Tarlant - A Grower-Champagne Deal for Late Summer

8/19/2008 -

Champagne Tarlant has a long history as a grower-producer - for 12 generations the Tarlant family has been cultivating wine grapes, and making Champagne for 5 of those starting in 1911. Their 13 hectares are concentrated around Oeuilly and Boursault and Celles le Conde, and are cultivated according to organic methods, with the purpose of sustaining the health and biodiversity and of the vineyards on the micro-level. All grapes are hand-harvested.

We love Tarlant because they pull-off smart austerity with enough charm, character and nuanced flavor to make for compelling and food-oriented Champagne. The NV Rose shows off red fruits of currant and raspberry, which are interestingly contrasted by a spicy note bordering on peppery. Not overtly creamy, this rose takes the mineral-driven quality to a distinct degree of elegance. It will go well with poultry or duck; Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken comes to mind... last week Tartlant rose and a dish of sautéed zucchini flowers with a little sharp pecorino was a big hit…

We have bought the last of this assemblage (a base of 2003 fruit, disgorged May 2006); for a brief moment it’s actually LESS expensive than the NV Brut (also a fabulous wine, called Brut Zero because there’s no dosage). This pricing swap never happens with Champagne, so please take advantage to try this entirely memorable Rose.   -RSG