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, Ganevat combines meticulous vineyard work with a minimalist approach in the cellar, producing wines that possess Burgundian finesse while retaining the unmistakable character of the Jura.

Ganevat's Vieux Macvin is a particularly special expression of this traditional Jura vin de liquéur. Made from Chardonnay and Savagnin must fortified with aged Marc du Jura, it follows the classic regional method of stopping fermentation through the addition of the spirit. The wine is then given several years of élevage in old oak, with Ganevat's version traditionally spending around a decade in barrel.

The result is wonderfully rich but remarkably fresh, with an amber-gold colour and an intensely expressive nose of fig, raisin, dried apricot, candied citrus and caramelised walnut, alongside honey, vanilla, cinnamon and gentle spice. On the palate it is generous and velvety, packed with concentrated dried and preserved fruit, yet held beautifully in balance by fresh acidity and the warmth of the aged Marc.

There is a lovely savoury complexity beneath the sweetness, and the finish is long, warm and persistent without ever becoming heavy. This is a wine that sits somewhere between dessert wine, fortified wine and aged Jura curiosity — but above all it is deeply pleasurable and unmistakably Ganevat.

Serve lightly chilled and give it a little air. Wonderful with blue cheese, foie gras, roasted figs, walnut desserts, tarte Tatin or simply on its own at the end of a meal.

Rich, nutty, spiced and beautifully fresh — a rare and deeply characterful Jura vin de liquéur from one of the region's cult producers.

Grape: Chardonnay & Savagnin
Style: Macvin du Jura
Alcohol: 17.5%