The Pet Nat Revolution: Why is everyone talking about this sparkling natural wine?

Recently, two words have been popping up more and more in wine enthusiasts' conversations - Pet Nat . And although they sound like a new trend, it is one of the oldest methods of sparkling wine production, the popularity of which has been growing in recent years not at the level of a trend, but at the level of a mentality. Consumers are increasingly choosing the direction of naturalness, less intervention and a variety of flavors.

According to the international wine analysis agency Wine Intelligence , sales of naturally fermented wines (including Pet Nat) grew by 27% in Europe and 38% in North America in 2024. Decanter and Jancis Robinson note that this is not a fashion leap, but a long-term paradigm shift - wine is increasingly understood less as a symbol of prestige, and more often as a living, open product that is allowed to be imperfect.

What is Pet Nat?

Pet Nat is pétillant naturel , French for “naturally sparkling.” This wine is fermented in the traditional way, but is bottled before fermentation is complete. Inside, fermentation continues, carbon dioxide is naturally produced, which creates the bubbles. Unlike Champagne, it does not use added sugar, selective yeast, or undergo a secondary fermentation ( tirage ).

As a result, Pet Nat is often cloudy, minimally or not filtered at all, with notes of green apples, fermented berries, sour citrus or even fresh yeast. It is a wine where the process is the most important thing, not the standard.

Why is everyone talking about him?

Sparkling wine has long been associated with champagne and occasions. Pet Nat is changing that perception.
According to the Financial Times , “Pet Nat is becoming the wine of choice for those who want a wine without strings attached – for a casual evening, without ties.” It is loved not only for its naturalness, but also because it perfectly reflects the grape variety, the harvest conditions and the philosophy of the producer.

In addition:

• Pet Nat is mostly produced by small, independent winemakers.
• It is unique – even on the same farm, bottles from different years can vary greatly.
• Due to the natural yeast and sediment, Pet Nat is a bit more unpredictable – but this is seen as an advantage.

This approach also reflects a broader cultural attitude – to avoid excessive processing and choose products that retain their vitality.

Pet Nat in the Gaston collection

Gaston's selection of Pet Nat wines spans five countries and seven producers. All wines are from small, sustainable farms, some are certified Demeter , others have already won international awards.

Austria:

• Meinklang Prosa Rosé Brut Trocken/Dry 2022
  A natural wine from a biodynamic farm, where Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt and St. Laurent grapes create subtle acidity and fruitiness. Meinklang is consistently mentioned by Wine & Spirits Magazine among the best biodynamic producers.
• Weinhof Haider Jung&Sexy Trocken/Dry 2023
  Not only is the name provocative, but the modern, dense, purple Pet Nat with light tannins is made from Blauburger and Rösler, rarely used grape varieties.

Italy:

• Cantina Orsogna Lunaria Brut Nature 2023
  100% Pinot Grigio, Demeter certified, awarded a silver medal at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards 2020. Clean, mineral, with a slight sea salt sensation - a very good choice with seafood or light snacks.

France:

• Berry-Althoff Janis Brut 2022
  A light but clearly structured Grenache-based Pet Nat from Languedoc.
• Dandy NV
  A blanc de blanc , characterized by a soft, slightly creamy effervescence. Recommended by La Revue du Vin de France as a subtle but not overpowering example of a natural style.
• Domaine La Grange Tiphaine Rosa Rosé Rosam 2022
  Made from Gamay, Grolleau and Cot, it is one of the most intense rosés from France. Awarded as a "regional gem" by La Revue du Vin de France in 2023.

Spain:

• Parxet Nobles i Guillotines Blanc 2021
  A blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc with soft tropical fruit notes and balanced acidity. Easy to serve, versatile and uncomplicated, but not boring.

Portugal:

• Casal da Coelheira Bubbles 2024
• Rodrigo Martins Espera Rosé NV
  Both are Touriga Nacional, with expressive flavors and a richer structure. This Pet Nat is for those who want more than a light, citrusy freshness.

How to serve Pet Nat wine?

• Hold it vertically – so sediments would settle.
• Chill to 6–8°C – the bubbles will become more enjoyable.
  
• Open slowly – fermentation is sometimes still “working”.
• Drink from wider, white wine glasses instead of flute-type glasses - they release aromas better.
  
• Pair with food: from sushi to fermented snacks, from green salads to mild goat cheese.

Pet Nat is not just any ordinary sparkling wine. It is an approach to what matters: the process, the origin, the craftsmanship. It is neither perfect nor predictable – and that is why it deserves the utmost attention.

The Gaston Collection offers carefully selected Pet Nat natural wines for those looking for a memorable natural wine experience and unadulterated emotions.