An Australian winemaker – Ed Carr from House of Arras – has been named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge for the first time in the 40-year history of the competition.
It is only the second time that a winemaker outside of Champagne has received the award.
The award was presented to Carr at a special ceremony at The Oval in London.
“I’m incredibly honoured,” Carr says.
“It’s a challenge to describe the feeling, but I’m proud to be recognised amongst my peers for such a significant international award.
“Everything we do at House of Arras is based on our single-minded approach to crafting exceptional sparkling wine that speaks to Tasmania’s cool climate and ancient soils and is equal to the world’s best.
“This endorsement from one of the world’s most respected wine competitions is a testament to this mission, and I’m thrilled to share this award with the team.”
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.
It is the second time winemaker Carr has been named a finalist for IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, having received the nomination in 2022.
Carr is also the only Australian sparkling winemaker to appear on the finalist shortlist in the competition’s published results, which date back to 2009.
In addition to Ed Carr’s significant winemaker win, House of Arras collected the Australian Sparkling Trophy for its 2014 House of Arras Blanc de Blancs, along with two gold and six silver medals.
The recognition at the IWC continues a string of success for House of Arras at international and domestic wine shows.
In May, House of Arras Grand Vintage 2015 was awarded the Sparkling Wine Trophy at Australia’s 2024 National Wine Show.
And in June, the same Grand Vintage release and the 2014 Blanc de Blancs were each awarded a Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
In 2018, Carr received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships for his contribution to the development and success of the sparkling wine industry.
He is the only non-Champenois winemaker to receive this award.
Handpicked Wines – part of DMG Fine Wine – bought House of Arras from Accolade Wines in August 2023.
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