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 estate in 1998. Located in Rotalier in the hamlet of La Combe, the 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 estate 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.
The property’s grande cuvée is Les Vignes de mon Père, a Savagnin aged for ten years.
Jean-François Gavenat has also set up a small négociant business with his wife under the name ‘Anne et Jean-François Ganevat’, which allows him to produce and offer even more wines to the world. This estate 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.

The true favourite of the iDealwine team, Les Cèdres comes from eighty-year-old Chardonnay grown on a marly terroir. Vinified naturally in demi-muids, on its lees for two and a half years, the wine has been bottled without sulphur and there is no filtration nor fining. It has a pale golden hue and exudes a complex aromatic bouquet. Notes of grilled hazelnut, flint stone, butter, citrus fruit and while fruit herald a palate which is both well-rounded and fresh. Balanced by wonderful acidity and delicate notes of citrus fruit, it pairs beautifully with iodised dishes for example.