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 drinkability. Working organically and biodynamically across an exceptional collection of 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.

Julien en Billat – L’Enfant Terrible du Sud is an especially rare wine from the 2024 vintage, born from the severe spring frosts that devastated the Jura and dramatically reduced Ganevat’s red grape harvest. Rather than producing his usual range of individual red cuvées, Ganevat brought together the surviving fruit from across the domaine into a single wine. It is therefore a unique snapshot of the vintage, combining Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau from multiple biodynamically farmed parcels around Vercia, Grusse and Rotalier.

The vineyards are planted on marl and schist soils, and the grapes were hand-harvested before being fermented with indigenous yeasts. The whole bunches underwent a cold semi-carbonic maceration, preserving the natural perfume and vibrant fruit of the varieties, before approximately one year of ageing in a large wooden tronconic vat, with no new oak. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration and with no added sulphur.

The result is remarkably elegant and delicate. The nose is immediately expressive, offering crunchy cherry, raspberry and redcurrant, followed by rose, violet and a subtle thread of spice. On the palate, it is silky, fluid and wonderfully juicy, with bright acidity and fine, understated tannins. There is a gentle earthy and herbal dimension beneath the fruit, while the finish is fresh, savoury and surprisingly long.

Despite the disastrous conditions of 2024, Ganevat has produced a red of remarkable grace and energy. It is light on its feet but not lacking in substance, with the different varieties working together to create a wine that is both deeply expressive and exceptionally easy to drink.

A rare and beautifully delicate Ganevat red, born from the frost-struck 2024 vintage — fragrant, silky, mineral and irresistibly fresh.