Product Description: Ophelia is our Original Piquette — a super-fun lightly sparkling wine made by adding water (and local apple cider) to the grape pomace left after pressing. Light, low-alcohol, naturally effervescent.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of strawberry and apple cider on the nose. The palate is light and prickly with a strawberry-rhubarb finish that makes it a perfect drink for any occasion.
Winemaker's Notes: We decided to make our Piquette a little different than the previous year by adding some local apple cider into the blend instead of straight rainwater. This allowed us to reduce the amount of sugar and acid we added and give the wine a little more concentration. The grapes used include Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal, Marquette, and Syrah.
Method of Production: Piquette is a traditional and ancient method of wine production dating back centuries. Its origins were in the Loire Valley of France where farmers and vineyard workers made use of the leftover grape pomace after pressing grapes for wine. The pomace is re-fermented with water and sugar, creating a lightly effervescent wine with lower alcohol content and a unique, refreshing taste. Because Piquette is made from pressed pomace rather than juice, it is not eligible for VQA designation. Our Piquette is produced using the same traditional method, while innovating by using local apple cider in the blend.
Technical Details:
- Variety: Multi-varietal pomace blend (Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal, Marquette, Syrah)
- Style: Piquette (Non-VQA — pomace-based)
- Alcohol: 7.2%
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/L
- SO2 @ Bottling: 3 mg/L
- Made in: Prince Edward County, Ontario
Food Pairing Suggestions:
- Peach pies
- Creamy Brie
- Fruit salads
- Anything light and fresh on a summer afternoon
Serving Suggestions: Best served chilled at 7–11°C in a tulip glass or flute to preserve the bubbles.
Find at LCBO — SKU 44557 | All Traynor wines at the LCBO →
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I serve Ophelia Piquette?
As cold as your fridge will make it. Light, low-alcohol, slightly sparkling. Best out of a tulip-shaped wine glass or a flute to preserve the bubbles.
What food pairs well with Ophelia Piquette?
Peach pies, creamy Brie, fruit salads. Anything light and fresh on a summer afternoon. Also runs during our Apres Beach happy hour — built for patio drinking.
What is Piquette? Is this vegan?
Piquette is a traditional French wine made by re-fermenting the leftover grape pomace with water (we use local apple cider) and sugar. Light, low-alcohol (7.2%), naturally sparkling. Fully vegan. 3 g/L residual sugar (dry). Because Piquette is made from pomace rather than juice it is not eligible for VQA classification.
How long will Ophelia keep after opening?
Best to drink in one sitting. Crown cap closure — no re-capping. If you have a sparkling-wine stopper, you can hold it overnight in the fridge, but the bubbles drop quickly after opening.
Where can I buy Ophelia?
Direct at the winery, online at traynorvineyard.com (Ontario only), select restaurants, and at the LCBO — CSPC 44557.
