Jan Tailler – L’Arbre Viké

Jan Tailler: A Technical Biography of L’Arbre Viké

Jan Tailler is a natural winemaker and the founder of L’Arbre Viké, a domaine established in 2015 in the Côtes de Toul region of Lorraine, France. The name "Viké" is a word from a local patois meaning "drunk," a nod to the deep regional roots of his project. His work is a meticulous and patient pursuit of authentic, low-intervention wines that are a direct expression of his unique terroir.

Education & Formative Experience

Jan Tailler's journey into winemaking was a deliberate and hands-on one. After obtaining a technical degree in agriculture, he spent several years working as a seasonal agricultural worker across France. This experience gave him a broad understanding of farming and land management. He then specialized in winemaking by pursuing a technical degree in viticulture and oenology in Rouffach, Alsace.

His formal education was followed by practical experience at two different biodynamic estates. These apprenticeships were crucial, as they instilled in him a profound respect for the living ecosystem of the vineyard and solidified his commitment to producing wine with minimal human intervention.

Technical Winemaking Philosophy

Tailler's winemaking philosophy is centered on the belief that high-quality grapes are the foundation of great wine, which he achieves through a "minimum of inputs and a maximum of patience." His technical approach is characterized by:

• Organic Viticulture: The vineyards have been managed according to the principles of organic agriculture since the domaine's inception in 2015, with official certification achieved for the 2020 vintage. This approach minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals.

• Biodynamic Practices: He applies plant infusions and teas to the vines to reduce the need for copper and sulfur treatments, working with lunar cycles to support the health of the vines and the soil.

• Natural Vinification: Fermentations are carried out naturally with indigenous yeasts. The wines are made with a minimal level of intervention in the cellar, allowing the character of the grapes to shine through without manipulation.

• Terroir Expression: Located on the northernmost extension of the Paris Basin, the Côtes de Toul region features a unique geology of limestone and clay, with some granite, gneiss, and schist. Tailler's winemaking aims to capture the subtle nuances of this cool, Atlantic-influenced climate and the mineral-rich soils.