From: San Juan Island, WA
Blend: Crafted with San Juan Island grown apples, pears & asian pears.
Taste: Upon pouring, the Madrone Cellars The Isles Cider Piquette reveals a brilliant straw color with a lively effervescence, creating a delicate and persistent stream of bubbles. On the nose, an inviting bouquet of ripe apples, pears, and Asian pears mingle with subtle floral and earthy undertones. Hints of quince add a touch of complexity to the aromatic profile.
Taking the first sip, the palate is greeted with bright and zesty acidity, showcasing crisp flavors of green apple, pear, and a hint of quince. The lively carbonation and the tart, refreshing nature of the cider piquette are beautifully balanced by a subtle undercurrent of tannins, which contribute to a well-rounded mouthfeel. The finish is clean and dry, leaving the palate refreshed and craving for another sip.
Pairing: Madrone Cellars The Isles Cider Piquette is a versatile and food-friendly beverage that can be paired with a wide range of dishes. Its bright acidity and effervescence make it an excellent choice for cutting through the richness of creamy dishes or cleansing the palate between bites of fried or fatty foods.
Appetizers and Light Bites: The refreshing nature of this cider piquette makes it an ideal companion for light appetizers and tapas-style dishes. Pair it with a cheese board featuring a mix of soft and semi-firm cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and cheddar, alongside fresh fruits and nuts. Alternatively, it would work well with simple seafood starters like ceviche (see recipe below), shrimp cocktail, or oysters on the half shell.
Salads and Vegetarian Dishes: The crisp acidity of The Isles Cider Piquette complements the fresh flavors of salads, making it a great pairing for dishes featuring leafy greens, roasted vegetables, and tangy vinaigrettes. Additionally, it would pair well with vegetarian dishes, such as grilled portobello mushrooms, stuffed bell peppers, or a hearty quinoa salad with roasted vegetables.
Seafood and White Meat: The light, sparkling nature of this cider piquette makes it an excellent match for delicate seafood dishes, such as pan-seared scallops, grilled fish, or seafood pasta with a light cream sauce. It also pairs nicely with white meats, like roast chicken or turkey, especially when served with fruity chutneys or sauces.
Asian and Spicy Dishes: The refreshing acidity and effervescence of Madrone Cellars The Isles Cider Piquette can help to cool the palate when enjoying spicy dishes. Consider pairing it with Thai or Indian curries, Szechuan stir-fries, or spicy tacos.
Desserts: Although this cider piquette is on the drier side, its fruity notes can complement a variety of desserts. Pair it with a light, fruit-based dessert, such as apple tart, poached pears, or a fruit salad with a touch of citrus zest.
Ceviche à la Minute
Recipe from Chez Wong
Adapted by Florence Fabricant
About. The world of cider has seen a recent surge in unique and innovative offerings, and one such fascinating addition to this realm is the Madrone Cellars' The Isles Cider Piquette. A delightfully unique, sparkling, low-alcohol beverage, it is crafted with San Juan Island grown apples, pears, and Asian pears. The result is a low-alcohol, sparkling cider piquette that is refreshing and full of flavor.
Madrone Cellars The Isles Cider Piquette is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of modern cider making. This stainless steel fermented and bottle-conditioned beverage has 4% alcohol by volume, 0% residual sugar, and is can conditioned. The process of crafting this drink involves rehydrating and re-fermenting the leftover apples or pomace after pressing for traditional ciders. The resulting beverage is made from organic, island-grown Heritage apples, Asian pears, and quince.
Cider piquette is a unique beverage that shares some characteristics with cider but stands out with its own distinct qualities. It is a fizzy, tart, low-ABV drink that is often referred to as the wacky younger cousin of cider - colorful, fun, and pretty weird. The process of making piquette has been around for centuries, with farmhands creating it from the leftover pomace that would otherwise be thrown away or fed to animals.
Madrone Cellars' The Isles Cider Piquette is a testament to the versatility and potential of cider piquette. This delightful beverage is crafted using the pomace from the San Juan Island Heritage Apples, creating a delicious, sparkling cider that is low in alcohol and full of flavor. The light-bodied and refreshing nature of this drink make it perfect for all-day enjoyment.
Cider enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and refreshing beverage should consider giving Madrone Cellars' The Isles Cider Piquette a try. This delightful and innovative creation is a refreshing and flavorful option for those seeking a low-alcohol, sparkling cider experience. So, the next time you're browsing your local bottle shop or online store, be on the lookout for this delightful offering from Madrone Cellars, and discover the fascinating world of cider piquette for yourself.