What is a pét- nat wine?
When someone calls pét-nat, to me it's light sparkling, fresh and vivacious wine. It is typically clouded and the taste profiles vary greatly depending on the type of grapes used. This technique is known as ancestral methods in winemaking. It has a long history of the way Champagne is made. I'd recommend you to look into it though, it's actually fairly simple and requires little intervention at least. The winemaker is adding nothing to the wine and no filter is removed.
Tell me the history of Pétillant Naturel?
The earliest-known sparkling wines came from Limoux in the Pyrenee Mountains. According to local legends, Saint-Hilaire produced sparkling wine in 1531. Some early sparkling wines were made in Gailelac, nearby region where tradition of the technique has been called method gaillacois. The first appellation that recognised the name "pétillant naturel" is the Montlouis Naturel AOC, a 2007 sparkling wine produced from Chenin blanc grapes in the French Loire Valley.
The trendy wine, Pét-nat
Pét-nat wines have become the latest trend in the world of wine following in the wake of natural wine. The term comes from Pétillant Naturel, which in French designates slightly sparkling natural wines. The term pét-nat therefore alludes to the style and manner in which these wines have been produced. In recent times, pét-nat wines have reached the tables of the most restless sommeliers, the tastings of natural wine lovers and seekers of the latest in wine in addition to the Instagram photos of label collectors. Everyone who has tasted them has developed a firm and immovable opinion, love them or hate them.
What is Pét-Nat wine? Learn the Pétillant Naturel Method
Natural sparkling wines are made by the simplest and oldest known technique to obtain a sparkling wine, known as the Ancestral Method (which is totally different from the Traditional Method used in Champagne or Cava). The first sparkling wines in history were certainly the product of chance and needed the appearance of the glass bottle for their establishment. In colder geographical areas, the arrival of winter meant a marked drop in temperature, which halted the fermentation process by rendering the yeasts inactive. Some of these wines were bottled in this way and with the arrival of good weather the yeast activity resumed inside the bottle. The alcoholic fermentation process involves the yeasts consuming the sugar present in the must to convert it into alcohol, creating carbon dioxide, among other associated phenomena. This gas is usually expelled to the outside of the fermentation vessel, but in the case of closed bottles it becomes integrated into the liquid itself, creating what we know as sparkling wines. Surely the first closures in history would have real problems to contain the pressure exerted inside the bottle and the wineries would see the arrival of spring with the celebration of the spontaneous uncorking of many of them. When the rest of the bottles were opened for consumption, they offered the pleasant surprise of enjoying a wine that was totally different from what had been produced until then.
Among the many sommeliers known for their sparkling champagne is a new trend. The slightly soft and mildly fizzy grapes have a reasonable price and the low alcohol content makes them suitable for the daily drink.
Tell me the difference between Pét-nat wines and Champagne?
Champagne makers must comply to strict rules in making champagne which is labeled with champagne. So they can only use certain permissible grape types, they should have spent a minimum of 15 months on their own before releasing them and more. Champagne is called champagne only when it's produced in champagne, France. The process of producing wines pét-nat does not follow arbitrary standards. The colors are also available and the tastes are varied. Champagne is refined and typically yeasty and toasty, while pét-nat wines are rustic, freshly brewed, raw.
What foods should you match with a pet-nat wine?
As pét-nat wines have distinct taste profiles, it is very tough to define specific foods matching. However, the basic food and wine pairing rules are the same for whites, reds and roses depending on the choice of wine and the type of wine chosen. It is always good idea try to combine and contrast acidity with food, hence go for salmon sushi or maybe vinaigrette salad. Because I like fresh food, pet-nat is an important drink in this Summer time.
What do pét-nats taste like?
Because pet-nats are available in red rose and white and made from all types of grapes or combinations, it cannot be generalising the flavors. All the pét-nat have different characteristic characteristics and flavors in relation to grape varieties and their origin. I have a choice, and it's personal. The fruit and crispness give this dish a lovely, lively effervescence.
How do I know it's pét-nat?
Many bottles list pesticides natural or ancestral methods on their label. In addition, a crowned cap, a colorful label accompanied by a cloudy wine inside can provide definite indications.
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