BOB’S BEST BUYS  

Wine: No.1 Family Cuvee Assemblage Cuvee Marlborough Methode Traditionelle, $36  

Why I chose it:  

• French winemaker Daniel Le Brun and his family pioneered Methode winemaking in Marlborough and have made some of NZ’s best bottle-fermented sparkling wines – always with a French accent.  
• It’s a blend of three grape varieties; pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier.  
• It has been cellared for 3-5 years.  
• This is truly a truly stylish sparkler that offers great value at this price.
• Perfect Christmas wine – everyone will love it.
• If it survives Christmas, enjoy it on New Year’s Eve.

What does it taste like?  

It tastes like champagne with citrus, apple, and freshly baked baguette crust. It has a seductively creamy texture.  

Why it’s a bargain:  

It is one-third the price of good champagne but it is certainly not one-third the quality.  

Where can you buy it? 

• Whisky and More, Waikato $34.99 
• The Hamilton Beer and Wine Co $35.99  

Food match?  

Freshly shucked oysters            

Will it keep?  

A few years if stored well (write the date of purchase on the bottle) 

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