House of Arras A by Arras Premium Cuvée

Region and Vineyards

Tasmania is Australia's southern, maritime frontier, where long summer daylight and brisk sea breezes preserve acidity and elegance. A by Arras is sourced from select parcels in Pipers River, Derwent Valley, and Tamar Valley along the island's cool coastline. Vineyards are typically trained to vertical shoot positioning to maximise sun exposure while retaining aromatic lift and natural tension—ideal conditions for premium sparkling bases.

These varied mesoclimates bring a spectrum of citrus, apple, and subtle saline notes to the blend. The interplay of cool nights and moderated daytime temperatures ensures slow, even ripening, giving grapes that arrive at the winery with vibrant acidity, moderate potential alcohol, and fine flavour definition—key building blocks for traditional-style complexity and longevity in bottle.

Winemaking

A by Arras is a classic trinity of Pinot Noir (48%), Chardonnay (34%), and Pinot Meunier (18%). Crafted using the transfer method, it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle before being transferred under pressure—capturing pristine fruit, a fine mousse, and consistent texture. The wine spends a minimum of three years on lees prior to disgorgement and blending, followed by time in tank and at least six additional months in bottle before release.

This extended maturation cultivates layered autolytic nuances—brioche, nougat, gentle savoury tones—while maintaining a lively, refreshing frame. Key analytical markers underscore the style: alcohol 12.5% abv, pH 3.2, total acidity 6.9 g/L, and residual sugar around 4.2 g/L for a crisp Brut balance that remains supple and harmonious.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium straw with a bright gold hue; very fine, persistent bead.
• Aroma: Complex notes of forest floor, nougat, exotic spice, lanolin, lemon oil, and subtle sea spray.
• Palate: Opulent yet taut: lychee, butter-sautéed mushroom, natural yoghurt, and fresh oyster, carried by creamy mousse and a long, chalk-saline finish.

Did you know?

Chief winemaker Ed Carr has led Arras since 1998 and in 2024 was named IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year—the first Australian to receive this honour—affirming Arras as a standard-bearer for New World sparkling.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fresh oysters: Briny delicacy mirrors the wine's saline edge; high acidity refreshes the palate.
• Tempura prawns: Fine bubbles and citrus lift cleanse light fry and highlight sweet shellfish notes.
• Roast chicken with lemon and thyme: Autolytic brioche tones echo roast flavours; bright acidity sharpens the jus.
• Triple-cream cheese: The wine's cut and mousse slice through richness while complementing buttery textures.

History of House of Arras

The story of House of Arras began in 1995, when Ed Carr, already one of Australia’s most accomplished sparkling winemakers, envisioned creating a truly exceptional Australian sparkling wine. Rather than mimic Champagne, his goal was to express the unique character of Australia's coolest climate—Tasmania.

Ed Carr’s conviction led him to focus solely on Tasmania, long before its potential for sparkling wine was widely recognised. In 1998, the brand released its first cuvée, and since then, House of Arras has risen to become the benchmark for Australian sparkling wine, garnering acclaim both domestically and internationally.

Carr’s meticulous approach, particularly his commitment to extended tirage ageing—often six to ten years—has been pivotal in shaping the House of Arras style: elegant, complex, and age-worthy. In 2024, he was awarded “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” at the International Wine Challenge, solidifying his reputation as a global master of the craft.

Region and Vineyards

Tasmania’s cold maritime climate, ancient soils, and long growing season create ideal conditions for traditional method sparkling wine. House of Arras sources fruit from seven cool-climate sub-regions across the island: Tamar Valley, Pipers River, Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, East Coast, and Devonport.

Each site contributes distinctive nuances—altitude, aspect, and microclimate variations give Ed Carr a diverse palette for blending. All vineyards are managed to exacting standards, with hand-harvested fruit and vertical shoot positioning, ensuring pristine quality for base wines.

Wine Range of House of Arras

House of Arras produces a distinguished range of méthode traditionnelle wines, united by long lees aging and stylistic precision:

• Grand Vintage – A flagship cuvée aged 6–7 years on lees; rich and layered, yet mineral and poised.
• Vintage Rosé – Pinot Noir-led with exceptional finesse, floral complexity and structure.
• Brut Elite – A multi-vintage blend aged for four years; expressive and accessible, with hallmark depth.
• Blanc de Blancs – 100% Chardonnay, citrus-driven and chalky, revealing finesse and vibrancy.
• A by Arras – An earlier-drinking style, aged 30 months, offering freshness and approachability while retaining quality.

Each wine reflects Carr’s uncompromising standards and the expressive power of Tasmanian fruit, making House of Arras one of the few non-European sparkling houses truly revered for its terroir expression and ageing pedigree.

Did you know?

House of Arras holds more trophies and medals for sparkling wine than any other Australian producer. In fact, many of its cuvées are aged longer than most vintage Champagnes, a rarity in the Southern Hemisphere and a mark of Ed Carr’s relentless pursuit of excellence.