Zéroine

History of Zéroïne

The story of Zéroïne begins in 2018, when Maylis Bernard, after a 16-year career in international IT project management, decides to follow her passion for wine. Granddaughter of a winemaker from Château-Chalon, Maylis grew up to the rhythm of harvests and Jura vineyards, a heritage that deeply marked her. Influenced by her partner, Jean-François Ganevat, a key figure in natural wine, and by her sister-in-law Anne Ganevat, she embarked on a bold career change, armed with a BTS in oenology and a clear vision: to produce exceptional natural wines.

Zéroïne, a contraction of "zero" (for zero addition) and "heroine" (in tribute to women in wine), reflects Maylis's commitment to viticulture without artifice. Initially a négociant, she buys organic and biodynamic grapes from trusted winemakers in Jura, Alsace, Savoie and Beaujolais. Since 2020, Maylis has also cultivated a small hectare of vines in Rotalier, reinforcing the identity of her estate. This project, driven by a philosophy of freedom and respect for living things, has now established itself as a rising reference in the world of natural wines.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Zéroïne

The Jura, one of France's oldest vineyards, offers Zéroïne an exceptional terrain of expression. The marl and limestone soils, typical of southern Jura, give the wines unique mineral tension and aromatic complexity. The continental climate, with its hot summers and harsh winters, favors slow ripening of grapes, preserving their freshness and balance. Maylis mainly works with emblematic Jura grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau, while exploring varieties from other regions, such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer or Gringet.

The grapes of Zéroïne come from plots certified in organic farming, some in biodynamics, carefully selected from partner winemakers. Since acquiring her own vines in Rotalier, Maylis applies environmentally friendly practices: plowing soils, using plant-based preparations to protect vines, and total absence of chemical products. This respect for terroir and biodiversity allows grapes to fully express their character, offering vibrant wines faithful to their origins.

Vinifications at Zéroïne

Vinification at Zéroïne is based on a minimalist and artisanal approach, where each gesture is designed to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the expression of terroir. Maylis favors spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts, without adding sulfur or oenological inputs. The macerations, often described as "infusion," are gentle, without punching down or pumping over, to avoid any excessive extraction and preserve the delicacy of aromas.

The reds, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay, generally benefit from semi-carbonic maceration and one year of aging in wooden foudres, while the whites, such as Chardonnay and Savagnin, spend two years in 500-liter barrels or in amphorae, without topping up for some, thus developing subtle oxidative profiles. Each cuvée is neither fined nor filtered, guaranteeing living and authentic wines. This non-interventionist approach, combined with extended aging (up to an additional year in bottle), produces brilliant, digestible wines of great purity.

The Cuvées of Zéroïne

Zéroïne offers a range of original cuvées, each bearing an evocative name, often inspired by femininity and freedom. Here is an overview of the estate's flagship wines, to enrich your cellar or enhance your tastings:

Gaga 

A pure Gamay vinified in semi-carbonic maceration, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in foudre. This fluid and fruity red wine seduces with its red fruit notes, freshness and intensity. Perfect for accompanying an aperitif or light dishes, it offers beautiful aging capacity.

JuCha 

A blend of Chardonnays from the organic plots of Lavigny, Varrons and Augea. After direct pressing, the juices ferment in 500-liter barrels for two years, without fining or filtration. This white wine reveals aromas of herbal tea, honeysuckle and dried fruits, with a tense palate and a long mineral finish.

PiAli 

A bold blend of Jura Pinot Noir (70%) and Mâconnais Aligoté (30%). The Pinot is vinified in semi-carbonic maceration, while the Aligoté undergoes direct pressing. Aged one year in foudre, this "blouge" offers a light garnet color, floral aromas and small red fruits, and a balanced palate with a mineral finish.

GriGri 

A Savoyard Gringet cuvée, made from organic grapes. Direct pressing, fermentation in amphora and two years of aging, followed by one year in bottle. This expressive white wine reveals notes of herbal tea, white fruits and candied citrus, with a saline palate and a tight mouthfeel.

MaGewRie 

A blend of organic Gewurztraminer and Riesling, vinified with light infusion maceration. Aged two years in a 14-hectoliter foudre, this orange wine offers complex aromas and a balanced texture, ideal for lovers of atypical wines.

JuPPT 

A blend of organic Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau, vinified in gentle semi-carbonic maceration and aged one year in foudre. This juicy red wine, with notes of pomegranate, blueberry and spices, is perfect for convivial moments.

JuSaOx 

An oxidative Savagnin from the Bodines plot, near Arbois. Aged two years in demi-muids without topping up, this complex white wine offers a rich aromatic palette and a smooth palate balanced by beautiful tension.

MaSa 

A pure organic Savagnin, vinified with 30 days of whole cluster maceration, followed by two years of aging in barrels. This powerful white wine seduces with its structure and depth.

RieRie 

An organic Riesling, directly pressed and aged two years in a 14-hectoliter foudre. This brilliant white wine reveals pure aromas and a lively palate, ideal for accompanying seafood or Asian dishes.

JuSa 

An organic Savagnin from the Bodines plot, vinified by direct pressing and aged two years in barrels. This white wine combines aromatic power (ripe white fruits, oxidative touch) and finesse on the palate, with beautiful aging potential.

JuPi 

An organic Jura Pinot Noir, vinified in semi-carbonic maceration and aged one year in foudre. This elegant red wine offers notes of red fruits and a drinkable palate, perfect for festive meals.

Zéroïne is the story of a bold winemaker, Maylis Bernard, who transforms organic grapes into natural wines of rare elegance. Through her cuvées, she celebrates the richness of Jura and other terroirs, with an uncompromising approach that highlights the purity of fruit and the typicity of soils. Each bottle of Zéroïne is an invitation to discover living, sensitive and resolutely modern wines, while remaining rooted in Jura tradition. Take advantage now of our exclusive selection and dive into the vibrant world of Zéroïne!