Tasmanian sparkling wine producer, House of Arras, has received the Chairman’s Trophy at the 11th annual Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), with the first Australian sparkling to do so.
The CSWWC is noted as the world’s most competitive and prestigious sparkling wine competition, respected worldwide for the rigorous judging process and the unique sparkling wine expertise of the three-person judging panel. Of the seven gold medals given to Australian sparkling wines, House of Arras claimed six of them.
Out of over 1000 entries received in 2024, House of Arras’ E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 2006 wine secured an Australian Brut Blend Vintage Best In Class medal, as well as the coveted Chairman’s Trophy. The brand’s Museum Release Blanc de Blancs 2006 also received the Australian Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage Best in Class medal.
House of Arras was acquired from Accolade by Handpicked Wines in October 2023, and has had a pretty big year since. Chief winemaker, Ed Carr, became the first Australian to receive the award for Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in July.
“It’s incredibly humbling to have our wines recognised yet again at the CSWWC, particularly for an award as distinguished as the Chairman’s Trophy,” said Carr.
“It’s incredibly exciting for the team to have our wines recognised among the very best at the world’s most prestigious sparkling wine competition. This wine features all the hallmarks of House of Arras winemaking – extended time on lees, ageability and finesse, and a showcase of Tasmania’s pristine climate.
“Even at 18 years old, this wine still exudes tremendous energy and elegance that is unlike most wines aged for this long.”
Chandon Australia was the other Australian high-flyer, taking out the National Champion Sparkling Wine and Australian Rosé Brut NV Best in Class award for its Chandon Australia NV Rosé. It was the only other Australian wine in the competition to receive a gold medal.
Other Australian producers recognised included Clover Hill, Howard Park, Jacob’s Creek, Mumm Tasmania and Taltarni Vineyards, which all received silver medals.
