Whether you’ve heard the term Pét-Nat out and about at a bar or restaurant, but never knew what it meant, or you’re a die-hard fan who loves natty sparklers, we’ve got the bargain of the summer here at Mission today.
For those just getting to know the category, Pét-Nat is short for pétillant naturel or “naturally sparkling,” meaning the wine was allowed to undergo a secondary fermentation naturally. Unlike Prosecco and many other inexpensive sparklers where the bubbles are the result of oxygen that is pumped into the wine, Pét-Nats are more like Champagne, albeit sourced from all over the world and made with a variety of grapes.
Today, it’s not uncommon to find Californian Pét-Nats made from Gamay or Zinfandel, or regional microbrands from all across Europe that use a variety of local varietals. All the cool kids are drinking it, all around the world, and it shows no sign of slowing down! Whether you’re out for Sunday brunch, or chilling at the bar of your favorite restaurant, you’re going to find a variety of Pét-Nat options replacing the more boring commercial sparkling options no matter where you go.
While most Pét-Nats clock in well over $20 a bottle, we just discovered a new Pét-Nat from Catalonia for less than $15 that gives you all the bubbly deliciousness of Spanish Cava with the tanginess of the modern Pét-Nat style. Not only is it expressive and distinctive, it’s a downright bargain in terms of its quality.
2022 Oniric Entre Vinyes Pét-Nat $14.99 (Elsewhere $20+)
The Oniric Pét-Nat from Entre Vinyes is a refreshing blend of Xarel-lo and Muscat, bottled at 11% ABV, that offers a fruity aromatic lift with a fleshy and crisp profile. Located in the Penedes region, it’s sort of like Cava meets cider in terms of its character, albeit entirely from grapes. Sourced from 60+ year old bush vines, the fruit is entirely organic and the wine is certified vegan. This is the type of bottle that gets halfway finished within the first 15 minutes of opening it. Make sure you buy more than one!