Dalmatian families in joint venture

Press, 17 January 1989, Page 18

Dalmatian families in joint venture

Maurice Hunters GRAPEVINE

December 6, 1988, was a milestone in the history of two long-established Dalmatian families, Nobilo and Selak, for it was on that day that a joint vineyard venture was dedicated in Marlborough. Selak’s founder, Marino Selak, arrived in Auckland in 1906 and, like most Dalmatian immigrants, spent years in the northern gumfields. He established a small produce farm where he planted vines, fruit trees and vegetables at Te Atatu, and harvested his first vintage in 1934. He was joined in 1940 by his nephew, Mate Selak, aged 17. In 1949, Mate wrote to every hotel in Auckland offering his wines for sale. Some wrote back, politely declining. Others have yet to reply.

In the early 19605, the vineyard was lost in the cause of the north-west motorway. After some research, in 1965 Mate reestablished the vineyard at Kumeu where, with his two sons, Ivan and Michael, and his winemaker, Darryl Wool-

ley, the company, has become recognised for its quality. Michael, at 28, is now general manager and responsible for sales, while Ivan is in charge of vineyard development. Nikola Nobilo, aged 24, a stonemason by trade, arrived in New Zealand from the island of Korcula, in the Adriatic Sea, in 1937. While living on the proceeds of his chickens, cows and grapefruit trees, he laid the foundation of the Nobilo vineyard by planting vines at Huapai in 1943. In the quest for funds for expansion, Nobilos have been through the gamut of financial control, from Gilbeys of England, Nathans, the PSIS and the Development Finance Corporation. But now, by selling off surplus land, the Nobilo family is back in the driving seat and in full control. The enormously popular Muller Thurgau became a household word, synonymous with Nobilo, which has continued to hold its following against strong competition. More recently Nobilos have

moved into the varietal field and have achieved distinction with sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

Under the direction of the winemaker and general manager, Nick Nobilo, jun., the company is now one of the largest family-owned vineyards.

The decision to form a joint venture in Marlborough was sparked off through a long association with John Webber, whose family interests owned and operated the Kiwi Packaging group.

About the time of the big vine pull of 1985, the Webber family sold its interest in Kiwi Packaging and John Webber formed Matador Trust as an investment vehicle for his share of the proceeds.

Simultaneous discussions with Nick Nobilo and Ivan Selak culmi nated in John’s undertaking a study tour of the wine markets, grape varieties and viticultural trends in the United States and Europe. . On his return, and after a commitment from Selaks and Nobilos, the decision to develop the Matador Estate Vineyard was made.

With Nick Nobilo as the

courier, we toured the 78 hectare property with its year-old vines of mainly sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and semilion, with small areas in cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Although the ground is light and stony (“If the crop fails, John can recoup by quarrying the land,” cracked Nick) the young vines are flourishing under a microprocessor controlled trickle irrigation and fertiliser system. Any part of the vineyard may be irrigated at will with a total vineyard irrigation possible over 24 hours if required. The total length of irrigation lines measures 200 km, or the distance from Blenheim to Kaikoura and hall way back.

For those interested in statistics, there are 131,520 vines supported by 26,000 posts, and 1500 km of wire fixed in place with 3.5 tonnes oi custom-made nails.

At a time of falling domestic consumption, the establishment of this vineyard, with its anticipated yield of 64,000 cases, is an expression of utmost confidence in the growth ol export potential. But vineyard inspection

is thirsty work and we were then led to a marquee - where, protected from a blustery wind, we sampled the product of Mate Selak’s endeavours ove 30 years, Methode Champenoise, a delightful sparkling wine comprising 70 per cent pinot noir and 30 per cent Chardonnay. After this very pleasant dalliance, it was time for the official dedication so it was back to the vineyard where the ground had been prepared for the planting of the 131,520 th vine.

It was a simple, but impressive, ceremony, a first for me and, in these days when standards have largely gone by the board, it was a privileged experience to be present when these two families followed the tradition established by their forbears many years ago in their native land. First of all a bottle of Selak’s sauvignon blanc, accompanied by a bottle of Nobilos cabernet sauvignon were buried deeply, together with a coin contributed by John Webber. The service was conducted by Father Michael Pullar, a long-time friend

of the Nobilo family and now, fortuitously, a R.N.Z.A.F. padre stationed at Woodbourne. After the dedication and a short prayer for the fruitfulness of the venture, the vine was unwrapped and planted by members of both families, the final act of dedication being the christening of the vine with Nobilos ’B5 cabernet sauvignon — but, savouring it later, I was so pleased that Nick Nobilo could not bear to use the whole bottle.

Amid congratulations all round and a general air of lightheartedness, we returned to the marquee, where Rocco had been doing great things with his tagliatelli and barbecued steak and salads.

Accompanied by a choice of more Methode Champenoise, Selaks sauvignon blanc, the full and smooth Nobilo cabernet sauvignon ’B5 and other fine wines from both companies, it was the perfect way to round off a very enjoyable event.

It even made the boring flight back to Christchurch, with a 90-minute stopover in Wellington, well worth while.