You’ve finally learnt what pét-nat and orange wine are. Proud of you! Now here’s another buzzword to wreck your confidence when reading the drinks list at your local natural wine bar.

Introducing: Piquette

Loosely derived from the French word ‘piquer’, meaning ‘prick’ or ‘prickle’, piquette is an apt description of this drink’s gentle fizz, although not without references to plonk (AKA cheap, garbage wine).

In the same vein as brewing saison for the refreshment of seasonal workers, piquette has long been the preferred drink of vineyard workers – low(ish) in alcohol, light and supremely refreshing, whilst making use of what would-be waste product (see: cheap and sustainable).

How is piquette made?

This vinous, ‘wine-adjacent’ beverage is made from pomace, which is simply the skins, seeds, pulp and stems leftover after pressing grapes in the winemaking process. The remaining grape matter is steeped in water and rehydrated, allowing the fermentation process to kick off once more, before it’s eventually pressed off, then bottled or canned with a light, natural carbonation.

A zero-waste*, natty wine kombucha, that’s often sulphur free, too? How very trendy of you. (*this is not to suggest pomace as a byproduct would be simply thrown away otherwise, as it can be used as compost/organic fertiliser. Not all like minded producers make piquette, yet they’re just as sustainable!)

Related story: What is Pét-Nat? Here’s everything you need to know about the natural wine of the moment

What is piquette like?

There are some bacterial perils one must face when adding water, lowering both alcohol and acidity, two natural safeguards against microbial spoilage. Think wild yeasts and bacterias that natural wine and sour beer drinkers alike may be familiar with; volatile acidity, brettanomyces, the whole gang.

Piquette can be pretty wild, and whilst not being overly complex, can challenge the more ‘traditional’ palate. However without such intrigue, it would likely be quite a boring drink.

How do I drink piquette?

Think of it less as wine – it’s technically not – and rather wine-adjacent. Enjoy it like a spritz, pét-nat or even sour beer; piquette is lively and effervescent, bright and refreshing, a little bit wild, and low enough in alcohol to thoughtfully enjoy throughout the day – dare I say, ‘sessionable’.

The perfect drink for summer.

Related story: Why you should be drinking chilled red wine this summer (and all year long)