refresh yourself
I don’t know about you but we’re beating this unbearable heat with bubbles. Pét-nats are ideal for quenching your thirst because they’re light, fizzy, and way too easy to sip on. If you haven’t yet tried one or you don’t know what pét-nat means, keep reading. We’ve got the full breakdown plus a list of our current faves. Enjoy!
What is a pét-nat?
Pét-Nat is short for pétillant naturel. It is a naturally sparkling wine that undergoes a single fermentation (unlike Champagne). Méthode ancestrale, méthode artisanale, and méthode rurale are all synonyms.
How are pét-nats made?
A wine is bottled with a bit of residual sugar before fermentation is complete. The wine continues to ferment after the bottle is sealed. As a result, carbon dioxide is trapped inside creating a natural effervescence. These bubbles are not as vigorous as those that form in Méthode Champenoise (the traditional method).
What do they taste like?
As proven by our list below, pét-nats come in a wide range of flavors. Some are on the sweeter side because of the original amounts of residual sugar, but some, like the Tocco di Baal, are especially dry. In general, they are all light, easy-drinking wines which make them perfect for summer.
Podere il Saliceto, Bi Fri
Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Grapes: Trebbiano, Sauvignon Blanc
Herbaceous, mineral-driven, and a little citrusy. Think freshly peeled grapefruits and tomatoes on the vine. Everyone needs a little orange pét-nat.
Casa di Baal, Tocco di Baal
Region: IGT Colli di Salerno - Campania
Grape: Aglianico
A bone dry Aglianico pét nat that requires pizza and sunshine. Think strawberry shaved ice, blood orange, and shortbread. The easygoing bubbles and savory finish are addicting.
Meinklang, Foam White
Region: Neusiedlersee - Burgenland, Austria
Grape: Pinot Gris
White nectarine, Greek yogurt, and a little ocean air. This pét-nat has fantastic acidity but finishes with a lovely roundness thanks to its extended lees contact.
Furlani, Alpino Bianco Frizzante
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Grapes: Nosiola, Pinot Bianco, Müller-Thurgau
Lemon zest, wet sand, and a little nocciola. This wine is a breath of fresh (alpine) air in your glass.
Folias de Baco, UIVO Rosé PT NAT
Region: Douro DO - Douro, Portugal
Grape: Pinot Noir
Clean, dry, and so refreshing. This pét nat is too easy to drink. Think lemon zest and rose petals.
Château Barouillet, Splash!
Region: Southwest - Bergerac, France
Grape: Sémillon
Bosc Pear, honeydew, and a little Captain Crunch. Incredibly refreshing. This pét-nat is so sharp, so clean, and way too refreshing.
Broc Cellars, Chenin Blanc Pét Nat
Region: Paso Robles AVA - California
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Meyer lemon, honey dust, sea salt. If you enjoy dry, ultra-refreshing sparkling wine that veers into lager territory, you NEED to try this wine. It's exactly what you need to survive these ridiculously hot days.
