What is Pet-Nat? Everything You Need to Know About This Trendy Bubbly

If you spot bottles with crown caps and a cloudy swirl, check the names. Look for Conti, Uivo, or Voria. You've discovered a fun part of the wine world: Pétillant Naturel, or pét-nat for short.

What Exactly is Pet-Nat?

Pet-nat is the original sparkling wine. It’s crafted using the méthode ancestrale, a low-intervention method. Winemakers bottle the wine before fermentation ends. This traps CO₂, creating natural fizz. There’s no added sugar or second fermentation. You get wild, rustic sparkle in its purest form.

Where does it come from?

You can make pét-nat anywhere, but some exciting bottles come from:

• Bergerac, France – Conti Pét-Nat is a fresh, dry fizz made with local grapes Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It’s organic, joyful, and completely unfiltered. This region, just east of Bordeaux, is a gem for experimental winemakers.

• Douro Valley, Portugal – Uivo Pét-Nat by Tiago Sampaio uses native grapes like Rabigato and Moscatel Galego, as well as the world renowned Pinot Noir. It’s aromatic with a zesty citrus finish. A great intro to Portugal’s natural wine scene.

• Sicily, Italy – Voria Pét-Nat comes from northwest Sicily and features grapes like Catarratto. Expect Mediterranean herbs, salty lemon peel, and an ultra-refreshing finish.

These regions produce pét-nats that are expressive, playful, and different from mass-produced fizz.

Grapes That Work Well for Pét-Nat

Pét-nat shines with grapes that bring zingy acidity, floral notes, and a textured mouthfeel. Some favorites include:

• Glera (Prosecco’s grape) – light and fruity

• Chenin Blanc – apples, honey, and minerality

• Cabernet Franc – in rosé styles, it adds pretty red berry notes.

• Rabigato & Catarratto – native to Portugal and Sicily, both add freshness

• Muscat – perfumed, floral, and fun

Food Pairings for Pét-Nat

Pét-nat is often dry and lightly funky, making it surprisingly versatile:

• Brunch foods – smoked salmon, poached eggs, or goat cheese on toast

• Sushi or ceviche – especially with citrusy styles like Uivo

• Picnic fare – think charcuterie, pâté, and crusty baguettes

• Pizza and tomato-based dishes – the acidity cuts through richness

• Lightly spiced Middle Eastern dishes – aromatic whites like Voria shine here

While Champagne and Cava focus on precision and polish, pét-nat is all about energy and honesty. It captures the vineyard’s essence, bottled with minimal fuss and greatest flavor.

Want to try it for yourself? Check out Conti, Uivo, and Voria on our website. They’re joyful, rebellious, and the perfect way to fizz up your wine rack.