Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues Vieilles Vignes 2015 Ganevat

Jean-François Ganevat Côtes du Jura Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues Vieilles Vignes Savagnin 2015

Overview

The Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues Vieilles Vignes Savagnin 2015 from Jean-François Ganevat is a white wine of extraordinary elegance and complexity, expressing the Jura terroir at its purest. Sourced from century-old Savagnin vines planted on blue marl soils, this wine combines oxidative, fruity, and mineral notes in perfect harmony. Extended aging in large oak barrels allows it to develop a refined structure and remarkable longevity, making it suitable for long-term cellaring while offering immediate pleasure to those who taste it today. It embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, with a character that reflects both the vintage and the vineyard’s unique position.

Wine History and Philosophy

Jean-François Ganevat, known as “Fanfan,” is a leading figure in natural Jura winemaking. His philosophy merges biodynamics, minimal intervention, and careful vineyard selection to highlight the authenticity of each plot. The Chalasses vineyards are meticulously managed with very low yields to ensure concentration and quality. Ganevat’s goal is to produce wines that are alive, vibrant, and capable of telling the story of their terroir, showcasing a unique personality that evolves beautifully over time.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in large oak barrels (demi-muids), without any artificial oxidation. Aging under a natural yeast veil allows the wine to develop complex oxidative aromas while preserving freshness and tension. This slow, careful process produces a wine with depth, structure, and aromatic complexity, making it a refined example of Jura Savagnin at its best.

Tasting Notes

• Color: bright golden yellow with amber highlights, showing both maturity and vibrancy.

• Nose: aromas of white fruit, citrus, toasted almond, and honey, complemented by delicate minerality. With time, additional layers of walnut, spices, and herbal notes emerge.

• Palate: dry and complex, with vivid acidity and mineral sapidity balancing its structure. The finish is long, persistent, and inviting, revealing the wine’s elegance and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with aged cheeses like Comté or Morbier, fish and shellfish dishes, delicate white meats, mushroom risottos, and creamy preparations. Also perfect as a contemplative wine, to savor slowly and enjoy its evolving aromatic layers. Serve at 12–14°C to highlight freshness and complexity.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Côtes du Jura AOC

• Producer: Jean-François Ganevat

• Vintage: 2015

• Grape: 100% Savagnin

• Soil: blue marl

• Viticulture: biodynamic, very low yields, century-old vines

• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no artificial oxidation

• Aging: in large oak barrels (demi-muids) under natural yeast veil, extended period

• Alcohol: 14% Vol.

• Serving Temperature: 12–14°C

• Allergens: contains sulfites

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Jean-François Ganevat

A Farming Legacy Looking to the Future

In the heart of the Jura region, in the small village of Rotalier, lies the story of Jean-François Ganevat, affectionately known as “Fanfan,” now one of the most respected names in artisanal European wine. The family has farmed this land for over twenty generations, but everything changed in 1998 when Jean-François returned after a formative experience at Jean-Marc Morey’s domaine in Chassagne-Montrachet. This Burgundian influence blends with Jura tradition to create a unique signature. The terroir—rich in marl and limestone, with cool temperatures and varied altitudes—gives life to wines of remarkable precision. Ganevat has revived forgotten grape varieties and old clones, marrying vision with deep respect for heritage.

Biodynamic Work and a Deep Respect for the Vine

Ganevat’s vineyard philosophy is based on biodynamic principles, not for certification’s sake, but as a way of life. Though Demeter-certified, the domaine goes beyond formalities: lunar cycles guide all activity, herbal teas and mineral-based treatments replace synthetic chemicals, and ground cover boosts biodiversity. Each parcel, often tiny and scattered, is farmed like a garden. Old local varieties such as Enfariné and Petit Béclan are grown alongside Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard and Trousseau. The vine is treated as a living, sensitive organism, and every action is intended to support its natural rhythm and health.

Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression

In the cellar, Jean-François works like a tailor. Every wine is handcrafted, the result of intuition and a deep relationship with each vintage. Native yeasts, no additives, no filtration, and almost no sulfites: Ganevat’s winemaking is radical yet meticulous. White wines often undergo years-long aging, sometimes up to seven years, in old Burgundy barrels or amphorae. He follows no strict recipe; instead, he allows the vintage, terroir, and grape to dictate the process. The result is vivid, textured, complex wines that resist oxidation and develop beautifully over time.

Between Jura and Beaujolais, a Fluid Vision

In recent years, Ganevat has expanded beyond Jura, especially into Beaujolais, where he works closely with his sister Anne. Under the label “Anne et Jean-François Ganevat,” they vinify grapes sourced from trusted organic growers. These wines, while not estate-grown, reflect the same liquid, saline, and vibrant style of the domaine. It’s a way to maintain artistic freedom while honoring the same values: purity, balance, and authenticity. Today, Ganevat stands as a symbol of a wine culture that is both rooted and rebellious.