Tarlant Zero

Led by 12th generation grape grower Benot Tarlant, this winery is considered one of the top producers of farmer fizz. The Tarlants were pioneers of the grower champagne revolution, their family history in the region going all the way back to 1687. Originally based in Aisne, the family relocated to Oeuilly in 1780. Benots great-great-great grandfather Louis Tarlant made a crucial, and daring decision in the early 1900s to cease selling his grapes to the big houses. This was a financially hazardous move to make at the time. In doing so, Louis created one of Champagnes earliest independent estates. Long before grower champagne was even a thing, the Tarlants were making wine from 100% estate grown grapes. Today Benot, along with his sister Melanie, organically farm 14 hectares of vines spread across 31 lieu-dits. They separately vinify the grapes from 63 different parcels in Burgundian barrels, mostly without malolactic fermentation. Something that really separates Tarlants wine from the pack is that most of the wines are bottled without dosage. Started by Benots father Jean-Mary in the late 1970’s, this approach has become more popular in Champagne in the last decade. Unwilling to paint over under-ripeness with residual sugar, Benot focuses on the character of his vineyards and the health of his grapes.

This cuve is made from equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Over 60 plots are vinified separately, ageing in barrel before being blended with reserve wine (40%). The wines undergo indigenous primary fermentation, but malolactic conversion is rare thanks to low pH levels and a cool cellar. The wines are bottled by gravity and after extended ageing sur lattes (often 6 years) the wine is disgorged. This cuve is a Brut Nature, released without dosage.