Champagne Tarlant Argilite Amphorae, 2014

Tarlant – A Legacy of Champagne Excellence Since 1687

Tarlant is one of the oldest and most historically significant Champagne houses, with a winemaking tradition that dates back to 1687. The family's journey began when Pierre Tarlant planted the first vineyards in the town of Gland. Over the centuries, the Tarlant family passed down their knowledge and passion for viticulture, continuously evolving their craft.

By 1911, the family had firmly established itself in the Champagne region, with Louis Adrien Tarlant serving as the mayor of Cully, a commune in the Marne department. His involvement in the "Champagne Revolution" of 1927 played a crucial role in defining the official boundaries of the Champagne AOC, ensuring the region’s prestige and authenticity.

Surviving Wars and Rebuilding a Legacy

The First World War severely impacted the Tarlant estate, leaving it nearly destroyed. It took seven years for Louis Tarlant and his wife Julia to rebuild the winery and craft their first cuvée. However, their efforts were once again disrupted during World War II, when the estate suffered further damage. Louis’s son, Georges Tarlant, who had been sent to war, returned in 1945 and worked tirelessly to restore and expand the family business, reinforcing the Tarlant commitment to quality and tradition.

Today, the estate is managed by Jean-Marie Tarlant and his wife Micheline, alongside their children, Benoît and Mélanie, who represent the 12th generation of Tarlant winemakers.

Vineyards and Terroir

The Tarlant estate spans approximately 14 hectares, consisting of 55 vineyard parcels spread across four distinct crus in the Champagne region. These vineyards benefit from a variety of soils, including limestone and chalk, which contribute to the signature minerality and complexity of Tarlant Champagnes.

One particularly notable vineyard is the Notre Dame lieux-dits in Celle-les-Condé, where steep limestone slopes provide an ideal terroir for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The vines here were planted in 1987, and this site is the source of one of Tarlant’s most unique and expressive wines.

Winemaking Philosophy and Innovation

Tarlant is known for its hands-on, natural approach to winemaking. The family avoids dosage in their Champagnes, allowing the terroir and grape expression to shine through without additional sugar adjustments. Their philosophy is rooted in:

• Spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts.
• Long aging on lees to enhance texture and complexity.
• Use of amphorae for select cuvées, inspired by ancient Georgian winemaking techniques.
• Minimal intervention, focusing on preserving the purity of the fruit and terroir.

One of their most intriguing cuvées is an amphora-aged Champagne, a tribute to Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions. This particular Champagne is a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, aged for 10 months on lees in amphorae before bottling. With only 900 bottles produced, it showcases earthy spice, stone fruit, wild herbs, fine golden crumb, and layers of bright, chalky minerality.

A Legacy of Excellence

For over 300 years, the Tarlant family has remained dedicated to crafting expressive, terroir-driven Champagnes. By blending tradition with innovation, Benoît and Mélanie Tarlant continue to push the boundaries of Champagne production while staying true to their family's deep-rooted legacy. Whether through classic cuvées or experimental amphora-aged wines, Tarlant remains a symbol of authenticity, craftsmanship, and excellence in Champagne.