4 piquettes to try now

Made from the skins and other material left over from pressing grapes for wine, piquette is usually lighter and more tart than wine with lower alcohol content and a bit of fizz. Though not technically wine, piquettes are often found in wine shops and even on some restaurants’ wine lists. They’re a bit controversial: Some wine experts have called them the next White Claw, while others find them overhyped. But most agree that piquettes are baller with pizza, spicy food, light snacks and salads. Plus, since they’re low-ABV, they’re perfectly sessionable. So whether you’re chilling in the park, cozying up by the fire or just jamming something easy while cooking dinner, piquette is the right choice. You can always get to the heavier stuff later.

Here are a few bottles (and a can) that you can pick up.

Old Westminster Winery – Take it Easy
Even if you’re like The Dude in The Big Lebowski and “hate the fuckin’ Eagles,” you’ll probably love this bottle named after one of their most chill hits. Combining chambourcin rosé, piquette blanc and piquette rouge, this funky, pleasant bottle fulfills its promise by encouraging you to take it easy.
Cork & Rind, 555 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, 636.896.4404, corkandrind.com

Old Westminster Winery – Skin Contact Piquette
This canned piquette from Old Westminster is a little sour in the best way with notes of raspberry and plum. Plus, it’s portable.
Cork & Rind, 555 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, 636.896.4404, corkandrind.com

Troon Vineyard - Piquette Methode Ancestrale
This fresh, fun and fruity piquette is made using the traditional method for producing sparkling wine, meaning it’s bottled before its fermentation is done. At a recent dinner party, it was a serious crowd-pleaser.
The Wine and Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.447.9463, wineandcheeseplace.com

Field Recordings – Tang
Field Recordings’ sparkling wines are generally next level, and Tang, a sparkling piquette, is one of their best. Chenin blanc, Albariño and pinot gris grapes blend for an airy, citrusy, melon-tinged beverage that will bowl you over every time.
The Wine and Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.447.9463, wineandcheeseplace.com