Wednesday’s Domaine likes to keep things straightforward. Their approach? Take grapes, make wine, and remove the alcohol. No frills, no fuss. Their range so far includes just two choices: a red and a white. The red, named Sanguine, is made from Tempranillo grapes sourced from Spain. The white, which I’m reviewing here, is called Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant.
It’s made from Airen Blanco grapes, another variety from the Iberian Peninsula.
Let’s and see if Piquant holds up to its name.
Appearance
The appearance of Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant is a delicate yet visually appealing shade of pale straw, bordering on a light gold. The colour evokes the crisp, refreshing nature of a Chardonnay – think sunlight in a glass. Despite its lightness, there’s a noticeable viscosity when you pour it into the glass, giving it a bit more substance than you might expect from an NA wine that presents itself as delicate. This balance between delicacy and body makes it stand out in terms of visual appeal. It’s a wine that looks like it’s going to offer a refreshing, clean taste, and so far, the appearance supports that expectation.
Aroma
On the nose, Piquant delivers a delightful mix of orchard fruits and citrus. The pear and apple are the stars upfront, with pear being the most dominant. As you breathe in deeper, you’re also met with the bright tang of lemon and lime, though the lemon stands out more. There’s a subtle but noticeable layer of herbs – thyme, to be specific – and white flowers which add a layer of complexity. It’s a refreshing and aromatic experience, offering a little something extra beyond the usual fruit-forward white wines. The complexity is definitely there, but it’s not overwhelming, just a clean and inviting scent.
Taste
On the palate, the herbaceousness comes through beautifully. The delicate note of thyme runs through the wine, providing a soft herbal backbone to the primary fruit flavours. The pear is the star, but it’s not overly sweet. Instead, it balances out with a nice, clean minerality that gives the wine an edge. The wine is promoted as being low in sugar, and it certainly lives up to that claim – dry, yet vibrant. The acidity is present but well-balanced, which makes it refreshing without being overly sharp. It’s a wine that’s both fruit-forward and refreshing, and the minerality helps it avoid being too heavy on the palate. Its dryness is part of what makes it so crisp, and that’s exactly what you’d expect from a wine named Piquant.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Piquant is where its lightness truly shines. The wine is light to medium-bodied, which makes it glide smoothly across the tongue. There’s no heaviness to it, which means it doesn’t feel overwhelming or like it’s competing for your attention. It’s easy to drink and doesn’t encumber your tasting faculties. Its smoothness and clean texture are ideal for a warm day or a casual meal, making it a great choice for easy drinking. It’s the type of wine that refreshes rather than tires, leaving your palate ready for the next sip. For anyone looking for a wine that’s crisp and light, this one definitely delivers.
Finish
The finish of Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant is a little more subdued compared to some other dry, non-alcoholic whites. It’s not particularly long-lasting, but it’s also not a quick fade either. The flavours of orchard fruits echo gently in the background before gradually fading away, leaving you with just a subtle reminder of the wine’s clean crispness. It’s not an unforgettable finish, but it does a nice job of closing the experience. The dryness and subtlety ensure that it doesn’t overstay its welcome, making it the perfect prelude to the next glass or meal. It’s not a lingering finish that you’ll be thinking about for hours, but it does its job by preparing you for the next sip.
Pairing Suggestions
The dry acidity of Piquant makes it a great match for foods that have a rich, oily nature. Think of mackerel or salmon, where the wine’s crispness will cut through the richness of the fish. It would also pair well with spicy dishes like a Thai curry, where the wine’s dry profile can balance out the heat. Lemon-infused roast chicken would be another excellent choice, especially with its subtle citrusy notes that mirror the wine’s own flavour. The acidity also makes it a good fit for grilled vegetables or a light pasta, where the wine won’t overpower the dish but will complement it nicely.
Overall Impressions of Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant
In conclusion, Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant really does live up to its name. It’s dry, crisp, and offers a good balance of mineral notes and fruit. The thyme and fruit notes complement each other well, creating an experience that is light and refreshing, ideal for easy summer drinking. While the finish might be a bit shorter than some may expect, the balance of the wine, combined with its refreshing qualities, makes it an excellent option for those seeking a light, non-alcoholic white wine that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Simple in its approach, but effective, Piquant delivers exactly what it promises.