ANNE ET JEAN-FRANÇOIS GANEVAT
Tucked away in the hamlet of La Combe in Rotalier, in the mountainous Jura, Domaine Ganevat is a beacon of authenticity and innovation in the world of natural wine. Led by Jean-François Ganevat – affectionately known as “Fanfan” – the estate has become synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, deep respect for terroir, and a revivalist spirit that honours Jura’s forgotten grape varieties.
The Ganevat family has cultivated this land since 1650, initially balancing viticulture with dairy farming. Jean-François, the 14th generation, honed his skills in Burgundy, working for nearly a decade as cellar master at Domaine Jean-Marc Morey in Chassagne-Montrachet. In 1998, he returned to Jura to take over the family estate, bringing with him a Burgundian precision that would redefine the region’s wines.
Today, Domaine Ganevat spans approximately 13 hectares, cultivated biodynamically since 2006. The vineyards are a mosaic of over 45 grape varieties, including rare and ancient cultivars like Petit Béclan, Enfariné Noir, and Gueuche Noir. Jean-François’s commitment to biodiversity and low-intervention farming results in wines that are both expressive and singular.
In the cellar, Jean-François employs traditional methods: long fermentations with indigenous yeasts, ageing in old demi-muids, and minimal to no sulfur additions. His reds – crafted from Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Poulsard – undergo whole-berry fermentation à l’ancienne. Whites, primarily Chardonnay and Savagnin, are aged on lees for extended periods, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and purity.
The domaine produces an astonishing array of over 40 cuvées annually, each reflecting a specific plot, grape variety, or winemaking style.
In 2013, Jean-François and his sister Anne established a négoce label in response to challenging vintages and to support fellow growers. This venture allows them to source grapes from trusted friends across France, resulting in innovative Vin de France bottlings that often blend Jura varieties with those from regions like Alsace and Beaujolais.
Domaine Ganevat’s wines are highly sought after, celebrated for their purity, energy, and reflection of place. They stand as a testament to Jean-François’s unwavering commitment to quality and his role in elevating Jura to the forefront of the natural wine movement.
