Grand Vintage 2013

Originating from Tasmania's northeast coast, this wine comes primarily from cool, windswept vineyards in the Pipers River, Tamar Valley, and Coal River regions. These plots benefit from a cool maritime climate, long ripening seasons, and diverse soils, ranging from alluvial sands to clay-limestone subsoils. This combination promotes slow ripening of the grapes, preserving vibrant acidity, great aromatic purity, and a natural finesse—the hallmarks of the House of Arras style in Tasmania.

Crafted using traditional methods, the House of Arras Grand Vintage 2013 is made from grapes harvested at optimal ripeness and gently pressed in fractions. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by a precise blending of the different batches. The wine is then bottled for secondary fermentation and aged for an extended period on its fine lees (over 7 years) before riddling, disgorging, and measured dosage, in order to preserve the purity of the fruit, the aromatic complexity, and the delicate bubbles.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , green apple , and fresh pear , complemented by delicate floral nuances and brioche and toasty touches from extended aging on the lees. Hazelnut and almond accents mingle with a subtle mineral dimension, adding complexity and depth. On the palate, the texture is both creamy and taut, supported by precise acidity and fine effervescence, leading to a persistent, flavorful, and saline finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.