NV Tarlant Champagne Zero Brut Nature - France, Champagne (7/4/2023)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over approx. 2 hrs. –
– 32% Pinot Noir, 32% Pinot Meunier, 32% Chardonnay, 4% Petit Meslier/Arbanne/Pinot Blanc –
– 2014 base, plus reserve wines –
– disgorgement: February 2021 –
– dosage: none –
NOSE: apples for days!; grassy (not unpleasant); light oak.
BODY: very active bead; medium rich golden yellow color with a faint hint of pink; medium-light bodied.
TASTE: rich flavor, but very dry; high acidity – definitely going to be too much for some folks; pleasant blend here — hits at a lower register than one would expect from a BdB, for example; full flavor, but crisp; not oxidative at all. I love this wine, particularly at its price point in the context of Champagne prices generally going crazy these days. An easy re-buy for me.
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Nice description Brian. I’ve had this wine a few times, and bought some bottles from different releases. As you describe it’s a lemon/dry/tart kind of BdB but well made and a great price. Very consistent.
Sounds nice! I’ve not had the 2014 base yet, but have enjoyed a couple bottles of the 2012 (2019 disgorgement), which sounds similar in profile, but maybe with less acid.
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Great stuff. Rosé is terrific too
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I was surprised they are blending Arbanne, Petit Meslier and PB into this wine! Is this a new thing? I remember it was one third of each primary Champagne variety back when I was selling this.
Not sure, Otto: this was my first foray with this wine. Perhaps one of our resident experts will chime in …
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This is the first release I recall with the PB and Arbanne. Not sure why BdB is being mentioned, since it’s clearly not.
Regardless, a super-tasty Champagne. That Tarlant ages this wine so long on the lees before disgorgement while keeping the price down means it’s a huge buy. I’ve re-upped a few times now.
Mentioned BdB merely as a comparison.