Pet-nat

Pet-Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is a fascinating type of sparkling wine that has recently gained popularity amongst wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Originally produced in the Loire region of France, Pet-Nat has a tradition spanning over 500 years and is also known as “Methode Ancestrale”.

Pet-Nat is renowned for its natural, organic approach to winemaking, which differs significantly from the modern method of Champagne production. This wine undergoes only a single fermentation phase, as opposed to the double fermentation typical of Champagne. The bottles are sealed before the first fermentation is complete, resulting in natural carbonation that gives Pet-Nat its characteristic fizz. Many Pet-Nats are bottled with no added sulphur at all, because the yeast and the carbon dioxide protect the wine in the bottle. The trade often calls this wine without sulphites, although fermentation always produces a few milligrams on its own.

This natural process means that each vintage of Pet-Nat is unique and may exhibit slight variations in taste and texture. Pet-Nats can be made from almost any grape variety and offer an impressive diversity of flavour profiles, from sweet and fruity to dry and savoury.