Pét-Nat Wine: The Champagne Alternative
Pet Nat is the ‘natural’ alternative to Champagne, taking the wine world by storm.
So, why is Pétillant Naturel, or simply Pét-Nat, such a big deal? Despite the fact that we’re only now discussing it, Pet-Nat has been around for quite some time. In fact, this spritzy sparkler predates Champagne, making it the original method of sparkling wine production.
Creating Pét-Nat
Pét-Nat is made using the ancestral method, which is also known as "rurale," "artisanale," or "gaillacoise." To summarise, the wine is bottled before the first fermentation is completed, allowing the natural sugars in the grapes to produce carbon dioxide.
In an uncontrolled fermentation, pét-nats can pick up harmful bacteria. To wrangle them into something stable and drinkable, a skilled winemaker is required.
Pét-Nat or Champange?
The main difference with pét-nats is that the wine is incomplete when it is crown-capped into the bottle and remains untouched by human hands until it is opened and consumed. The primary fermentation begins as it does in Champagne, but it is paused before it is finished.
It's clear that making pét-nat necessitates extreme precision, timing and perhaps a bit of luck? The pét-nat method is so straightforward that it sometimes happens by chance.
Gaillac AOC in Southwest France, home to the Mauzac grape, is a highly regarded pét-nat region. Pét-nat is so important to this region's production that it is dubbed Méthode Gaillacoise, after the region.
So, what does it taste like?
Pét-Nats have a light, fizzy mouthfeel and a low alcohol content. They're usually a little sweet, but there are some that aren't. The wines benefit from a couple of years in the bottle, but they do not improve with additional time.
If you want a wine that is raw, bucolic, and vibrant, choose Pét-Nat.
3 Pét-Nats to try:
Creme de Parc National
Hailing from the Czech Republic; as you sip this Pét-Nat, you'll notice the sweetness of the oak berries, the freshness of the fizzle, and the creaminess of this delicate combination.
Creme de Parc National, Month Wines
Perfect for: lunch
La Cave Se Rebiffe Pet Nat Rose, Domaine Frantz Saumon
Crafted by forester Frantz Saumon with raspberry, strawberry and a spicy, herby undertone, this summer fruity Pet-Nat is the perfect aperitif.
La Cave Se Rebiffe Pet Nat Rose
Perfect for: Summer days
Amorro Pet-Nat Tinto
A fizzy red from Cadiz, showing off how playful this indigenous variety can be. This Pet Nat has just enough salinity to balance the lush fruit.
Perfect: before or after a meal