Champagne Tarlant Zero Brut Nature NV

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Light & Crisp
Country of Origin:	France
Wine Region:	Champagne
Appellation:	Champagne
Grape Varietal:	Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	6 bottles
$269.70 Per Case ($44.95/btl)

Tasting Notes

Background
Champagne Tarlant, handed down from father to son in the art and passion of growing grapes and producing the famous Champagne wines since 1687, is situated close to Epernay on the hillside of the celebrated Marne Valley, on the territory of Oeuilly. There, the Tarlant family still perpetuates the tradition, now successfully in the hands of Jean-Mary Tarlant and his father Georges who elaborate their large range of prodigious Champagnes, especially those of the “nec plus ultra” range such as the Cuvee Louis Brut with its subtleties obtained during its long period in oak barrels.

Winemaking
Brut Zero, otherwise known as Ultra Brut or Zero Dosage, is a relative rareity in Champagne largely because it is so difficult to achieve the perfect balance in a wine made form grapes grown at the northern extremties of where viticulture is possible. The base wines for champagne are tart and sharp and after the secondary bottle fermentation is complete, they usually require a sweetening dosage to balance the wine out.
Tarlant's Brut Zero has no such dosage which, via the considerable skill of the winemaker, allows the fruit and the terroir to shine through. Thanks to their lower sugar content, Brut Zero styled champagne's contain fewer calories than most other wines and thus provide the perfect aperitif for those watching their waist line

Tasting Notes
The colour is golden with green reflections, Bubbles crystalline and sharp. The nose is intense, with the molten fragrances of white flowers (acacia, lime) and of Queen of the rennets. Original flavour of Chardonnay, Frank and very pure. The palate appears mineral and silky, with the nuances white fruits and the delicate flavours hazel nut and almond, very out of lace. Fermented exception as elegant as aromatic, its persistent freshness is single. Authentic and singular, this champagne d’esprit is appreciated at the time of a setting in particular mouth. A high-class wine with the flavours which agree to wonder with a refined shellfish kitchen.

Critical Praise

92 points, Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)
"The NV Brut Nature Zero shows remarkable tension, as suggestions of jasmine, white peaches and minerals vie for center stage with the wine's structural components. This shows tons of energy yet seems to be holding quite a bit back in reserve as well. The Brut Nature Zero is a fabulous wine, but it, too, needs to be enjoyed at the table. The Brut Nature Zero is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, based on 2006, with the addition of reserve wines. This bottle was disgorged in June 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015."
93 points, Beppi Crosariol (The Globe and Mail)
"There is no such thing as cheap champagne, but there are better deals than others. A great example: Tarlant Zéro Brut Nature Champagne. At $20 less than the entry-level offerings of some bestselling big brands, it’s arguably more complex. The \“zero\” in the name refers to the so-called dosage, the sugar solution typically added to sparkling wines to balance their piercing natural acidity. Brace yourself – there’s no added sugar here. I love zero-dosage wines. This one’s pleasantly creamy, with nuances of hazelnut, pastry dough and candied citrus. It needs food, any food. Even Italian cold cuts."