Pet Nat: The Sparkling Wine Everyone Is Talking About
We all love a bubbly wine, a glass of Champagne at Sunday brunch, or popping a bottle of Prosecco when your favorite team wins a crucial game. But there's another bubbly that's been making waves in trendy wine bars and Instagram feeds, with colorful, eye-catching wine labels. Short for Pétillant Naturel, Pet Nat is a naturally sparkling wine that has been gaining popularity for its refreshing, laid-back charm and versatility.
What Is Pet Nat?
Pet Nat may seem like the latest trend, but it's actually a wine with deep roots. Its production method, known as Methode Ancestrale, dates back to the 16th century, before the creation of Champagne. This ancient technique was revived by winemakers who embraced its rustic, unrefined character.
What sets Pet Nat apart is its purity. It's made with just one ingredient: grapes. The process begins like any other wine, with the fermentation of grape juice. However, instead of letting the fermentation finish, the winemaker bottles the wine while it's still fermenting. This allows the remaining natural sugars to create bubbles inside the bottle. No added yeasts or sugars—just the native yeast and grapes doing the magic. The result is a fizzy, slightly unpredictable wine that captures the essence of its true flavor.
What Can You Expect from a Pet Nat?
Pet Nat is seen as the “cool kid” drink for adventurous souls. Because of its nature, every bottle of Pet Nat might be slightly different, like opening a surprise every time. The flavor profile of Pet Nat can vary greatly depending on the grape varieties. But in general, you might find notes of zesty citrus, orchard fruits like apple, and berry flavors in Pet Nat Rosé, often with savory sensations or a yeasty, bread-like aroma. Some Pet Nats have slightly more residual sugar, giving a bit of sweetness.
The bubbles are less strong and more rustic than the elegant mousse of Champagne, offering a lively but approachable drinking experience. Some Pet Nats are disgorged, meaning the removal of the sediment before release, making them clearer. But some may contain sediments, so those Pet Nats appear cloudy or hazy. You can decide whether you prefer it to be cloudy or clear.
Pet Nat is a casual drink. Chill the bottle like other sparkling wines to around 8 to 10°C (46-50°F) and serve it in regular wine glasses rather than flutes. The regular wine glasses are wider in shape, which allows you to fully enjoy the aromatic complexity of the wine. Pet Nat is usually sealed with a crown cap. When you open the bottle, be careful; the ongoing fermentation can make Pet Nat a little eager to fizz out of the bottle. Pour slowly to retain the lively bubbles.
3 Good Reasons to Enjoy a Pet Nat
A Casual, Convivial Drink
One of Pet Nat's greatest appeals is its relaxed, unfussy vibe. It's a drink that feels right at home at a picnic, a casual dinner with friends, or a backyard barbecue. Unlike Champagne, you don't need to be sophisticated to drink a Pet Nat, just like you don't need to be sophisticated to drink a beer or a cider. Its approachable nature makes it ideal for those new to wines or anyone seeking a refreshing alternative to more traditional bubbles.
Nothing Added, Nothing Taken Away
Although some “natural” Champagnes do exist, Pet Nat is the real natural sparkling wine. With minimal intervention in winemaking, made without added sugars or additional yeasts, it's considered a more natural expression of the grape and its terroir. For those looking to reduce their intake of sulfites or who are drawn to the idea of a more organic, unaltered wine, Pet Nat is a great choice.
Flexible in Food Pairing
Pet Nat's vibrant acidity and lively fruitiness make it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. Its bright, juicy flavors pair beautifully with seafood such as oysters, shrimp, or grilled fish. The bubbles and acidity also cut through the richness of creamy cheeses, making it perfect for a cheese board. Moreover, try it alongside spicy Asian dishes or Middle Eastern mezze; the wine's refreshing qualities balance out heat and complex spices. It's a true “glou glou” wine, easy to drink and even easier to pair.
So, if you are curious and haven't yet embraced the hazy bubbles of Pet Nat, it might be time to pop a bottle and see what the fad is about. It's great for any occasion—casual gatherings, an aperitif, or even a celebration, where you can hear the fizz and pop. Here are some great Pet Nat for you to discover:
Sylvia Ba
