Profile of Tarlant
Still very much a family-run operation, this small Champagne house has an incredible lineage that dates back to 1687! They produce roughly 1000 cases a year, and quality, not quantity, is the goal here. And with spectacular results! The wines of Tarlant are a credit to the determination and brilliance of successive generations of the Tarlant family – intense, refined, and incredibly stylish Champagnes. It is a vision that began with the pioneering efforts of Pierre Tarlant, the first winegrower in the Aisne district in Champagne. Subsequently, his son Michel and grandson would continue his work and sow the seeds for a lifetime involvement in Champagne for the Tarlant family.
In 1780, a relative of Pierre, Louis Tarlant, and his wife Marie-Madeleine started growing vines in the district of Oeuilly in the Marne; these would become the ancestors of the vineyards that are cultivated by the Tarlant family today. The reputation of Tarlant spread, and the house prospered. In 1911, the current head of the property, Louis Adrien Tarlant, was instrumental in campaigning for Champagne to be recognized as a world-class appellation and an area of excellence for sparkling wine, which it was in 1927. Sadly, the First World War brought misery to Champagne’s winegrowers, as the conflict devastated their vineyards. Louis left the area to travel worldwide and increase his knowledge of wine-making. On his return, he set about restoring the estate with his wife, Julia. The house once again prospered, and Louis proudly released his first Cuvee Tarlant.
Unfortunately, another World War would return to haunt the Tarlant family, and Louis’s son George was called to serve in the conflict. His wife Germaine worked tirelessly to protect their beloved vineyards from the conflict, and on his safe return, George became the winemaker at the estate. Their son, Jean-Mary, and grandson Benoit have continued their hard work and today produce some of the most respected wines in the region. This dynamic house is a must-see for any visitor to Champagne; the impressive range of wines, the beautiful, historic property, and a warm welcome from the Tarlant family make it the first choice for those on the Champagne pilgrimage. Ask us for details on arranging a visit as part of a longer discovery tour. Santé!
Wines produced
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Cuvee Louis
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay from 60 year old vineyards in the Oeuilly district. Fermentation in barrel.
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La Vigne d’Antan
100% Chardonnay, produced from pre-phylloxera vineyards in the Oeuilly district. Fermentation in barrel.
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La Vigne d'Or
100% Pinot Meunier, produced from rare vineyards in the Marne Valley. A rare varietal Pinto Meunier, which usually forms part of a blend. Fermentation in barrel.
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Prestige 1998
65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir. Only made in excellent vintages, fermented in stainless steel and oak barrel. Released after extensive bottle ageing.
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Rosé Prestige 1998
85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. Only made in excellent vintages, red and white wines are blended together to create a rose. Fermented in stainless steel and oak barrel. Released after extensive bottle ageing.
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Zero
33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier. Produced without dosage, the addition of sweet wine before final bottling. Fermented in stainless steel. Oak aged.
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Rose Zero
85% Chardonnay 15% Pinot Noir. Produced without dosage, the addition of sweet wine before final bottling. Fermented in stainless steel. Oak aged.
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Tradition
50% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay. Fermented in stainless steel. Oak aged. A blend of vintage of reserve wines.
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Reserve Tarlant
33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier. Fermented in stainless steel. Oak aged. A blend of vintage of reserve wines.
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Rosé Tarlant
85% Chardonnay 15% Pinot Noir. Fermented in stainless steel. Oak aged. A blend of vintage of reserve wines.
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Oeuilly Rouge
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier. A still red wine produced in good years. Aged in oak barrels.
Winery details
- Appellation
- AOC Champagne
- Founded
- 1687
- Area under vine
- 14 hectares
- Age of vines
- 31 years+
- Oak barrel origin
- French
- Winemaker
- Benoit Tarlant
- Owner
- Tarlant family
- Production
- 1000 cases per annum
- Grape varietals
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier - Arbanne - Pinot Blanc - Petit Meslier