Carhartt Family Wines

Piquette: From Pomace to Can


Discovering Piquette: A Unique Vinous Beverage:

From pomace to can, “the moment I tried my first Piquette, I was hooked— To be honest, my thought was ‘this is amazing,’ but I think I can do better” – Chase Carhartt. What exactly is Piquette? To put it simply, Piquette is a vinous beverage produced by adding water to grape pomace and fermenting that liquid. Sounds interesting, right?

Crafting Fhuquette: A Carhartt Original

In late September 2020, after pressing a few tons of Grenache Rosé fruit, we transferred the used skins (from the press) back into a tank. From there we added some water, and let those skins soak for a few days. Once properly steeped, we drained off the liquid portion, and re-pressed the skins, extracting any remaining sugar solution. That liquid then went through its own alcoholic fermentation, but since its concentration is roughly half of normal grape must or juice, the finished alcohol percentage is about 7% (roughly half of traditional wine).

From Bottle to Can: The Evolution

Just before alcoholic fermentation finished, we hand-bottled our first Piquette into Champagne bottles (extra thick glass), put a crown cap (think beer) on top, and let it finish fermenting inside the bottle, under pressure. By finishing fermentation under pressure, the CO2 is forced into the solution in the same style as a “Pet Nat”. After opening the bottle, beautiful bubbles are formed as the CO2 comes back out of the solution, hence the extra fizz in the glass! V1 of this tasty beverage in bottle with a crown cap. For V2, we bottled and experimented with force carbonation and kegs (recyclable kegs). V3? Well, you guessed it, we finally sorted through all the logistics and put this thing in a CAN!

Fhuquette in a Can: A Game-Changing Wine-Hybrid

So, what’s the buzz about Fhuquette in a can? It’s the culmination of experimentation, innovation, and a true devotion for pushing the boundaries of winemaking. Piquette wine is already fascinating in its own right, but when it’s packed in a can, it takes on a whole new dimension. The convenience of cans makes it perfect for on-the-go enjoyment, picnics, and outdoor adventures like tailgating. Plus, it’s a sustainable choice with recyclable packaging.

What truly sets Fhuquette apart is its vibrant character and effervescent charm. The unique fermentation process infuses the liquid with exuberant bubbles that dance on your palate with every sip. It’s a refreshing, lower-alcohol alternative to traditional wines, perfect for those who crave something light and lively.

The Future of Wine: Fhuquette in a Can

It’s a testament to the creativity and passion that drive the wine industry forward. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an adventurous spirit looking for a new experience, give Fhuquette in a can a try. It’s a real game-changer that will leave you pleasantly surprised and craving more. Cheers to the future of wine in a can!

 

[Quick plug: for more context on this unique wine, check out our video on Piquettes (below).]