With House of Arras, one is never met with less than world-class sparkling wines of unprecedented elegance and exceptional age. The House of Arras vintage collection of world-class sparkling wines takes the benchmark for Australian Sparkling to new heights, and as such it is quickly becoming regarded as one of the most popular choices for quality bubbly throughout the country.
On Monday the 19th of August, founder Ed Carr hosted a delectable wine tasting at Brisbane’s Alchemy Restaurant & Bar, one of Brisbane’s premiere eating and drinking locations, built along the prestigious Eagle Street Pier with glorious views of the river. Ed shared his journey and the label’s mission to craft an exceptional Australian sparkling wine, equal to the world’s best. In 1995, House of Arras was founded; the name ‘Arras’ meaning ‘rich tapestry’. The brand have won 86 trophies and 225 gold medals to date, with most recent wins including the House of Arras 2001 Vintage Blanc de Blancs awarded ‘Best Australian Future Release’ at the 2017 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships.
The wines of House of Arras are created from the ancient soils and cold climate of Tasmania. Significantly cooler than the mainland, with long summer daylight and maritime influences, this setting creates ideal conditions for long, slow, and consistent fruit development. The brand source fruit from many outstanding vineyards throughout Tasmania, and each sub-region bestows its own nuances of character on the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier fruit.
Ed also described the subtleties of the wine-making industry; of how everything is exceptionally instrumental in the final result of the wine, from the wood of the barrel to the origin of the cork. House of Arras uses premium corks shipped from Portugal, and these are always being checked and updated in order to ensure that the wine is constantly being made at the best quality possible.
The wines themselves are delectable, ranging from a subtle, barely-pink rosé to the deliciously fresh, youthful Grand Vintage Magnum 2007. Many of House of Arras‘s wines boast subtle fruity notes or bready, honey-toned hints of sourdough and nougat. The wines all have their own unique flavour and character, but none are too over-wrought or overwhelming in flavour; all are subtle, fresh, and jubilant.
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