Who makes it?

Vintage Blanc de Blancs by The House of Arras which is undoubtedly one of Australia’s leading sparkling winemakers. They are great Tasmanian wine champions and have really solidified Tasmania’s sparkling wine quality reputation. This is just one of their range which also includes a non-vintage version as well. 

Please click here to read the review for the non vintage House of Arras Blanc de Blancs and here to read the review of the House of Arras Vintage Rosé

How do they make it?

Arras Vintage Blanc de Blancs is 100% Tasmanian Chardonnay. The House of Arras pull grapes from the East Coast, Derwent Valley & Coal River and Pipers River regions of the state. It is one of their extended tirage range. Hence, you should expect to find that it has spent 7 or so years resting on dead yeast cells. Not only does this keep the wine fresh and vibrant, but it also adds a creamy polish to highlight the fruit.

To add extra depth to the wine, at initial ferment a small portion of the wine is matured in French oak and will undergo malolactic fermentation. After that extended time on lees, the wine is disgorged and then has a very low dosage of sugar to balance the palate. 

To learn more about zero or low dosage sparkling wines please read “Zero Dosage champagnes: Are they better?” 

What does it taste like?

This is a very fresh fizz. It is fuller in body and has a beguiling intensity of complex fruit. While it qualifies for ‘brut’ level dryness, this is usually drier than most and in some years will only have around 3 grams/litre of residual sugar. 

The fine details of the aromas of cashew nut, lemon lime citrus, cream and peach just keep unfurling. These have an underlining minerality on the palate. All this is swept together on the finish with some spice and honey character. 

Just when you think you have this wine worked out, you pour another glass and the symphony on the palate starts again.

What to drink it with?

Bubbles as fine as this will be a delightful match with seafood or with a lighter style salad sprinkled with pine nuts. I would also match it with cheese souffle or feta filo triangles.

Cheese

I would suggest a bloomy white cheese such as Brie or Camembert. If you are in Australia then go for something decadent such as a triple cream Brie style. However, a fresh goat’s cheese or feta will also work.

Quickie review « Fine yet creamy bubbles like this are simply irresistible! »

Country of Origin: Tasmania, Australia
Tasting Date: June 2023
Price:  UK £ | AU$ 130 
Drink: now – 4 years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like the House of Arras Vintage Blanc de blancs, why not check out:
Australian Sparkling Wines – House of Arras style!

Visit HouseofArras for more.