Domaine Ganevat, located in the hamlet of La Combe in Rotalier, is a family operation whose history dates back several centuries. Jean-François Ganevat represents the 14th generation to cultivate these lands, inheriting know-how that has been passed down since 1650. However, it was in 1998 that the estate's reputation truly took off when Jean-François, after working as cellar master at the prestigious Domaine Jean-Marc Morey in Burgundy, returned to Jura to take over the reins of the family property.
Drawing on his Burgundian experience, Jean-François Ganevat revolutionised the estate by adopting a more rigorous approach to plot-by-plot vinification and applying biodynamic principles from 2006. He also developed a passion for old, forgotten Jura grape varieties, reintroducing ancient varieties into his vineyard. Alongside his sister Anne, he launched a négociant business to meet the growing demand for his wines while maintaining extremely high quality standards.
Today, Domaine Ganevat is recognised not only for its Jura wines but also for its unique creations from its négociant activity, offering enthusiasts a diverse experience of French terroirs.
Domaine Ganevat's vineyard spans 13 hectares, spread across the steep slopes of Jura. This territory is a true patchwork of varied soils, ranging from blue marls to schists and clay-limestone soils. Each plot benefits from a unique terroir, giving the estate's wines a distinct personality and exceptional depth.
A third of the estate's vines are over 50 years old, and some, centenarians, are planted with rare and forgotten grape varieties such as Enfariné Noir, Petit Bécland, and Scévillard. In addition to Jura's emblematic grape varieties like Chardonnay and Savagnin, Jean-François Ganevat also cultivates historical Jura varieties such as Poulsard and Trousseau.
Biodynamics, practised since 2006, is at the heart of the work in the vineyards. Jean-François and his team strive to preserve the natural balance of the soil by using plant-based preparations, such as horsetail, nettle, and dandelion, while limiting the use of copper and sulphur to minimal doses. This respect for the terroir and meticulous attention to biodiversity allow the vines to produce grapes of incomparable quality, essential for the production of the estate's great wines.
In the cellar, Jean-François Ganevat follows a non-interventionist vinification philosophy, inspired by the methods of Jules Chauvet, a pioneer of natural wines. All the estate's wines are vinified without additives, with indigenous yeasts, and most cuvées are produced without added sulphur or with a minimal dose (only 1 g per litre for some cuvées). The red wines, in particular, are vinified without any sulphur, a practice that Jean-François masters with rare precision, guaranteeing the purity and longevity of his wines.
Fermentations are done with whole bunches for the reds, which brings additional aromatic complexity, and the ageing is long and attentive. The white wines, aged for at least two years, and up to 11 years for some cuvées like Les Vignes de mon Père, develop exceptional depth while retaining a sparkling freshness.
Jean-François Ganevat also experiments with various ageing containers, such as demi-muids, terracotta jars, or Burgundian barrels, to precisely adjust each cuvée to its terroir. This meticulous approach allows for the best expression of the nuances of each plot and produces wines that are both vibrant and elegant.
The diversity of Domaine Ganevat's cuvées is stunning: Jean-François produces between 35 and 40 different cuvées each year, reflecting the richness and complexity of Jura terroirs. These wines are distinguished by their finesse, structure, and ability to capture the essence of Jura. Here is the list of cuvées produced by Jean-François Ganevat:
Chardonnay
Côtes du Jura "La Cuvée du Pépé", Côtes du Jura "Les Grands Teppes Vieilles Vignes", Côtes du Jura "Les Chalasses Vieilles Vignes", Côtes du Jura "Grusses en Billat", Côtes du Jura "Cuvée Florine", Côtes du Jura "Cuvée Marguerite", Côtes du Jura "Chamois du Paradis", Côtes du Jura "Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues", Côtes du Jura "Les Dévoilés", Côtes du Jura "Les Survivants", Côtes du Jura "Les Gryphées Vieilles Vignes", Côtes du Jura "Les Cèdres", Côtes du Jura "Fortbleau", Côtes du Jura "Le Montceau", Côtes du Jura "Champs Poids", Côtes du Jura "La Gravière", Côtes du Jura "La Pelerine", Côtes du Jura Chardonnay "Les Miraculés"
Savagnin and blends
Côtes du Jura "Antide", Côtes du Jura "Cuvée Oregane" (50% Savagnin, 50% Chardonnay), Côtes du Jura "Cuvée de Garde" (50% Savagnin, 50% Chardonnay), Côtes du Jura "Les Vignes de Mon Père", Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune, Côtes du Jura "Marnes Bleues", Côtes du Jura "Les Rescapés", Côtes du Jura "Les Résistants", Arbois "Schiste", Arbois "Petit Curoulet", Arbois Vin Jaune, Macvin du Jura
Pinot Noir and other reds
Côtes du Jura "Grands Teppes", Côtes du Jura "Julien en Billat", Côtes du Jura "Cuvée Julien", Côtes du Jura "En Billat", Côtes du Jura "Les Chonchons", Vin de France "Le Jaja du Fred", Vin de France "P’tiot Roukin" (Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau), Vin de France "Rota Gamète", Côtes du Jura "Cuvée de l’Enfant Terrible" (Poulsard), Côtes du Jura Poulsard "Vieilles Vignes", Côtes du Jura Poulsard "Les Chonchons", Côtes du Jura "Plein Sud" (Trousseau), Vin de France "Seau-trou Les Corvées" (Trousseau), Arbois Rouge "Les Corvées"
Crémants and Pet Nats
Crémant du Jura, Pétillant-Naturel Rosé "Mon Luc" (90% Pinot Gris, 10% Poulsard), Vin de France Pétillant "La Bubulle à Jeannot" (Gamay, Poulsard)
Other grape varieties and blends
Vin de France "SUL Q", Vin de France "La Zaune à Dédée" (80% Gewurztraminer, 20% Savagnin), Vin de France "Le sa vient d’où" (35% Savagnin et autres cépages), Vin de France "Kopin" (Savagnin, Chardonnay, Riesling), Vin de France "J’en Veux" (18 cépages indigènes), Vin de France "Le Jaja du Ben" (Gamay, Grenache, cépages indigènes), Vin de France "Y’a bon the Canon" (50% Gamay, 50% cépages indigènes du Jura), Vin de France "Les Dentelles" (50% Syrah, 50% Grenache), Vin de France "L'Apéro" (70% Muscat, 30% Chardonnay), Vin de Table "L’ailleurs" (Pinot Auxerrois, l’Enfariné, Savagnin Vert), Vin de France "Roti’Fall’R" (Riesling)
Each cuvée is unique, reflecting meticulous care and a constant quest for excellence.
Wine enthusiasts will find mythical vintages from this region at Jean François Ganevat. Here is a list of particularly interesting vintages for the estate's wines: 2023, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2000...
For curious enthusiasts wishing to discover other viticultural treasures of Jura, find other Jura estates such as Domaine du Pélican, Tissot, Domaine des Mirroirs, Domaine des Murmures, Guillaume Overnoy, Houillon, Jean Macle, Pierre Overnoy...
Domaine Ganevat embodies the quintessence of Jura know-how, combining tradition and innovation to produce wines of rare finesse. Whether you are a fan of light and fruity red wines or complex and deep white wines, the estate's cuvées, whether from Jura terroirs or from its négociant activity, offer an unparalleled sensory experience. Jean-François Ganevat, with his passionate and perfectionist approach, has elevated this estate to the rank of a true legend in the wine world, and his wines, sought after across the globe, are to be discovered without hesitation!