We are thrilled to welcome Mélanie Tarlant of Champagne Tarlant from Oeuilly. Join us on Wednesday, October 14 at 6pm on our mezzanine to meet this dynamic, creative, and committed figure of the Champagne region and the new wave of Champagne producers.

Located in the Marne Valley, the Tarlant family carefully balances the 3 traditional champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier, even though this region is usually associated with Meunier. Also known for preserving ancient grape varieties like Arbane, Pinot Blanc and Petit Meslier, the family uses organic practices to create pure, single-plot champagnes that bring natural freshness and tension to the wines. Known as "Brut Nature" (zero dosage) specialists, they create wines that are crisp, saline, rich, and complex.

The Tarlant family have been growing grapes in this Vallée de la Marne since 1687. Inheriting the mantle from their grandfather Louis and father Jean-Mary, the dynamic sister-brother team of Mélanie and Benoît Tarlant has carried on the family tradition. They neither source nor sell any fruit. Their 16 hectares are spread over 63 parcels in 4 villages in the western Marne. The soils are diverse in age and make-up, though broadly are variations on sandy, stony, chalky clay. While vines average 30 years old, many parcels are much older. Well-ripened, hand-harvested bunches are rigorously sorted, very gently pressed, and fermented with native yeasts in used Burgundy barrels. Malolactic fermentation generally does not take place. Aging takes place in barrel. The wines are bottled in the spring and aged sur lie for incredible periods of time, running the gamut from 6 years for the “Zero” (85-90% of production) up to 15 years for single-site or single-vintage wines. Mélanie’s family has been working in the brut nature style since her dad started doing it in the 1980s, long before no-dosage wines became fashionable. To quote Mélanie: “our dosage is time.”

Taste the Tarlant style, please join us on Wednesday, October 14 at 6pm on our mezzanine to discover the Brut Nature signature creating great gastronomic wines, loved for their purity, tension, and superb aging potential.

Seating is limited. Tickets for this class are $50 and a $20 store credit will be issued with your purchase.

Cancellations can be processed for a refund with at least 48 hours' notice before the start of class. See all our policies here.