MOD Society Greensboro - Sept-Oct 2020
NATURALLY SPARKLING
2020-08-28 06:38:52
Wine & Beer Lovers: Meet “Pét-nat”!
Pét-nat is the modernized, abbreviated name for Pétillant Naturel wines and means “naturally sparkling!” Pét-nats are made using the oldest known method to make sparkling wines, méthode ancestrale.
The first documented sparkling wine was made in Limoux, France in 1531. Since the early 2000-teens these fermented-in-the-bottle sparklings have become the beverage rage.
What’s different about Pét-nats?
Pét-nats go through a single fermentation that occurs in the bottle with no sugar added. Other sparklings, Champagnes, Cavas, and Proseccos, experience a second fermentation with the addition of a sugar and yeast mixture.
Pét-nats use naturally occurring yeasts in the fermentation process. Other sparklings might use commercial yeasts which can be selected for their taste profiles.
While many people shy away from wines that appear cloudy, Pét-nats frequently have that appearance and may have sediment in the bottle, as well. The low intervention, more of a natural style winemaking approach accounts for their wild, rustic aromas and a wake-up-your-palate, fresh taste!
In keeping with the more natural, low intervention approach, the grapes most frequently used in Pét-nats are from vineyards farmed organically or biodynamically.
Pét-nats can be produced as white, rosé, or red. They are versatile and pair with a variety of foods and stand on their own as an aperitif.
Excite your taste buds with these old style yet new Pét-nat wines: Cambridge Road Naturalist Pétillant Naturel 2018
Martinborough, New Zealand. This 50% Pinot Gris/50% Sauvignon Blanc Pét-nat delivers juicy pear and apple fruits and wheat accents within its gentle fizz. A beer drinker’s wine!
Stardust Cellars Florence Rosé 2018 – Only 40 cases made.
Swan Creek, North Carolina. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based rosé has a peach color with notes of caramel-strawberry and slight grapefruit acidity.
Birichino Cinsault Pétillant Naturel 2019
Bechthold Vineyard Mokelumne River, Lodi, California. Coral color with charming, cloudy appearance and tropical flavors deftly lifted by the delicate yet lively fizz.
– Despina G. Demetriades & Su Peterson, Co-owners Zeto wines & specialties
For food pairing recommendations, visit www.ZetoWines.com/zetoinmodsociety.html
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