Wine for sale: Ganevat (domaine)
Ganevat (domaine)
We’re heading to the Jura, where we find one of France’s most prized domains: Jean-François Ganevat. An icon of natural wines and an ambassador for this superb viticultural region, he is a master of biodynamics and a great defender of forgotten grape varieties.
Former head winemaker of Jean-Marc Morey in Chassagne-Montrachet, Jean-François Gavenat has become one of the most talented winemakers in the Jura since he took over his family domain in 1998. His vineyard spans 13 hectares and includes many different grape varieties. Gavenat has a natural and biodynamic approach (without certification) and produces some single vineyard wines (the domain boasts 50 different cuvées). The vines are relatively old and meticulously cared for. The yields are low and the vinifcations gentle. Some of the reds are matured in amphorae are of a very high quality ; Gavenat has recently got involved in negociant activity. This domain has played an important part in increasing the popularity of wines from the Jura. Production is small and the wines are prized by wine lovers all over.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...
BETTANE & DESSEAUVE
‘Jean-François Ganevat is a figure of the Jura. The 9-hectare vineyard with its 25 grape varieties provides a superb number of single parcel cuvées. Many of these are white wines, masterpieces of precision and grace. Over a third of the vines are older than 50 and since 2005, Ganevat has been working biodynamically.’
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE
‘Thanks to low yields and considerable work in the vines, the red cuvées are of a remarkable standard, and are being matured increasingly often in terracotta pots. They are just as accomplished as the white cuvées. We want to mention the sublime vin jaune and the incomparable ‘Les Vignes de mon père’ cuvée, a Savagnin matured for 10 years. And new cuvées are still arriving, often made from local, forgotten varieties planted densely on the slopes.’