the National Order of Merit, France's distinguished non-military medal, and the Order of Merit for services to agriculture.

VITICULTURE
In the early stages, Daniel Le Brun, recognized as 'the crazy Frenchman,' pioneered innovative growing techniques and production methods previously unfamiliar in New Zealand. Despite initial skepticism, Daniel foresaw that Marlborough's climate and soils could yield crisp, acidic wines with excellent aging potential, particularly suited for exceptional sparkling wines.

The vineyard, nestled in the Wairau River's riverbed, boasts predominantly flat terrain with a blend of river stones, sandy loams, and gravels—an optimal environment for cultivating traditional champagne clones such as chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. Certified sustainable since 2009, the vineyard reflects their commitment to environmentally conscious practices.

"We find in Marlborough the perfect viticultural climate, characterized by abundant sunshine, moderate rainfall (550mm per annum), high summer temperatures, cool dry autumns, and cold winters." - Daniel Le Brun, Winemaker