Pét-Nat

Pet Nat — Sparkling Wine according to the Méthode Ancestrale

Pet Nat is sparkling wine in its most original form. Instead of the two-stage Champagne method with liqueur de tirage and secondary fermentation, the must is bottled in the middle of the first fermentation — and finishes fermenting there. Without dosage, often without sulfur, often with yeast sediment. Natural sparkling wine.

Méthode Ancestrale — the oldest sparkling wine production method

Pet Nat is the short form of Pétillant Naturel. The Méthode Ancestrale is the oldest known form of sparkling wine production originating in France, long before the Champagne method. The must is bottled while it is still fermenting; the residual sugar continues to ferment in the bottle, and the resulting carbon dioxide builds up pressure. Some winemakers disgorge at the end and remove the yeast sediment, while others deliberately leave it in the bottle — the cloudy substance at the bottom is a matter of style, not a flaw.

From a tax perspective, Pet Nat is often precisely where it is not yet sparkling wine in the stricter sense: below 3 bar pressure, no sparkling wine tax is due. Many winemakers deliberately keep their Pet Nats at this level — which makes them sparkle more gently than a classic Sekt, but no less expressive.

The Producers in our Range

Weingut Gernot Heinrich from Breitenbrunn am Leithagebirge (Burgenland) offers a Blanc de Noir from the red Sankt-Laurent grape with "Pet Nat Oh when the saints". Heike and Gernot Heinrich work biodynamically according to Respekt and Demeter; the Pet Nat is disgorged. Aromatic notes include quince, nashi pear, mandarin peel, and a hint of white tea. At a good 10 % vol., it's a light, exceptionally drinkable natural wine.

Weingut Fred Loimer from Langenlois (Kamptal) presents "Pet Nat mit Achtung", a cuvée of Donauriesling and Grüner Veltliner or Muskateller. Loimer is also organic-certified and disgorges. In the glass: fresh grape juice, juicy pear, peach compote, and mineral salinity — dry and with the finest mousseux.

Lusvardi from Emilia-Romagna uses the autochthonous Spergola grape for "Misfatto Pet Nat". Andrea Lusvardi and Rita Covezzi have been organically certified since 2014, working according to the Método Ancestrale, without filtration or additives. Straw yellow in the glass, aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, and white flowers.

Serving and Pairing

Pet Nat does not necessarily belong in a narrow Champagne flute. Many Pet Nats benefit from a wider white wine glass because the aroma spectrum is more complex than that of classic sparkling wine — yeast notes, fruit, sometimes a hint of tannin. Serve at 8–10 °C.

Pet Nat is an aperitif sparkling wine in the natural wine style. It accompanies light appetizers, seafood and fish, Asian cuisine, cheese platters, and vegetarian dishes. If you prefer classic sparkling wine, you will find it in Sekt, Champagne and Prosecco & Cava; if you want to forego alcohol, go to Alcohol-free Sparkling Wine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Nat

What is the difference between Pet Nat and Sekt?
Sekt is produced in two fermentations: a base wine is fermented, then re-fermented with liqueur de tirage. Pet Nat has only one fermentation — the must is bottled in the middle of the fermentation process and completes fermentation there. The result is often naturally cloudy (if not disgorged), lower in alcohol, and less sparkling, but more original in aroma.

How much alcohol does a Pet Nat have?
Typically 10–12 % vol. — significantly less than most Sekt (11–13 % vol.) and Champagne (12–12.5 % vol.). Heinrich Pet Nat, for example, is around 10 % vol., Loimer around 11.5–12 % vol., and Lusvardi around 11 % vol.

Does Pet Nat have yeast in the bottle?
That depends on the winemaker. Heinrich and Loimer disgorge — the yeast sediment is removed before sale, and the wine is clear in the bottle. Other Pet Nats deliberately remain on the lees; the sediment at the bottom is then desired (for taste and creaminess). If you like, swirl it up; if not, pour carefully.

Is Pet Nat dry?
Generally, yes. Since the residual sugar is used for carbon dioxide formation, very little usually remains in the glass — typical values are between 3 and 8 g/l residual sugar, which is clearly in the dry range.

How to store and how long does it keep?
Unopened, Pet Nat keeps for 2–3 years in dark, cool storage; natural (unsulfured) Pet Nats slightly shorter. After opening, we recommend drinking the bottle within one to two days — the effervescence quickly diminishes, and unfiltered/unsulfured cuvées are susceptible to oxidation.

Pet Nat — sparkling wine as it was before Champagne: natural, honest, often idiosyncratic.