Pet Nat

Whether fashionable or not, there's no getting around it anymore - Pet Nat is now a term on everyone's lips and it's impossible to imagine the natural wine movement without it - but what exactly is Pet Nat? We are talking about Petillant Naturel, which in French means something like "naturally bubbly", an artisan sparkling wine made according to the old method - also called method Ancestral, because that's how sparkling wines were made before monks in Champagne perfected the second fermentation in the bottle.

With natural wine fans, Pet Nat is extremely well received due to the natural way it is made. The spontaneously fermented sparkling wines usually taste mostly earthy with yeast and brioche notes, but don't worry, fruit flavors are by no means missed out.

Pet Nat is often fruitier than Champagne and other sparkling wines and can contain notes of citrus, green apples and wildflowers. Due to natural fermentation and different grape varieties, the flavor profile of Pet Nat can vary from bottle to bottle. However, there are also some common characteristics that all Pet Nats share: They are lively, fresh and have a pleasant acidity. Pet Nats also bring plenty of juiciness that is extremely animating to drink, leading from one glass to the next.

Pet Nat is made using a process similar to Champagne, but with some key differences. In the production of Pet Nat, the must is bottled before fermentation is complete, allowing the natural fermentation to continue in the bottle. This creates carbon dioxide, which gives the wine its sparkle. Unlike the Champagne method, Pet Nat involves no added sugar or yeast. This means the bubbles and flavors come solely from the grapes used in its creation.

Often made from natural, organic, or biodynamic grapes, Pet Nats can be produced in a variety of wine regions and from different grape varieties. They are typically unfiltered and may show a light haze or sediment, adding to their natural and unconventional charm.

In the world of wine pairings, Pet Nats are basically the cool kids who go with many dishes and are individual food companions. With its fresh, tangy character and subtle bubbles, it can harmonise with a variety of dishes and provide a refreshing taste experience. Here are some suggestions:

- Seafood: Oysters, mussels, prawns or grilled fish are perfectly complemented by the natural freshness and acidity of Pet Nats. The floral aromatic Pet Nats in particular are perfect for this.

- Vegetarian: Crisp salads and fresh vegetables get an invigorating twist with Pet Nat. Citrusy, herbal Pet Nats can enhance the flavours of green salads, tomato salads or asparagus dishes and make for an exciting combination.

- Finger food: As a perfect companion to finger food and as an aperitif wine, Pet Nat always cuts a fine figure. The informal and highly animated Spurdel is perfect for meetings with friends in the park or at a BBQ with light snacks, tapas or canapés.

- Cheese platters: Pet Nat can also go well with certain cheeses, especially younger, fresh cheeses or soft, creamy cheeses.

Tastes are different and varied, it is always exciting to try different combinations and find your own cool wine style. So, make your dish the star and let Pet Nat play the perfect co-star! Cheers!

Chenin Blanc: This grape is considered the original variety behind Pet Nats, delivering fresh, mineral-driven wines bursting with lively aromas of citrus and green apples.

Pinot Noir: Gaining popularity in France, Germany, and other European countries for Pet Nat production, this grape impresses with its deep red color and notes of juicy cherries, wild strawberries, and spices.

Chardonnay: One of the most popular varieties for Pet Nat, Chardonnay brings fine acidity and seductive notes of citrus and exotic fruits to the glass.

Gamay: Especially beloved in the Beaujolais region of France for Pet Nat, Gamay-based wines charm with their fruity character, marked by red berries and spice.

Glera: Though best known for Prosecco, Glera is also used for Pet Nat. A Petillant Naturel made from Glera delights with zippy acidity and flavors of crisp green apples and refreshing citrus.

Pet Nat mit Achtung by Loimer: a Muskateller / Veltliner Pet Nat, crisp dry and enticingly aromatic – delicate bubbles with hints of elderflower and a gentle grip on the palate.

Bulles de Schiste 2022 by Terra Vita Vinum: Elegant fizz from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay that dances on the tongue – fresh, refined, and seriously punchy. Juicy apricots melt into soft brioche and wrap around your palate. One sip and there's no turning back.

Bubbles Pet Nat by Lichtenberger González: Top-tier bubbles: a Blaufränkisch Pet Nat with beautiful freshness and serious fun factor – yet thanks to its fine mousse, it still feels polished on the palate.

You’ll find all the Pet Nats above 👆 👆 👆

Hardly any other style is as emblematic of the natural wine movement as Pet Nat. The artisanal production without additives, spontaneous fermentation and the absence of filtration or sulphur fit perfectly into the self-image of a new generation of winemakers.

It is no surprise, then, that many of the most exciting Pet Nats come from natural wine producers who press their wines with minimal intervention and maximum care. Whether in France, Spain or Austria, Pet Nats are often an expression of a philosophy that sees wine as a living product. This means that no two bottles are exactly alike, and that is precisely where the magic lies.

Österreich hat sich still und heimlich neben Frankreich zur Pet-Nat-Hochburg gemausert. Mit ihrer Vielfalt an Mikroklimata und diversen Böden bietet das Land perfekte Voraussetzungen für lebendige, eigenständige Schaumweine. Winzer:innen wie Strohmeier, Lichtenberger González, Harkamp Sekte oder Elias Muster zeigen eindrucksvoll, wie spannend spontanvergorene Schaumweine aus Sauvignon Blanc, Muskateller oder gar Roten Rebsorten wie Pinot Noir schmecken können.

Oft kräutrig, floral und mit feiner Salzigkeit – Pet Nats aus Österreich bringen eine ungezähmte Energie ins Glas, die man so schnell nicht vergisst. Auch spannend: Die Weine kommen meist ganz ohne Dosage oder Schwefel aus, was sie besonders pur wirken lässt. Ein bissl wild darf's also ruhig sein!