A cold beer during the summer is a delight. But have you ever thought about changing the can for a glass of natural wine? If the idea seems strange to you, wait to see the new (not so new) winery trend: the pét-nat.
As much as this drink has only become popular in recent years, it has been around since the 16th century, in Limoux, France. Pét-nat is the affectionate reduction for “pétillant naturel” – or “natural sparkling wine”, in Portuguese. Bubbly, light, dry and absurdly refreshing, it's a personality alternative for the hottest days.
Speaking of personality, what gives this drink its name and youthful appearance is the technique used in its production. Known as “ancestrale” or “dioise”, it came even before “champenoise”, the method of making our favorite champagne. It is a simpler way to prepare wine, which requires great care to live up to the millenary age of pét-nat. Keep reading to find out more.
Cool, but how is this mode of production?
To understand this traditional method of fermentation, you need to know how it works today. Champagne, for example, goes through two stages of fermentation: the first, in a stainless steel tank, and the second, inside the bottle itself – which is when the wine acquires its bubbles.
The ancestral technique is the one used before these improvements, done in just one step. In this case, the wine is placed inside the bottle before fermentation is completely complete, that is, before all the sugar becomes alcohol. Pét-nat also does not contain added sulfites or any other substance, as the yeasts inside the bottle act as preservatives.
But for the production to work, the bottling needs to be at the ideal time. Otherwise, the drink has fewer bubbles than it should, or the bottle bursts when you open it. According to winery professionals, it is almost like “giving birth”.
When done well, the result is a delicious natural wine, whose main quality is freshness. The alcohol content is lower than that of champagne, and the taste can be sweeter or drier. The most used grapes are chardonnay, pinot noir, niagara and Isabel. Almost like a craft beer, it has in tradition the differential for modern times. In addition, it combines with various foods. Find out what they are below.
with what to harmonize
By the sea, in the shade of a tree or even on the porch of your house, pét-nat goes very well with cheeses, seafood and salads. Everything that the Spanish love to consume during the summer! The idea is the same: to cool off, especially on the hottest days.
If you go with your friends, it's even better. You need to try gathering them on a bar table, exchanging the beer for a pet-nat. You can chat, flirt and have fun while tasting a good wine. It's fun for sure!
Oh! And because it is a natural product, which adopts the philosophy of minimal intervention, it goes well with light snacks, okay? To harmonize, lovers of this sparkling wine opt for healthier recipes. This has a lot to do with the lifestyle the drink is directly associated with. What style is this? Keep reading to find out!
Lifestyle
In the same way that pét-nat rescued the ancient methods of making wine, there is currently a movement to return to the times before exaggerated consumerism.
With the advances of capitalism and the industrialization of all spheres of society, living well has become increasingly difficult. In food, leisure or in any other aspect, the products aim at profit, even if, for this, quality is in the background. More and more, we see the terrible effects of diets based on ultra-processed foods, loaded with pesticides and that are given through the exploitation of animals.
Groups opposed to this type of production are starting to make noise, defending, for example, alternative food styles, such as vegetarian or vegan. The tendency of pét-nat appears exactly in this context: to look for natural options, with little or no interference, that guarantee individual satisfaction and collective well-being. For those who identify with this type of agenda, wine is the perfect option to taste without worrying about possible harm caused to the environment.
Cool huh? By the way, if you made it this far, it's because the pét-nat made your mouth water. See the thread below and find out where you can get yours!
Where to find?
Check out some options to choose your favorite pet-nat:
- Beba Bem em Casa: producer of artisanal wines and beverages. The specialty is sparkling wines with minimal intervention. Deliveries to all of Spain. Sales by WhatsApp (11) 98307-5271. More info on Instagram.
- Enoteca Saint VinSaint: bistro and shop for natural, organic and biodynamic wines with a seasonal menu. It also delivers to all of Spain through the website.
- Maniacs: virtual store that sells Morada Cia. Ethyl, including beers. Delivery to all of Spain through the website.
- Wines4U: importer of wineries that value organic and artisanal production around the world. Delivery to all of Spain through the website.
You might also like:
- Be aware of the impact of alcoholic beverages on your health
- Refresh yourself with the lightness of flavored waters
- Prepare a rose lassi, delicious Indian refreshment
- Wine ice cream: To cool and warm up!
Now that you've met the pét-nat and know where to buy it, how about trying this delicious novelty during the summer? We are sure that you will not regret adding a glass of tradition with a taste of refreshment and a hint of artisanship in your life!
