Pét-Nat season is upon us! We’re never more excited about pét-nat wines than we are in the summer time. Pop, fizz, sip, ahhhh. 

What is a Pét-Nat? Pét-nat wines are fizzy, easy-drinking, light and sometimes funky as hell. They are meant to be enjoyed when young, wearing linen, on a porch, in the sun, or even in a warm rainstorm when you’re camping and you need a pét-nat pick-me up. 

How are Pét-Nats made? Pét-nat wines are typically unfinished, natural wines made in the Ancestral Method or Méthode Ancestrale. This ancient and traditional winemaking method is used throughout the world, particularly by many small producers because this way of making sparkling wine doesn’t involve costly cellar equipment and isn’t as labor intensive as making wine like Champagne. 

How are Pét-Nats different from Champagne? Unlike Champagne, pét-nats undergo a second fermentation in bottle, which forms fine bubbles, and its enclosure is a crown cap, like a beer cap, which is used instead of a cork. Because the wine skips disgorgement (the popping of the bottle before a cork is inserted), pét-nats have no added dosage or sugar addition after the first fermentation process; this differs from Méthode Traditionelle or the Traditional Method, which is used to make Champagne. Champagne bubbles tend to be frothier, while pét-nats have finer, smaller bubbles. Also, an important tid bit, Champagne can only come from Champagne, France, but pét-nats can be from anywhere!

What do you pair with Pét-Nat? Literally, anything and everything. Depending on the grape variety, a simple cheese board is always encouraged. Pop a pét-nat at your next socially distanced gathering, as an aperitif and at the end of a hot beach day, or for a refreshing, energizing drink before dinner time. The natural acidic CO2 that creates bubbles in sparkling beverages acts as a fresh palate cleanser.

Pét-Nats we’re loving…

Meinklang Rosé, always. Year after year, Meinklang delivers some of our favorite pét-nats. This renowned Austro-Hungarian producer in Burgenland employs all organics and biodynamics in the vineyard and the result is a 100% Pinot Noir that is crisp and dry with notes of watermelon and blueberries. Pair with ‘I’ll Keep it with Mine’ by Nico off of her acclaimed 'Chelsea Girl’ album. 

Lambrusco is not always made with Method Ancestral, but Falistra are masters at it. An Italian gem that we look forward to every year, the Falistra Lambo is a peachy light pink color and delivers minerality and precision on the finish. Consider this your dry, lightning-bolt-acid, adult pink lemonade of 2020. Pair with Jonathan Richman’s song ‘I Love Hot Nights’ off of his Modern Lovers ’88 album. 

The newest pét-nat to land at The Cheese Shop is made by two sisters, Baia and Gvanca Abuladze, in the Imereti region of western Georgia (the magical country, not the US state!). The Tsitska pét-nat is the color of sun-kissed straw, with aromas of persimmon, honey and a dry finish of apricot and spice. Tsitska pét-nat is super limited and super amazing. This all natural wine was made according to lunar cycles and the earth’s rhythms, and brings to mind the vocals and percussions of ‘West Wind’ on Nina Simone’s 1970 Black Gold live album.

If you’re craving a slightly sweeter option, try a sparkling with that weeee bit of residual sugar like the all natural Vin de Table ‘100%’ Vouvray by natural winemaker Sébastien Brunet. This Grolleau and Gamay blend is a Raspberry Vouvray delight. This is totally what Prince would pop with his crew as they danced the night away to ‘Raspberry Beret.’

Shop our website and get pét-nat shipped right to your door! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, or would like curbside pickup, please call us at (978) 498-4820 or email wine@thecheeseshopofsalem.com. We’ll hook you up!