Product Description
Region : Vallée de la Marne. Between Epernay and Château-Thierry, the Marne dug its bed in the coast of the Ile de France. Its banks, as well as those of some tributaries, form hillsides favorable to the culture of grapevines. Orientations to the South are the most exploited. It is the kingdom of pinot meunier (2/3 of encépagement) and pinot noir (1/4). The easternmost zone, near Epernay, is called “Grande Vallée de la Marne”. The wines are similar to those of the Montagne de Reims, with 63% Pinot Noir (up to almost 90% in Aÿ). Then, farther West, pinot meunier is the majority.
Tarlant Vinyard is on the left side of the “Marne“.
AOP : Champagne
Grape Variety : 25% Pinot Blanc, 25% Arbanne, 50% Petit Meslier
Domain : Champagne Tarlant (14 ha)
Type of Soil : Vineyard “Four à Chaux – les Sables” in Oeuilly (Marne Valley), limestone, sand and silica.
Density of Planting : 9000 vines/ha
Age of Vines : 31 years (average)
Yield : n/a
Features : 12% alcohol. Non dosé. Brut Nature. Contains sulfites.
Cultural method : Fertilisers: Green manure or organic fertilisers are used depending on the soil requirements. The vineyards are grassed to prevent erosion.
Winemaking : Manual harvest: September 2009 + Perpetual Reserve. Each grape variety is vinified separately. Vinification in oak barrels with the lees regularly stirred back into the wine. Remains in barrels until May. The blending occures when the wine re-awakens. The bottles are stored on laths with the champagne in contact with its lees, and are stacked manually.
Aging is average, five years. Remuage is done in a “pupitre” and it is automatic.
The Colour : Golden, bright whith very fine bubbles.
The Smell : Powerful and complex nose of acacia flowers, linden, white fruits, toast with notes of flint and smoke that develop with aeration.
The Taste : The mouth is equally powerful, with a strong presence, and a solid build. Excellent balance. Very long finish. It is an extraordinary champagne, not only because of its almost forgotten grapes but also because of its powerful presence.
Serving Suggestions : Served between 7 to 9 °C.
Perhaps just as an apéritif to dicover these forgotten grape varieties!
