Pétillant naturel, commonly known as pét-nat, is a naturally made, minimal intervention style of sparkling wine. Trendy, yes. But new? No. Pét-nats have been made by the French for centuries with the inexpensive (but unpredictable) méthode ancestrale technique. The wines undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle with no disgorgement, giving them wonderfully funky and unique characteristics.
The demand for Australian pét-nat is larger than ever, with producers countrywide trying their hand at this ancient technique. From single-variety styles to rosé blends and mash-ups of lesser-known varietals, there’s no singular flavour profile on offer – but they are consistently juicy, fruit-forward and easy drinking. Best enjoyed on the grass, in the sun and with friends.
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- 2020 Voyager Estate Project Pét-Nat, WA Made from 100% heritage merlot fruit using the méthode ancestrale technique, the wine is fresh with a lively finish, helped along by its signature natural fizz. A soft and savoury palate of berries and blood orange. $35.
- 2020 Deliquente Wine Co. Tuff Nutt, SA Made from Italian variety bianco d’alessano, with bright citrus mixed with bready, almost croissant-like aromas. Tropical fruits with a saline, herbaceous, moreishness palate that invites both quick drinking and deep thought. $25.
- 2020 Jamsheed Wines Candy Flip,VIC A pétillant naturel rosé made from a blend of Yarra Valley syrah and merlot. A moreish mouthfeel with lingering candy crunch flavours of pomegranate and rhubarb. Light, fluffy and made to be enjoyed in the sunshine. $34.
- 2017 La Violetta Spunk, WA A chewy and textural pét-nat made from riesling and shiraz varieties. Fruit-forward but not overly sweet with strawberries and grapefruits. Maintains a crisp and refreshingly dry palate throughout. $35.
- 2019 Ravensworth Riesling Ancestal, ACT Made from 100% estate grown riesling, this excellent example of pét-nat has seamless balance of crisp acid with just enough fruit ripeness. Fruit-driven with fragrant tart pineapple flavours, great texture and mouth-filling weight. $36.
- 2020 Konpira Maru Admiral Mt Midoriyama: Total Victory, VIC Made from dolcetto and chardonnay with lush strawberry and watermelon aromas. A nice, fine bubble with just the right amount of sweet, juicy red fruit elements on the palate. $30.
- 2019 Brave New Wine Glitter Us, WA Aromatic white varieties of vermentino, riesling, sauvignon blanc and a little gewürztraminer were picked early for fresh fruit and natural acid. Wild, juicy, complex and delicious, like a farmhouse cider or wild ale. $32.
- 2020 Deliquente Wine Co. Weeping Juan, SA Made from white and red varieties, vermentino and nero d’avola, this naturally sparkling pink wine has a spritzy energy with sweet dark fruit, and bracing acidity. Super bright red fruit cutting through a citrus, stonefruit push. $25.
- 2018 Cullen Rose Moon, WA Made from a collective of red grapes from the Cullen vineyard, this rusty-pink wine has aromas of rose, plum cassis with a hint of earth. Fine bubbles, fruit, earth and flowers on the palate; lots of flavour and a dash of pétillant natural funk. $45.
- 2020 BK Wines Pétillant Naturel Chardonnay, SA Made with 100% chardonnay fruit, wild yeasts and concrete-egg fermentation. Aromas of brioche, lemon curd and heady citrus blossom. Intensely fresh with lemon blossom flavours accompanying toffee apples and toasted cashews. $32.
Top image supplied by Deliquente Wine Co. / Credit Brook James
