ZEROINE
Rotalier
Jura
Established in 2018 as an exclusive negociant venture, Zeroine is the brainchild of Maylis Bernard, who happens to be Jean Francois Ganevat’s life partner. Maylis, daring to embark on such a bold career change, received invaluable guidance from both Fanfan and his sister Anne. Notably, there's a discernible alignment in the stylistic approaches of the two trading houses: characterised by distinctive aromatic profiles, lively acidities and exceptionally flavourful palates.
This year marks the highly anticipated unveiling of Zeroine's 2020 and 2021 releases, representing a significant milestone in its transition to become a part-domaine enterprise. Since bottling her inaugural vintage, Maylis has acquired exquisite small plots of land in and around the estate in La Combe de Rotalier, South Revermont. These acquisitions have enabled the introduction of captivating Chardonnay and Savagnin-based wines, which complement the already diverse and playful range of reds.
Maylis’ vineyard and cellar practices mirror those of her mentor, employing soil plowing and vine protection exclusively through plant-based preparations. Embracing traditional techniques, fermentations are largely carried out in open-top wooden vats and opts for extended ageing periods in barrel and demi-muid, followed by at least one year in bottle before release. Additionally, she decides to take risks and avoid compromising her creativity and expressiveness of her wines by fully steering clear of any intervention as well as SO2.
Côtes du Jura, Ju Cha
Vintage 2020
Style White
Region Rotalier
Varieties Chardonnay
ABV 13%
Soils Clay, bajocene limestone
Farming Organic
Winemaking A Côtes du Jura blend from three different sites in the communes of Lavigny, Augea as well as a small portion of old vine Chardonnay from South Revermont’s celebrated Les Varrons lieu dit. Fruit is pressed and fermented separately in old demi muids. At completion of fermetation the juices are blended and return to 500-litre old oak barrels to rest on fine lees over two winters. Bottled by gravity, without filtration, fining or SO2.
Tasting Note Notes of candied citrus, honeysuckle and an attractive mineral reduction. The palate is energetic, balancing the pithy fruit and electric acidity which culminates on a long, salivating finish.
Arbois, Ju Sa
Vintage 2020
Style White
Region Arbois
Varieties Savagnin
ABV 13.5%
Soils Clay, blue marl, limestone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking A pure Savagnin from the lieu dit Bodines a few stints from Arbois. perssing and a light settling, the wine moves to 500-litre barrel for fermentation and ageing over 24 months. As it is the case for all her wines, no sulphur is employed at any stage, nor the wine is filtered or fined before bottling.
Tasting Note Savagnin at its best. Displays harmonious balance between aromatic power and finesse on the palate. The nose is marked by notes of stone fruit combined with a nutty, slightly oxidative tone. Gorgeous tension on the palate to match the roundness and richness of the fruit. Delicious now but definitely showing great cellaring potential too.
Pi Rie
Vintage 2021
Style Rosé
Region Alsace
Varieties Pinot Noir, Riesling
ABV 11.5%
Soils Clay, grey marl, limestone, granite
Farming Organic
Winemaking A so called blouge sourced from the Alsatian terroirs. A pretty even 50/50 split of Pinot Noir and Riesling, both from certified organic vineyards. The Pinot is processed whole bunch and undergoes a rather short maceration with sugars finishing then in barrel. The Riesling instead is pressed, fermented and aged in old wooden casks.
Tasting Note A bright, pale ruby colour in the glass, this offers a unique bouquet which combines the floral, peppery notes of Pinot with the mineral tension of Riesling. Cruncy red berry fruit on the attack, it finishes long and somewhat saline.
Ga Ga
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Rotalier
Varieties Gamay
ABV 14%
Soils Clay, Marl, Limestone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Half of the grapes are processed through direct pressing, the remainder undergoes semi-carbonic maceration for approximately 20 days. The direct pressed juice is regularly pumped over the maceration of whole clusters in the last few days of the fermentation.
Ageing takes place in tronconic wooden barrels for one year, followed by one further year in bottle sur latte.
Tasting Note Gorgeous raspberry fruit followed by delicate flower-y notes of rose and violets and earthy hints. It has a fairly dense and grippy texture, yet wonderfully balanced by a salivating mineral finish.
Ga Cha
Vintage 2019
Style Red
Region Rotalier
Varieties Gamay, Chardonnay
ABV 11.5%
Soils Clay, Marl, Limestone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Semi-carbonic maceration using the millefeuille technqiue, consisting in alternating layers whole clusters of white and red grapes. An infusion-type maceration without any pump overs. GaCha is aged for one year in tronconic wooden barrels and bottled without filtration, sulphur-free.
Tasting Note Fresh quince, cranberry, wild strawberry and dried orange peel. It is lighter than GaGa, with crunchy aromatics and moreish acids.
Pi Ga
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Rotalier
Varieties Pinot Noir, Gamay
ABV 14%
Soils Clay, Marl, Limestone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking A 50/50 blend of biodynamically farmed Pinot Noir and Gamay. The grapes undergo a semi carbonic maceration for 20 days in open top, tronconic wooden vats. Starting with cool temperatures in the beginning and going up to 14°C towards the end of fermentation. It is bottled unfiltered, unfined and without any added SO2.
Tasting Note Fragrant black cherry and dried violet notes combine with warmer tones of sandalwood, leather and liquorice. The delicate fruit and structure is lifted by the savoury aromas and some lovely textured tannins on the finish. Elegant and yet powerful, a characterful wine that sings of its place.