Champagne Tarlant - Zéro Brut Nature

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

This dynamic family-run business, based in the heart of the Marne valley, is making steady progress, and is not afraid to offer cuvées from specific plots, with little or no dosage, but always with a solid constitution. The Tarlant family has been cultivating vines since 1687, and began selling its first bottles in 1929 under the name carte-blanche. Today, Jean-Mary and Micheline Tarlant and their children Benoît and Mélanie have taken over the family business. The 14-hectare vineyard, cultivated with care and organic fertilizers, comprises 55 plots, planted with the three traditional grape varieties (pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay), as well as pinot blanc, petit meslier and arbanne.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Judged remarkable last year, this cuvée has now been consecrated after an additional year in the cellar. It is a blend of one-third each of the three Champagne grape varieties and the years 2008 to 2005. For the sake of purity, no sugar is added at disgorgement. The deep gold color is animated by bubbles that are as fine as they are persistent. The nose is flattering and fresh, revealing subtle notes of flowers and white fruit, with hints of butter, brioche and empyreumatic notes. Framed by a lively attack and a long, tonic, lemony finish, the palate shines with its fullness, structure and aromatic palette, where fig gives way to mango, passion fruit and citrus. A superb continuity between nose and palate.

About the domain :

With deep roots in Champagne, the Tarlant family were already cultivating vines in the time of Dom Pérignon. The estate was established in 1780 in the Marne valley, and the first champagne was delivered in 1929. Today, a 14-hectare vineyard and a recognized style. At the helm since 1999 are Benoît and Mélanie, the children of Jean-Mary Tarlant, who presides over the estate. In the cellar, Benoît vinifies in small vats or barrels by "climat", without malolactic fermentation, matures reserve wines on lees, and favors low dosage (extra-brut) or none at all (brut zéro).

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

As close as possible to its origins, pure Champagne, as the labels of this family estate, one of the most dynamic in Champagne, now read. In the heart of the left bank of the Marne and Surrmelin valleys, Benoît Tarlant (winemaker) and his sister Mélanie (sales and communications) are gradually taking over from their parents. Their viticulture is demanding, adapted to a mosaic of soils and subsoils: from sand to flint, from clay and limestone to pure chalk. With no yeasting or enzyming, two-thirds of vinification takes place in wood. These champagnes have volume, chewiness and great freshness thanks to a light dosage: in 2010, the entire production went through a minimal dosage (extra-brut, 4.5g) or none at all (Nature). A true vintage policy is now in place and, like the greatest Champagne brands, Tarlant releases wines after eight or ten years in the cellar, at their optimum. Well done.