Playful fizz, wild energy, and minimal intervention. Pét Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is the original way to make sparkling wine and one of the most exciting styles to explore. Pét Nat is bottled before primary fermentation finishes, so bubbles form naturally in the bottle. Many are unfiltered and lightly cloudy from lees, with flavours that range from citrus and orchard fruit to tropical notes and a gentle, cider-like tang. Fresh, vibrant, and best enjoyed young, Pét Nat is made for casual occasions, shared plates, and discovering new producers.

What is Pét Nat?

• Name: Pétillant Naturel means naturally sparkling.
• Method: Also known as méthode ancestrale. The wine is bottled while fermentation is still active, trapping carbon dioxide for natural fizz.
• Look and feel: Often lightly hazy with fine, softer bubbles than Champagne or Prosecco.
• Style: Minimal intervention, usually low or no dosage, often low sulphur. Expect bright fruit and a sense of place.

How is Pét Nat Made?

• Single fermentation: The first and only fermentation continues in bottle to create bubbles.
• Lees in bottle: Most are not disgorged, so natural yeast sediment remains, adding texture and flavour.
• Balance and timing: Bottling too early can cause excess pressure, too late can reduce fizz. Skilled timing delivers a lively but balanced bead.

How Does Pét Nat Taste?

• Aromas: Citrus, green apple, pear, stone fruit, sometimes tropical notes, florals, and fresh bread from lees.
• Palate: Juicy and refreshing with light to moderate fizz, often a gentle savoury or cider-like edge.
• Sweetness: Most are dry to off dry. Always check the label or producer notes if you prefer a specific style.

Serving and Pairing

• Chill: Serve well chilled at 6 to 8 °C. Keep the bottle upright to settle lees.
• Open: Crack slowly over a sink with a towel ready. If you prefer a clearer pour, decant gently and leave sediment in the bottle. If you enjoy extra texture, give a cautious tilt or gentle roll before opening.
• Pair: Oysters, prawn rolls, sushi, fried chicken, salt and pepper squid, soft cheeses, pickled plates, and picnic snacks.

Wines Worth Knowing

• Ghost Rock Supernatural Pét Nat 2024: Tasmania freshness with crunchy orchard fruit and zippy acidity.
• Caledonia Australis Umbra Méthode Ancestral 2015: Gippsland ancestral bottling with wild energy and layers of texture.
• Marion’s Vineyard Pét Nat Müt 2021: Playful fizz and juicy fruit with a savoury edge.
• Lark Hill Dark Horse Vineyard Roxanne Pétillant Naturel NV: Canberra District minimal intervention with floral lift.
• Express Winemakers Foamo 2021: Western Australia fruit purity and easy drinkability.
• Wildman Wines Astro Bunny Pét Nat 2021: Cult favourite with tropical fruit and spice.
• Unico Zelo Sea Foam Pét Nat 2021: Coastal freshness and saline snap.
• Wildman Wines Piggy Pop Pét Nat 2021: Bright red fruit and crunchy acidity, made for chill and chillies.

Pét Nat Questions, Answered

Is Pét Nat the same as Champagne?
No. Champagne undergoes a second fermentation in bottle and is usually disgorged for clarity. Pét Nat finishes its first fermentation in bottle and is often left undisgorged.

Why is Pét Nat cloudy?
Natural yeast sediment, called lees, remains in the bottle. It is safe to drink and adds texture. Keep upright for a clearer pour or gently mix if you like extra richness.

Is Pét Nat always natural or organic?
Not always, but the style often aligns with minimal intervention. Many producers use organic or sustainable practices and low sulphur. Check individual producer notes.

Is Pét Nat sweet or dry?
Most are dry to off dry. Some fruit-forward examples can feel slightly sweeter. If you have a preference, look for producer guidance or tasting notes.

How fizzy is Pét Nat?
Usually lighter fizz than traditional method sparkling. Expect gentle, playful bubbles rather than a powerful bead.

How long does Pét Nat last after opening?
Best within 1 to 2 days with a quality sparkling stopper. Flavour and fizz fade over time, so enjoy soon after opening.

How should I store Pét Nat?
Cool, dark, and still. Keep bottles upright for a few hours before serving if you want a clearer pour. Long term ageing is not the goal for most Pét Nats, so drink them young.

Why Shop Pét Nat at Kent Street Cellars

• Curated Australian and global favourites from cult to classic
  
• Same day delivery across Sydney Metro
• Fast, secure Australia wide shipping
• Optional gift wrapping

Explore Pét Nat and bring bright, natural sparkle to any occasion.