House of Arras is celebrating the release of its annual vintage collection, including four new vintages: House of Arras Rosé 2008, House of Arras Grand Vintage 2009, House of Arras Museum Release Blanc de Blancs 2004 and House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged Magnum 2004.
Using the traditional method, wines in the vintage collection are crafted with exceptional time in tirage, ranging from 30 months to 15 years.
House of Arras Chief Winemaker Ed Carr said: “Displaying all the hallmarks that House of Arras sparkling wines are renowned for; sophistication, elegance, richness of character and flavour true to their origin in cool climate Tasmania, this year’s collection epitomises the very best of Australian Sparkling.”
In addition, House of Arras has unveiled the first new wine to its portfolio in more than six years – House of Arras Blanc de Blancs NV.
“It has been a long-term aim to create a NV Blanc de Blancs that complements the House of Arras range and offer an alternative style to the existing multi-vintage labels which predominantly exhibit the red grape characters of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier,” Carr said.
“This new release is a full expression of the elegance and sophistication of Tasmanian Chardonnay meticulously crafted in the House of Arras style.”
In the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, the House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 2004 received a remarkable 99 points and named ‘Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine’. The House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged Magnum 2003 (98 Points), House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2009 (97 Points) and House of Arras Rosé 2007 (97 Points) were also placed highly with the sparkling category, further cementing its reputation as Australia’s most awarded wine producer.
“I am particularly proud to release the House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged Magnum 2004; after 16 years of maturation this wine has reached a rare level of sophistication that demonstrates what great Australian Sparkling wine can achieve,” Carr (above) said.
Several House of Arras wines also scored highly in the 2021 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 2005 was awarded 99 points and the prestigious title of Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine whilst House of Arras Rosé 2009 and House of Arras Brut Elite Cuvée No.1501 scored 98 and 95 points respectively. This is the third year running House of Arras has taken Best in Category following the success of the E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 2004 (99 points) in 2019 and the House of Arras Rosé 2006 (97 Points) in 2018.
“It is also immensely gratifying to receive such a high point score and Best Sparkling Wine at the recent 2021 Halliday Wine Companion Awards; the second year running for E.J. Carr Late Disgorged,” Carr said. “This recognition is a true testament to the work and dedication of the House of Arras team and reaffirms our vision to craft world-class sparkling wines.”
The 2020 vintage collection available at fine wine retailers nationally and online at www.houseofarras.com.au. House of Arras Blanc de Blancs NV is available at Vintage Cellars and selected on-premise venues nationally.
