A palette of Terroirs

Soils

We feel it is particularly important that our wines reveal the diversity of the sub-soil, the vineyards and the blends of our estate. Each parcel lays claim to its own identity and we listen to that complexity and do all we can to let it sing in the wine we make from it.

Surface: 13 hectares on 4 different "crus"

Layout: 48 parcels located in the village of Oeuilly, Boursault, St-Agnan and Celles-les-Condés

Geology: Chalk, Sparnacien (clay-limestone), Sand, Limestone, small pebbles.
(move your mouse over the above image to see the different names)
The soils vary down the slope between the top (150m- 500ft above sea level) and the bottom (80m - 260ft).

 
 

Climate

The valley and the river Marne are crucial to the micro-climate from which our hillside planted vines benefit. The influence of water on the climatic balance, and the phenomenon of the "three suns" also play their parts in the individuality of our wines.

Overall: Suspended between maritime and continental climates.

Position: At the northern limits of wine growing - 49° North

Average temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Average rainfall: 675mm (26½ inches) per year

 

Cultivation

We are deeply concerned about the environment, and our viticulture is guided by nature. Our treatment of the land is designed give long term and sustainable biodiversity and to protect the micro-organisms which live in it.

Grapes: Pinot Noir - Chardonnay - Pinot Meunier - Arbanne - Pinot Blanc - Petit Meslier

Plantation density: 9000 vines per hectare

Age of vines: 29 years (average)

Pruning: Cordon de Royat - Chablis - Vallée de Marne - Guyot

Rootstock: 41 B - SO4 - 3309 - Fercal - ungrafted

Fight against insects: Pheromone traps, encouragement of beneficial predators (typhlodromes).

Fertilisers: Green manure or organic fertilisers depending on the soil requirements.

Grass: The vineyards are grassed to prevent erosion.

Harvest: Healthy grapes are picked manually at perfect ripeness thus respecting the unique characteristic of each of our terroirs.

 

 

Technical Skills

Jean-Mary Tarlant's deep experience allows him to showcase the individuality of his terroirs, whilst always respecting the environment. He protects his vineyards and their complex ecosystem using appropriate, well thought out and rational methods. His methodology can best be encapsulated as a search for an up-to-date style of French viticulture. He does this by using production techniques which allow the individuality of his terroirs to shine through while respecting our shared environment.

CIVC (Interprofessional Committee of Champagne Wines): Responsible for the Technical Subcommittee.
Chambre d'Agriculture de la Marne (Marne Department Agricultural Institute): Past president.
ITV (Technical Winegrowing Institute): Vice-president at national level and president for the Champagne chapter.
SGV (General Winegrowers' Union): General Secretary.