Producer · Tasmania, Australia

House of Arras

Ed Carr has been head winemaker at House of Arras, in Tasmania, since 1998. In 2024 the International Wine Challenge named him Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, and James Halliday calls him Australia's greatest sparkling winemaker.

Ed buys grapes from seven of Tasmania's best areas, from the Tamar Valley to the Huon, each adding something to the blend. He saw early on that the island's cool climate gives fresh, high-acid fruit that is ideal for sparkling wine.

He is also a great believer in time. The vintage wines rest on their lees for at least six years before release, which his accountants are not keen on, but it gives the wines great depth. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the grapes.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier · £27.49 to £32.49 a bottle