Isere wine

The Terroir of Isère Wines

Nestled between the Alps, Savoy, and the Rhône, the Isère vineyard stretches across steep hillsides, often at altitude, with a diverse mix of soils: limestone scree, clay-limestone, glacial moraines... Long overlooked, this historic terroir is now experiencing a revival thanks to a handful of passionate winemakers who value native grapes and natural practices. Altitude and thermal amplitude give Isère wines freshness, tension, and digestibility.

What wine styles can be found in Isère?

Isère offers a wide range: vibrant, mineral whites, light or structured reds, and even some natural sparkling wines. Winemakers often work with ancient or forgotten grapes like verdesse, étraire de la Dhuy, or persan, along with chardonnay, mondeuse, or gamay. The wine style is typically very pure, with little or no added sulfur, and a clear alpine identity.

Red Wine from Isère

The natural reds of Isère come from grapes like gamay, mondeuse, étraire de la Dhuy or persan. They are often fruity, with fine tannins and refreshing acidity. These wines can be easy-drinking or more profound depending on the vinification style.

White Wine from Isère

The whites from Isère are reminiscent of dry white wines from Savoy, showing great natural tension and clean aromas. Verdesse, a local flagship variety, gives crystalline, floral, and citrusy wines. Chardonnay and altesse can also deliver notable alpine complexity. Typically made with indigenous yeasts, little or no sulfites, aged on lees — the result is vibrant, honest, and highly drinkable cuvées.

What food to pair with Isère wines?

Natural wines from Isère pair beautifully with simple, rustic, or plant-based dishes. Light reds go well with charcuterie, gratin dauphinois, or roasted vegetables. Zesty whites are perfect with lake fish, light raclette, goat cheese salad, or Royans ravioli. Their unadulterated style suits minimally processed foods.

Who are the best natural winemakers in Isère?

Two standout names for natural wines in Isère are Jérémy Bricka — a former mountaineer now crafting biodynamic wines on steep alpine slopes — and the Domaine des Rutissons, which focuses on old varieties like verdesse and étraire de la Dhuy with meticulous care. These two producers are leading the Isère wine revival.