House of Arras: new releases from Australia’s top sparkling wine producer

The House of Arras, Australia’s most prestigious sparkling wine producer, has added a new non-vintage Blanc de Blancs to its 2020 collection of releases.

Under winemaker Ed Carr, the House of Arras – part of the giant Accolade Wines group – has been building its reserve collection of base wines, ensuring longer time developing on lees and greater complexity in both vintage and non-vintage releases.

Carr says sourcing only Tasmanian fruit from a variety of subregions – Derwent River, Pipers River, Coal River Valley and eastern coastal areas – has been key to providing the necessary array of components for sustained elite quality.

The addition of more new vineyard sources in Tasmania during the past year to supply the House of Arras continues the winery’s 20-year commitment to purchasing sites, leasing vineyards and securing contacts with key vineyard owners. This increasing fruit supply is giving Carr the confidence to continue holding larger volumes of base wines in reserve, providing him with greater blending options. 

‘Each year we learn more,’ says Carr. ‘We are identifying specific strengths, like the steely Chardonnay of Pipers River or the quartzy loams best for Pinot Noir. Each subregion has its place to fit into the blends.’

Carr is especially excited that plentiful supplies of consistently strong Chardonnay fruit has enabled the first release of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, and hopes its modest price ($35 in Australia and £23.99 in the UK) will spark increased enthusiasm among consumers for this approachable style.

Carr rates the 2008 Rosé as a personal favourite among this year’s collection, launched on 3 September. Cellared in bottle for an extra 12 months before release to allow its tight complexity to bloom (the 2009 was released last year), he declares it an especially smart example of rosé from an outstanding vintage, showing power without undue force.

House of Arras: the 2020 releases

See also:

Shaw + Smith – Latest releases and future plans

Penfolds Collection 2020