Where were you 12 years ago? It's a question guaranteed to elicit a wide range of responses from good to not so good to indifferent but whichever memories spring to mind, we all know that a lot can happen in 12 years. There are many rabbit holes to dive down if we were looking in depth at the past 12 but this column is about depths of another kind - the sparkling wine kind, thanks to a bubbly that has taken that time to be made.
That wine is Cuvée Remy and it was launched this week. It's a sparkling made in the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle), which pays homage to the Champagne region in France in terms of its production methods. It was made using the Champagne region's three classic grape varieties; 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. It had its second fermentation in the bottle and the long ageing time on yeast lees - 53 months or four years - brings out layers of richness to each glass of this complex and dry sparkling wine.
Cuvée Remy has only been made twice and is named after Remy Le Brun; son of Adele and Daniel Le Brun.
I'm not sure where I'll be in 12 years' time but right now I'm raising a glass of Cuvée Remy to all of us who have made it through 2025 intact. For those of us lucky enough to be able to enjoy the festive season this year, here's a toast to a peaceful decade+ ahead.
Sparkling wine of the week
2013 Cuvée Remy Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle RRP $129
Cuvée Remy is a refined and multi-layered sparkling wine that captures the essence of extended autolytic ageing on yeast lees, weaving together the fresh aromas of a bakery in the early hours of morning, with brioche, vibrant citrus, a hint of tangy lemon and smooth creamy honey.
Available from www.no1familyestate.co.nz and No 1 Family Estate winery cellar door, 169 Rapaura Road, Blenheim.
