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.

Anne and Jean-François Ganevat run an unmistakably legendary property in Jura, which is renowned for its organic and biodynamic growing methods and low-intervention vinification. Many wine lovers are also attracted to this estate due to its incredible catalogue. Merci L'Ami is a red Arbois made from one of the region’s hallmark grape varieties, Ploussard, also known as 'Poulsard', that is carefully grown. The vines draw all the necessary nutrients needed for their development from deep within the red marl soil. Yields are low but concentrated and the grapes are hand-harvested to be meticulously sorted for vinification that sees no intervention take place. Typically, indigenous yeasts are left to trigger the fermentation process, and extractions are very limited as there is no pumping over or punching down. Sulphur is excluded from the process also.
This wine is strikingly red in colour with a smooth body. Structured by fine tannins, it reveals notes of red fruits, white pepper and sweet spices. A lovely freshness permeates the overall enjoyment of this wine.