A sparkling conversation

A masterclass in ‘méthode traditionnelle’. That’s what happened when Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne’s chef de cave, Émilien Boutillat, met Ed Carr, from Tasmania’s House of Arras, at the recent IWC Awards in London.
These are two of the world's best sparkling winemakers.
Émilien was there to collect the award for the IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2024 – Rare Champagne’s Millésime Magnum 2008.
Ed was there to collect the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award (the first time it has gone to an Australian).
Encouraged by Canopy’s editor, Chris Boiling, they discussed the drinkability of their base wines, dosage, use of oak, the impact of climate change, MLF, vintage versus non-vintage wines, and terroir.
“It’s a fascinating conversation,” commented Chris. “It’s a lively, friendly chat about the similarities and differences in making sparkling wines in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. It’s a must-see video for sparkling wine producers and wine lovers.”



They are drinking:

• House of Arras’s Blanc de Blancs 2014, which was described by the IWC judges as “a great example of a sparkler tasting like a really serious wine in its own right with bubbles as an extra”,
• and Rare Champagne’s Millésime Magnum 2008, which was simply described as “a glorious experience”.