Pét-nat, short for pétillant naturel, has transitioned from a niche wine enjoyed by a select few to a readily available option in the broader wine landscape. You might now encounter a pét-nat not just in specialized natural wine shops, but also alongside more conventional choices at your local wine retailer. But What Is Pet Nat Wine exactly?
Pét-nat stands out as a type of sparkling wine crafted using a method that predates the traditional approach employed in Champagne and for many other sparkling wines globally. Unlike the Champagne method, which involves inducing a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create those characteristic bubbles, pét-nat production takes a different route. Winemakers opting for the pét-nat method bottle the wine before its initial fermentation process concludes. This results in a wine that is gently effervescent, often exhibits a subtle sweetness from residual sugars, and typically presents a hazy appearance due to unfiltered yeast particles. Pét-nats are usually sealed with a crown cap, adding to their informal and approachable nature.
The essence of pét-nat is its casual and unpretentious character. It’s the kind of wine that doesn’t demand formality; it’s relaxed and easy-drinking. Some pét-nats lean towards a more rustic, or “funky,” profile, showcasing wilder fermentation characteristics. Conversely, others achieve remarkable clarity and precision, demonstrating the versatility within this wine style.
While the historical roots of this sparkling winemaking technique trace back to the Loire Valley region of France in the 16th century, pét-nat production today is not geographically constrained. It can be crafted from any grape variety, anywhere in the world, and winemakers globally are embracing this freedom. Michael Cruse, also renowned for Ultramarine, a highly sought-after traditional-method sparkling wine from California, is an enthusiastic producer of pét-nats. He notes, “I love pét-nats! I think when they’re done right, they can really show a vineyard’s character in the same way a traditional-method sparkling wine can. They’re one of my favorite ways to make wine.” This sentiment highlights the unique appeal and expressive potential of pét-nat wines in today’s diverse wine world.
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Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christine Keely
To further explore the range and character of pét-nat wines, consider these examples which showcase the diversity of this exciting category:
2022 Oyster River Winegrowers Morphos Pét-Nat
From Warren, Maine, Oyster River Winegrowers sources grapes from New York to create this Pét-Nat. Expect nutty and waxy notes alongside a refreshing lemony character in this intriguing wine.
2022 Cruse Wine Co. Sparkling Rancho Chimiles Valdiguié
Michael Cruse champions the often-overlooked Valdiguié grape in wines like this dry, dark pink pét-nat. It’s bursting with flavors of orchard fruit and watermelon, making it a delightful choice.
2021 Ca’ dei Zago Colli Trevigiani Prosecco Col Fondo
This Col Fondo Prosecco represents an old-school approach where the yeast lees remain in the bottle. Ca’ dei Zago’s rendition is tangy, earthy, and gently sparkling, considered among the best examples of this style.
2021 La Grange Tiphaine Nouveau Nez
Hailing from the Loire Valley, Damien and Coralie Delecheneau are celebrated figures in the natural wine movement. Their Chenin Blanc pét-nat offers a rich golden hue, lively bubbles, and flavors of apple and earth.
2021 Stolpman Vineyards Combe Pét’Nat Trousseau
Known for their Syrah, California’s Stolpman Vineyards also produces this coral-colored pét-nat from Trousseau grapes. It’s a testament to their innovative winemaking and exploration of diverse styles.
2022 Max Dexheimer Pétillant Naturel
This pét-nat from Max Dexheimer is a blend of Silvaner, Gelber Muskateller, Gewürztraminer, Kerner, and Müller-Thurgau. It presents aromatic notes of orange and a lightly bitter finish on the palate.
2022 Movia Pét-Nat
Aleš Kristančič of Slovenia, previously known for his unique Puro sparkling wine, offers this Movia pét-nat. It’s characterized by clean, zesty, and earthy notes, and is notably easier to open than his previous offering.
2021 Birichino Pétulant Naturel Malvasia
The aromatic allure of Malvasia grapes shines in this California pét-nat. Expect notes of Ruby Red grapefruit, tangerine, and floral hints, complemented by soft bubbles and echoing flavors.
2022 Matthiasson Lightly Sparkling Grape + Peach Wine
Steve and Jill Matthiasson’s sparkling creation, while not technically a pét-nat, is made with homegrown peaches co-fermented with Chardonnay. It’s a zippy and unique sparkling wine.
2021 Vína Herzánovi Pét-Nat
From the Czech Republic, Vína Herzánovi crafts this Müller-Thurgau pét-nat. It offers aromas reminiscent of jasmine tea and a tangy, intense, and refreshing palate, perfect for adventurous wine drinkers.
2020 Soalheiro Espumante Pét-Nat Alvarinho
Soalheiro, a leading Vinho Verde producer in Portugal, presents this creamy and pineapple-flavored pét-nat from Alvarinho grapes. It pairs wonderfully with Portuguese sheep cheese.
2021 Unico Zelo Sea Foam
Australian winemakers Brendan and Laura Carter produce this approachable sparkling wine from Vermentino and Fiano. It evokes flavors of tart green apples with a subtle sea salt hint, aptly named “Sea Foam.”
2022 Donkey & Goat Fizzy Izzy Sparkling Grenache Gris
Donkey & Goat, a California natural wine producer, offers this cloudy and yeasty pét-nat from Grenache Gris. It delivers flavors of tart red berries with citrus notes and a light tannic structure.
These diverse examples illustrate that what is pet nat wine encompasses a wide spectrum of flavors and styles, making it an exciting category for wine lovers to explore. From its ancient roots to its modern resurgence, pét-nat offers a refreshing and naturally bubbly alternative in the world of sparkling wine.
