Introduction:
Domaine Isle Saint Pierre is a 200-hectare estate founded in 1927 by Parisian wine merchant Pierre Chassaing, who left city life to plant vines and raise sheep. The estate is now farmed by fourth-generation vigneron Julien Henry, whose commitment to sustainable viticulture and adventurous grape selection has resulted in some unique and terrific wines. What sets Isle Saint Pierre apart is its island terroir and its unusually eclectic blend of varieties with long histories in Bordeaux and continental France that have found a second life on this warm, wind-swept island.
Terroir:
The island's position at the confluence of the Rhône and the Mediterranean gives it a climate unlike anything else in the south of France. Deep, well-draining sedimentary soils of sand and silt — alluvial deposits laid down by centuries of river activity — force the vines to dig deep for water, while the surrounding bodies of water provide a natural cooling influence that preserves freshness and acidity even at this latitude. The Mistral wind is an essential partner here, sweeping through the island's vines to maintain health and balance and reducing the need for intervention. No chemical herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used, and a flock of 200 sheep provides the estate's natural fertilization.
Tasting notes:
The 2025 Domaine Isle Saint Pierre Rosé is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Vermentino with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Arinarnoa, Carménère, Tannat, and Syrah. It has aromas of strawberries, raspberries and watermelon, with hints of citrus zest and Provençal herbs. The palate is dry, crisp, and lively, with red currant, cranberry, and strawberry fruit characters supported by bright acidity and a subtle saline mineral quality from the sandy alluvial soils. The finish is clean and refreshing, with mouthwatering citrus notes that make to want another sip.
Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Grilled Mediterranean sea bass, bouillabaisse, or chicken brochettes with herbed yogurt
🥦 Vegetarian: Ratatouille, niçoise salad, or a cold fish and vegetable cake (as the winemaker suggests — pieds paquets)
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Fresh chèvre, mild Comté, olives, tapenade, and thinly sliced jambon de Bayonne
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Certified Vignerons Développement Durable (Sustainable Winegrowing) since 2018; no chemical herbicides or synthetic fertilizers; low yields; sustainable viticulture with careful canopy management
Producer Name: Domaine Isle Saint Pierre (Julien Henry)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Méditerranée IGP Isle Saint Pierre, Rhône River, near Arles
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Franc 30%, Merlot 30%, Vermentino 15%, Colombard 5%, Petit Verdot 5%, Arinarnoa 5%, Carménère 5%, Tannat 3%, Syrah 2%
Vintage: 2025
Wine Style: Dry Rosé
Winemaking Techniques: Grapes cooled upon arrival at cellar; short skin maceration with precise timing control; rosé produced exclusively from free-run juice; aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; no oak contact
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Screwcap