Piquette Zero's Three Styles A Low-Sugar Splash For Summer

Guest contributor Shari Mac, a keto food and entertaining expert is on the hunt for low-sugar, great tasting non-alcoholic wines. Here’s her take on Benjamin Bridge’s Piquette Zero line.

In the realm of non-alcoholic beverages, de-alcoholized wines, spirits, and beers have carved out their niche. But for those who can't indulge in these options, there's a whole new world of exciting zero alcohol alternatives emerging.  These alternatives can also be low in sugar.

Enter "hop water" – a refreshing revelation for those seeking the taste of beer without the alcohol. Crafted by infusing water with hops, the same magical ingredient found in beer brewing, hop water tantalizes the taste buds with its carbonated fizz and hoppy aroma, sans the bitterness or booze.

Benjamin Bridge Vineyards uses the same approach with wine grapes which is showcased in their three styles of Piquette Zero.  

This innovative brand caters to non-alcoholic wine enthusiasts, offering a similar experience to traditional wines but without the need for de-alcoholization. It's a game-changer in the world of booze-free beverages.  Piquette Zero promises all the flavor and finesse of non-alcoholic wine spritzers without a drop of alcohol.

Piquette Zero sets itself apart from other non-alcoholic wine alternatives by employing a unique, low-intervention method crafted by winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers. Instead of stripping alcohol post-fermentation, this ground-breaking approach captures the essence of traditional wine from grape skins, tannins, and hops, resulting in three distinct, non-alcoholic wine spritzer varieties: Original, Ruby, and Pink.

*A note that the wine style ‘piquette’ refers to a style of light wine. Click here for an explainer.

Benjamin Bridge Vineyards, where these gems originate, has a poignant story. Founded in 1999 by Gerry McConnell and his late wife Dara Gordon, it's a testament to their vision of crafting world-class sparkling wines in Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Valley. Though Dara's no longer with us, Gerry, along with daughters Ashley and Devon, carries on the family legacy alongside renowned winemaker Jean-Benoit, making Benjamin Bridge a top player in Canadian sparkling wines. And now, with Piquette Zero, they're catering to the low-alcohol and no-alcohol crowd.

The best part for me is that Piquette Zero caters to the Keto Low-Carb enthusiast looking for non-alcoholic beverages low in sugar.

CARB COUNT

Let's delve into the carbs. Each 8-ounce serving packs 10 grams of carbs from glycerine, but fear not, keto warriors! Pair it with protein and healthy fats to slow down sugar alcohol absorption. Count only half of those carbs towards your daily intake, making it almost zero carbs per ounce, well within my 1.5-net-carb per ounce limit.

If you're heading for ketosis or you are deep into ketosis, sipping on these gems might kick you out. Sugar alcohols can be tricky. Best to save your Piquette Zero spritzers for low-carb maintenance mode.

 Piquette Zero Pink

 Piquette Zero Pink, with its delicate hues and fruity bouquet, is a perfect companion for any occasion, from picnics to lazy lakeside days. The nose bursts forth with zesty citrus notes, where lemon and lime tango. On the palate, Pink unveils an intriguing medley of flavors.

The medium weight caresses the tongue, revealing a delightful blend of sweet grapefruit, lemon, and lime that playfully tease the mid-palate. As you savor each sip, a clean, refreshing finish emerges, quenching your thirst and leaving a lingering, invigorating impression.

Pink pairs well with low-carb dishes that highlight citrus and salty flavors.  Pair this gem with Keto smoked salmon canapes with cream cheese, capers, and red onion.  Other dishes include fresh tomato gazpacho or a salad of greens drizzled in sugar-free rice vinegar or any vinaigrette made with white balsamic vinegar. 

Piquette Zero Ruby:

 Ruby, my personal favorite, unveils a radiant color and a burst of sweet cherries and blackberries with every sip. It's like fresh summer fruits in a can.

Pouring into the glass, Ruby unveils a radiant ruby color, adorned with a captivating magenta hue. However, the true effervescence is preserved when sipped directly from the can.

Upon lifting the glass to your lips, you’re greeted by a symphony of aromas; sweet dark cherries and luscious blackberries dance delicately, enticing your senses. With each sip, the palate is enveloped in a cascade of succulent fruit flavors, reminiscent of ripe summer indulgences.

Amidst the sweetness, a subtle essence of fresh lime emerges, adding a tantalizing zest to the experience. The texture is velvety, the body full, and as the last drop caresses your palate, a gentle whisper of black pepper lingers, leaving behind a pristine, refreshing finish.

Pair this non-alcoholic wine spritzer with grilled chicken or ribs smothered in a berry BBQ sauce.  Use your favorite sweetener in the sauce instead of sugar.  Be sure to add fresh lemon or lime juice to the sauce to ensure it’s more tangy than sweet.  You want to make sure that Piquette Zero Ruby is sweeter than the sauce.  Otherwise, the BBQ sweetness will mute the beautiful character of this NA wine spritzer.

Piquette Zero Original:

And the Original? The nose bursts forth with a symphony of zesty citrus, where lemon and lime dance in harmony. On the palate, it unveils an intriguing medley. The medium weight caresses the tongue, revealing a delightful blend of sweet grapefruit, lemon, and lime that playfully tease the mid-palate. As you savor each sip, a clean, refreshing finish emerges, quenching your thirst and leaving a lingering, invigorating impression.

Since the spritzer has 5 net carbs per can, I wanted a dish to have as few carbs as possible to keep your snack or lunch with low net carbs.  We already must include 5 net carbs from the spritzer with this combination.

Remember, balance is key. Don't overpower the spritzer's sweetness with too much heat. Let it shine with its citrusy zest and subtle sweetness, complementing each bite of your snack or lunch.  Tuna or salmon spring rolls (using low-carb rice paper) would be an ideal partner.  Add a smidgen of wasabi, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, to your mayo.  Add lots of fresh greens to your spring rolls, as well.

Where to Buy Piquette Zero

So, where can you snag these fizzy wonders? In Canada, they're stocked at some Sobeys, Safeway, and more. And for our international friends, check out their website for global spots.

About Shari Mac, Guest Contributor

After 35 years as a syndicated columnist, International award-winning, best-selling cookbook author, and wine judge of traditional wine, Shari MAC now shares about her passion for non-alcoholic wine low in sugar, the Keto diet, and low-carb lifestyle. Check out her website: ketopaleosharimac.com.