House of Arras

House of Arras wines are made by Ed Carr, head winemaker since 1998 and Australia's greatest sparkling winemaker according to James Halliday. Based in Tasmania, Carr has built the producer's reputation on a single principle: lengthy lees-ageing that builds complexity and depth. He insists on maturing vintage wines for at least six years before disgorgement, a decision that costs his accountants dearly but rewards the drinker with wines of real substance. In 2024 he became the first Australian to win the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. House of Arras wines are made in the traditional method using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Tasmania's cool climate valleys—East Coast, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and Pipers River—where vibrant, acid-driven fruit is perfectly suited to extended tirage and secondary fermentation.

About House of Arras

Ed Carr was one of the first winemakers to recognise that Tasmanian fruit could produce serious sparkling wine. Tasmania's cool climate yields the natural acidity essential for structured sparkling wines that age gracefully. The vineyards Carr sources from span the island's premium regions, each contributing distinct characters: Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, East Coast and Pipers River to the north. All sites use VSP trellis and supplementary irrigation where needed. Fruit is hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, with only the finest juice selected for fermentation. Carr employs 10% fermentation in new French oak barriques and mandates 100% malolactic fermentation to build secondary complexity. The result is a house style defined by mineral, savoury characters layered beneath primary stone fruit and citrus.

House of Arras Wines in Our Collection

Start with the NV Brut Elite Cuvée 1601 (£39, 91 points), a multi-vintage blend dominated by 2016 fruit with 62% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. It displays lifted white stone fruit and oyster shell aromas with a palate of blood orange, lychee and truffle—elegant and mineral-driven. For a richer entry, try the NV Blanc de Blancs (£30.65, 90 points), pure Chardonnay with brioche complexity. If you want investment-quality, the 2016 Tasmania Grand Vintage (£71.75, 93 points) spent seven years in tirage and shows peach, honey, lemon meringue and honeycomb with savoury mushroom notes. The 2016 Vintage Rosé (£73.30, 92 points) brings maraschino cherry, Turkish Delight and stone fruit softened by yoghurt and sourdough undertones. Budget-conscious buyers should explore the NV A By Arras Premium Cuvée (£25.85, 88 points), a white blend offering genuine Arras character at half the price of the flagships.

Food Pairing

These are serious sparkling wines, not aperitif bubbles. Pair the mineral Brut Elite with oysters, white fish and crustaceans. The Blanc de Blancs suits cured meats, soft cheeses and brioche-based dishes. The vintage wines demand richer fare: roasted chicken, seafood risotto, or aged Comté cheese. The Rosé works beautifully with smoked salmon, duck confit and berry-based desserts.

Who makes House of Arras wines?

Ed Carr, head winemaker since 1998. In 2024 he became the first Australian to win IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. He sources Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Tasmania's East Coast, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and Pipers River.

What style are House of Arras wines?

Traditional method sparkling wines with 6–7 years on lees. Complex, mineral-driven, acid-focused styles with secondary characters of brioche, oyster shell and mushroom. Scores range 88–93 points.

How much do House of Arras wines cost?

£25.85 to £73.30. Entry point is the NV A By Arras (£25.85). The NV Brut Elite Cuvée 1601 and Rosé are both £39. Vintage releases (2016) are £71.75–£73.30.