Jean-François Ganevat is one of the Jura’s most revered vignerons, a 14th-generation grower whose wines have become cult references for their precision, individuality and extraordinary longevity. Working organically and biodynamically across an exceptional collection of old-vine parcels, Ganevat combines meticulous vineyard work with a minimalist approach in the cellar. His wines possess a Burgundian finesse while retaining the freshness, energy and unmistakable personality of the Jura.

Les Survivants is one of Ganevat’s most distinctive Chardonnay cuvées, born from the extraordinary conditions of the 2021 vintage. Severe spring frosts devastated much of the Jura’s Chardonnay crop, leaving only tiny quantities of fruit from his historic old-vine parcels. Rather than bottle the surviving fruit separately, Ganevat brought these precious grapes together to create a single wine — hence the name, Les Survivants.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine comes from the Côtes du Jura and was fermented with indigenous yeasts before undergoing an extended élevage in demi-muids. The long time on lees gives the wine depth and texture, while the naturally low yields of the vintage have resulted in remarkable concentration.

The 2021 is a beautifully pure, tense and mineral expression of Jura Chardonnay. The nose opens with white flowers, fresh citrus and green apple, gradually developing more complex notes of yellow fruit, gunflint and hazelnut with air. On the palate, it is concentrated yet remarkably fresh, with piercing acidity, fine texture and an almost crystalline mineral character.

The finish is where the wine really shines: saline, chalky and exceptionally persistent, with citrus and orchard fruit lingering alongside subtle savoury and smoky nuances. Despite its concentration, it remains light on its feet and incredibly precise.

A rare product of a disastrous vintage, Les Survivants 2021 is both a fascinating piece of Jura history and a seriously accomplished Chardonnay in its own right — vibrant, incisive and built to develop beautifully in bottle.

100% Chardonnay | Côtes du Jura | Biodynamic | Long élevage on lees