Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE GENELETTI: GOURMET JURA WINES DESIGNED BY AN EPICUREAN

Discover the Jura Vineyard: Meet David Geneletti of Domaine Geneletti

For those nostalgic souls looking to enjoy the last snowy weeks, head to the Jura vineyards to meet a passionate and epicurean winemaker: David Geneletti of Domaine Geneletti.

Riches of the Jura Vineyard

The Jura is bursting with wine appellations and viticultural riches. Determined to make the most of them, David cultivates his 15 hectares of vines across the region's flagship appellations: Château-Chalon, Étoile (the land of Jura’s yellow wines), and Macvin. "I offer a range of about fifteen products. Yellow wines, of course, but also fruity and floral dry white wines," explains David. In 2005, the winemaker expanded his production to include red wine by acquiring 3 hectares of vines in the Arbois appellation.

Unique Wine Pairings

"Anything that raises cholesterol pairs well with my wines!" Having joined the family estate in 1997 after studying viticulture in Beaune, David represents the third generation of winemakers in his family. Domaine Geneletti and the cellars are located in the heart of the ancient town of Château-Chalon. Very attached to the village, David is committed to honoring his vines by vinifying his Château-Chalon cuvée each year, an AOC Étoile yellow wine with characteristic dried fruit aromas and a rich, generous palate.

Specialty Wines from Domaine Geneletti

Another specialty of Domaine Geneletti is the straw wine. "We select our most beautiful clusters, then let them dry on beds of straw until January or February. When the sugar concentration from evaporation is satisfactory, I press the harvest, and after a fermentation that can last several months, I age it in barrels for 3 years," David details. In terms of food pairings, the Jura winemaker recommends his straw wine with cumin or curry-spiced dishes or creamy cheeses. "Generally, anything that raises cholesterol!" he jokes. His guilty pleasure? Coq au vin jaune and morels.

The Geneletti Touch

"Pleasure, finesse, and elegance" are David’s keywords for producing quality wines. While he is attached to his terroir, the winemaker does not dismiss new trends. "We should not deprive ourselves of our current technologies and resources but rather adapt to the new generation of consumption," he admits. Far from focusing solely on traditional nut and curry aromas, David is not afraid to promote his fruity wines, which also present a certain freshness. "I strive to produce wines characteristic of the Jura while adding a touch of Geneletti."

Oenotourism at Domaine Geneletti

David is also involved in oenotourism. Listed in the Smart Box "Gourmet Discoveries," Domaine Geneletti opens its cellar to the public for an educational tour. "I show them my cellars and barrels where I age my yellow wines while explaining my winemaking methods," David details. In the coming months, David plans to rejuvenate all his vines, which are currently over thirty years old. "Rejuvenation is necessary to protect my vines from diseases. So, I will stick with the same products but with brand-new vines!"