Natural sparkling wine , or "Pet Nat," has seen a real surge in popularity in recent years. This effervescent wine offers an interesting alternative to champagnes and crémants. Natural sparkling wines promise a unique and refined sensory experience, attracting a growing number of wine enthusiasts.
What is natural sparkling wine?
Pet' Nat' is a return to the roots, using ancestral winemaking methods. Unlike the Champagne or Charmat methods, it is produced with a single fermentation. This method highlights the authenticity and purity of natural sparkling wines.
The term "natural" in Pétillant Naturel does not in any way refer to a "natural wine" but resides in the fact that it sparkles naturally, hence its name Pet' Nat'.
Let's see how this wine is produced.
How is natural sparkling wine made?
Alcoholic fermentation process and ancestral method
Once harvested, the grapes are pressed immediately and the must (grape juice) is placed in vats to begin alcoholic fermentation. Yeast transforms the sugar into alcohol. The fermentation releases carbon dioxide, which makes the juice sparkling .
During this fermentation, the Chai Saint Olive team bottles the wines and seals them with airtight caps. This traps the carbon dioxide inside the bottle, giving the wine its natural effervescence.
Rigorous monitoring and excellent control of alcoholic fermentation are essential for the success of a Pet' Nat.
Pét' Nat' Viticultural Technique – Trabulle
Marie, cellar master at Chai Saint Olive, describes in 10 steps the technique used to create the Chai's natural sparkling wine – named Trabulle :
- Harvesting grapes by hand – recommended but not mandatory
- Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with precise temperature control
- Bottling of the wine during alcoholic fermentation
- Bottle capping
- The bottles are positioned horizontally where they complete their alcoholic fermentation. This is how the wine becomes effervescent.
- Aging the bottles: they remain lying down for a few months. Here, the wine's aromas are refined through contact with the lees formed by the yeasts after alcoholic fermentation.
- Placed upside down: the bottles are positioned with the neck facing downwards for the clarification of the pét-nat.
- Disgorging of wines to remove the lees (sediment).
- Readjusting the level of wine lost using so-called "sacrificed" bottles
- Final capping of the natural sparkling wine bottles
What are the characteristics of a naturally sparkling wine?
Taste and aroma profile of a sparkling wine
Pet' Nat' is distinguished by its fresh and balanced aromatic profile, with fruity notes and controlled acidity. The fine bubbles and mousse-like texture offer a persistent and elegant finish.
Comparison with other sparkling wines
Pet' Nat' is distinguished by its artisanal production and unique flavor profile. It falls into the category of French wines.
Prosecco, produced using the Charmat method with fermentation in vats, is more accessible but does not have the same depth or aromatic distinction as Pet' Nat'.
Cava , although produced via the traditional method , does not always capture the same authentic essence as Pet' Nat'.
It should be noted that with the traditional method, known as “Champenoise” , the effervescence is created by adding a liqueur, composed of sugar, when bottling the still wine to allow a second fermentation in the bottle.
Focus on the naturally sparkling wine from Chai Saint Olive: Trabulle
Discovering its taste and aromatic profile
Trabulle , the sparkling new product for 2024 from Chai Saint Olive.
Produced as a Vin de France using Gamay, the famous Beaujolais grape variety, harvested in early September 2023, the Pet' Nat rosé from Chai Saint Olive is refined and delicate, with notes of red fruit and citrus. The effervescence is perfectly balanced, the bubbles persist, and bring a lovely freshness to the palate.
This naturally sparkling wine reflects all the expertise and exacting standards of the work carried out at the urban winery – Chai Saint Olive.
Tips for serving and enjoying a natural sparkling wine
For optimal tasting, serve Pet' Nat' at a temperature of 8-10° in tulip glasses that narrow at the rim to keep the effervescence in the glass.
The pairings with naturally sparkling wine are perfect with salads, appetizer platters, and fruit desserts. Once opened, the wine can be kept for a maximum of one day in the refrigerator with a suitable stopper that will preserve the bubbles and effervescence.
In summary, Pétillant Naturel impresses with its authenticity and freshness. This wine reflects a growing trend towards respectful winemaking practices, highlighting the importance of conscious consumption and valuing traditional methods.
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