According to wine historians, Piquette was a low-alcohol wine made from a second pressing of the harvest — this time of the grape skins, seeds, stems and pulp that remains after the juice has been pressed off for wine. Although linked to France, most European winemaking countries made a version of Piquette, usually to be enjoyed by farmhands and vineyard workers. It’s bright, uncomplicated, has a light hit of fizz, and it’s remarkably refreshing . . . in short, it’s the perfect summer drink.
For Bartier Bros. owners, Don and Michael Bartier, producing Piquette presented both an opportunity and a challenge.
“In our hearts, we’re farmers, simple and honest, and we deplore waste. We were excited by the idea of reusing the ‘leftovers’ from winemaking for a completely different kind of easy summer drink. The challenge, of course, was that it had to be great. These cans have our name on them. We won’t put out a half-effort.”
Winemaker Michael Bartier.
The New Piquettes
Piquette White ($15.99 for a 4-Pack)
The dry beverage opens with an exciting jolt of fizz. It has a refreshing clean taste. Simple and perfect for a picnic on a hot summer day. Flavours of orchard fruit with citrus notes and a hint of minerality. Only 4.2% Alcohol.
Piquette Rosé ($15.99 for a 4-Pack)
Refresh your palate with the dry prickly taste and fizz of this thirst quencher. Flavours of orange, cranberry, with hints of citrus. Only 4.2% Alcohol.
Please visit the Bartier Bros. Website to purchase.
About Bartier Bros:
Bartier Bros. wines represent unique and precious Okanagan Valley attributes: purity, freshness, vibrancy, and above all, intensity. The winery is located on the acclaimed Black Sage Bench in the South Okanagan. Bartier Bros. crafts wines that present elegance and balance and strive to sit comfortably with top wines from anywhere. Michael Bartier is the award-winning winemaker behind the portfolio, as well as brother to Don Bartier, together they form the proprietor duo behind Bartier Bros. winery, founded in 2009.