Chloé Bey & Jordan d'Osualdo

SPARK
Our portfolio proudly features winemakers from the Jura and Savoie, but we had yet to find a standout in the neighboring Bugey wine region—until we discovered Chloé and Jordan of Les Tailleurs Cueilleurs. The chemistry between us was undeniable. Chloé hails from Nîmes, and Jordan from Alsace. In 2018, Chloé went grape-picking with a friend at none other than Bruno Schueller, where she met Jordan. This was the catalyst for their journey; their travels through Italy and work in the Friuli vineyards solidified their vision for a wine estate in France.

HAPPINESS
Just before the 2020 harvest, fortune smiled upon them as they stumbled upon a house for sale in Bugey that needed work. They committed themselves fully to the project and faced disappointment when the sellers backed out at the last moment. However, true character emerges in challenging times. When it seemed like nothing would come of it, they seized the moment. Determined, they made a bold move and purchased a building in Saint-Jean-Le-Vieux in northern Bugey, restoring it with fervor under the guidance of Jordan's father, their architect and skilled carpenter.

8 CUVÉES
Their initial setback paved the way for them to acquire ideal parcels for biodynamic viticulture and parcel-specific vinification. The willingness of locals to sell their vines is a rare advantage, as buyers are scarce due to the steep, challenging slopes. Committed to optimizing the energy between vine and vineyard, their first vintage was an immediate success—reflecting their clear mission and strategic insight. Eight cuvées for a first vintage is a significant achievement. The red wines include Novêra, A l'abada, Grenalâ, Rita & Rova, and Kovè, while the white wines feature Nua and Lyëna. Sarvazo showcases the renowned Cerdon bubbles, uniquely crafted and less sweet.

ENGLISH GRAFTING
The plots are strategically located close to the cellar and span three distinct areas. In Varey, young vines aged 20 to 30 years thrive on moderate slopes of clay-limestone soil, surrounded by orchards and sheep. This area enjoys abundant sunshine, ensuring the earliest harvest. The primary focus here is Gamay, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Mondeuse also in the mix. The second plot in Poncieux (Haut Bugey), a mere ten-minute drive from the cellar, is wild and austere, with steep slopes that house vines aged 40 to 110 years on marl-limestone soils. The third plot above Dalivoy features lush meadows and forests reminiscent of the Alpine region, planted with 40-year-old Chardonnay and a selection of Savagnin this year. Quality planting material is essential for achieving perennial vines, so Chloé and Jordan source their plants from reputable growers, employing the biodynamic principles. They also utilize the innovative technique of "English grafting," which combines scions from one vine with the rootstock of another to ensure quality.

BALANCE
Chloé and Jordan emphasize balance in every aspect of their work. Physiological pruning is critical for the longevity of plants that have suffered from excessive tampering. They have adopted a no-pruning approach on wood older than two years and accept the natural elongation of the plant, allowing it to build reserves and become more resilient. The name Tailleurs Cueilleurs (cutting-picking) reflects their commitment to pruning practices that balance moderate yield with a longer lifespan. They adhere to the principle of "non-action and wild farming," allowing trees and plants to naturally integrate as companions to the vines, enabling the wines to draw energy from this ecosystem. This philosophy shifts away from traditional winemaking practices, recognizing that for exceptional grapes and outstanding wine, the vine must endure challenges. For Chloé and Jordan, this shift is imperative. The well-being of the plant and the entire ecosystem must take precedence, leading to a new approach in conjunction with climate protection.

MONDAY
Every action they take is about guiding plants and soil without causing trauma, passionately following the lunar calendar, producing horn manure and gravel, and respecting cosmic rhythms. Biodiversity is non-negotiable, encompassing fruit trees, shrubs, saplings, perches for birds of prey, and nesting boxes for birds and bats. By allowing the grass to grow naturally, they seal the soil and promote a rich diversity of insects, fungi, bacteria, and pollinating bees. As summers grow hotter, the matured grass ensures the soil's integrity after mowing and facilitates the spontaneous renewal of weeds. Spreading organic material like leaves or grass clippings preserves the soil’s freshness and moisture while providing essential nutrients. Their machinery usage is kept to a minimum, limited to a track weighing between 450 and 700 kg.

UV-STOK
During high season, pruning and tying involve braiding branches onto wires to maximize leaf exposure, avoiding any operations that could stress or oxidize the plants. The application of sulphur and copper is kept to an absolute minimum, thanks to herbal teas made from nettle, willow, horsetail, yarrow, and roadside thorn, which naturally bolster the plants' defenses and curtail fungal spores. Their commitment to working without additives and sulphites demands meticulous cellar hygiene. They disinfect and steam barrels, exposing them to UVlight for 15 minutes before filling. This technique virtually eliminates contamination risks, particularly from Brettanomyces. The wines then mature in demi-muids, allowing them to develop at their own pace. Indigenous yeasts and varying temperatures lead to slow fermentations. No filtration occurs, and a two-spout dispenser minimizes tumultuous air exposure. Despite the known challenges, Chloé and Jordan have deliberately chosen the best corks to maintain wine integrity. Their sparkling wines are sealed with an agglomerated cork glued to a cork disc that interacts directly with the wine, manually stapled for quality assurance.

CUVEES
The names of the cuvées are inspired by the local dialect and reflect anecdotes related to the plots' lives. For instance, Kovè (crow) and Nua (nut) draw attention to the winged inhabitants of these distinctive parcels.

We are genuinely thrilled to add Chloé and Jordan's wines to our collection—exceptional wines that bring joy to everyone.
From happy bees.