Tasmanian sparkling wine producer House of Arras has won the Australian Sparkling Trophy for its House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2014 at the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC). 

In addition to the major trophy, House of Arras Chief Winemaker Ed Carr (pictured main) was named as one of two finalists for the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2024 alongside a Champenois winemaker. The Champion Trophy results will be announced at the IWC Awards Dinner in London on 9 July.

The IWC is recognised as one of the world’s most rigorous, impartial, and influential wine competitions. Judged by more than 500 experts from more than 38 different countries, the IWC is an opportunity for winemakers worldwide to benchmark their wines against the very best. The judging process sees an IWC medal-winning wine tasted by a minimum of eight judges before being awarded. This strict process ensures the results are widely respected by international wine retailers and buyers globally. 

This is the second time winemaker Ed Carr has been named a finalist for IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, having received the nomination in 2022. Carr is the only Australian sparkling winemaker to appear on the finalist shortlist in the competition’s history. 

“It’s incredible to be recognised as one of two finalists for Sparkling Winemaker of the Year alongside Emilien Boutillat from Piper-Heidsieck. The IWC is one of the most respected wine shows in the world, and to be shortlisted by my peers in the industry is such an honour,” Carr said. 

In addition to the finalist nomination and the Australian Sparkling Trophy win, House of Arras collected a total of two gold medals and six silver medals at the IWC. House of Arras was the only Australian sparkling to receive a medal at this year’s IWC.

The trophy-winning House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2014 is crafted from 100% chardonnay fruit sourced from premium vineyard sites in Tasmania. It’s a mature blanc de blancs style with enticing complexity from an extensive tirage maturation of just over seven years. 

The judges said the wine was a “great example of a sparkler tasting like a really serious wine in its own right with bubbles as an extra. This is a full body, pale peach, apple flesh Chardonnay. Gives a delightful uplift from a foaming cascade of bubbles.”

While the 2014 vintage is currently unavailable for purchase, the 2015 vintage release is available at select fine wine retailers, the House of Arras Pipers River cellar door, and online from www.houseofarras.com.au.