Also known colloquially as “hipster bubbles,” Pét-Nat has seen a big rise in popularity over the last few years. But what is Pet Nat wine, really?
If you’ve spotted a bottle that looks a little cloudy, don’t panic, that’s not a flaw. Cloudy wine is one of Pét-Nat’s defining features, and it’s completely intentional. In fact, that haze is a big part of what makes this style feel fresh, natural, and a bit rebellious compared to traditional sparkling wine.
So why is everyone suddenly talking about Pét-Nat? How is it different when people compare Pet Nat vs Champagne? Is it closer to wine, or does it fall into the same camp as kombucha when people debate Pet Nat vs Kombucha? And for those choosing alcohol-free options, is there a non-alcoholic version, and what about the sugar in Pet Nat?
Keep reading as we break it all down in a simple, easy way. By the end, you’ll know exactly why Pét-Nat is fizzy, cloudy, fun, and loved by drinkers who want flavour without fuss.
What Is Pét-Nat Wine?
Pét Nat (abbreviated from ‘petillant naturel’) is a natural non-alcoholic sparkling wine that is made with as little intervention as possible. There is nothing added during the process, and nothing filtered out at the end.
The wine is bottled while it is still undergoing fermentation and sealed using a crown cap (which traps a small amount of carbon dioxide) to create the bubbles. The French call this process of bottling wine during its initial round of fermentation “méthode ancestral,” and it has been around far longer than other, more complex methods of producing sparkling wine.
As a bonus, because there are no added ingredients in Pét-Nat, they are naturally lower in alcohol and contain less sugar than other sparkling wines. Pet Nat wines can be a little less predictable in relation to flavour and carbonation, as there is no intervention after it is bottled. This means that some Pét-Nat wines can be a little sweet when first opened. This is simply the result of some residual natural sugar that hasn’t yet undergone fermentation.
The "Méthode Ancestrale": How Pét-Nat Wines are Made
The French call this méthode ancestrale, the ancestral method and honestly, it’s the original way people made sparkling wine, long before Champagne got fancy. There’s something special about it.
Doing Pet Nat vs Champagne? Here’s how to differentiate
Pét-Nat is a “one-step wonder”: Champagne has this whole routine: first, it ferments, then winemakers add sugar and yeast for a second, more controlled fermentation. Pét-Nat skips all that. They bottle the wine while it’s still fermenting, right in the thick of things. No extra sugar, no second round, just one wild ride from grape to glass.
Because of this single fermentation, Pét-Nat is a bit of a wild card. You never really know what you’re going to get. Every bottle is like a snapshot of fermentation in motion, which is where all that unpredictability and uniqueness come from. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes bone-dry. The bubbles might be soft and creamy, or they might burst out of the bottle. That’s not a flaw, it’s just the wine’s personality showing through.
Why Pét-Nat Is Different (and Better for Some)
Pét-Nat wines keep things simple: no added sugar syrup, no extra sulfites, no fancy filtering. Just grapes, fermenting on their own. Because of this, they usually end up lower in alcohol and with less sugar than most sparkling wines.
This kind of winemaking is pretty hands-off. Each bottle has its own personality, flavour and fizz isn’t always the same. Since there’s no tinkering after bottling, if fermentation slows down, some natural sugar can linger. Sometimes you’ll open a bottle and notice a hint of sweetness. That’s not a flaw; it’s just a bit of grape sugar that hasn’t finished fermenting yet.
Calorie comparison:
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Lower in calories than soda
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Higher in natural sugar than bone-dry alcoholic wine
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No artificial sweeteners needed
Think of it as a middle ground: not as sweet as juice, not as dry as traditional wine, but perfectly balanced for a refreshing drink.
Here’s a tip: Pét-Nats dry out over time. If you like them on the crisp side, leave your bottle somewhere warm (not hot) for a few days so fermentation can wrap up. When it’s time to pour, get your Pét-Nat ice cold. That’s when the bubbles really come alive and the flavours pop. The chillier, the better.
Why Pét-Nat Is Cloudy?
Open a bottle of Pét-Nat, and you might notice it looks cloudy or hazy. Don't worry, your wine hasn't gone bad. That cloudiness is actually a good sign.
What causes the cloudiness? The haze comes from lees, which are tiny yeast particles left over from fermentation. Because this cloudy wine isn't filtered, these particles stay in the bottle, giving the wine its natural, cloudy appearance.
Why cloudiness matters in non-alcoholic Pét-Nat:
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Adds texture and body - The sediment creates a fuller mouthfeel
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Replaces the weight of alcohol - In NA wines, alcohol normally provides body and richness. The lees help fill that gap
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Makes it creamier - You'll notice a smooth, almost creamy sensation on your palate
Think of it like fresh-pressed orange juice versus the filtered kind. The cloudy wine has more character, more body, and more of what makes it real. Same idea here.
Pét-Nat vs. Kombucha: What's the Difference?
Kombucha is frequently found next to non-alcoholic Pét-Nat (like Monceau) in natural food stores. They have a similar appearance in the bottle; they are both trendy, natural, and bubbly. However, they are totally different beverages.
Here's the key difference:
Pét-Nat:
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Made from fermented grape juice
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It's wine (just naturally sparkling)
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Tastes like wine: fruity, tangy, with grape flavours and sometimes tannins
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Uses wine yeast for fermentation
Kombucha:
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Made from fermented tea
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Uses a SCOBY (a living culture of bacteria and yeast)
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Tastes like vinegar or sweet tea: funky, acidic, earthy
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No grape flavours at all
Why this matters: Choose Pét-Nat if you want a wine experience. It features the typical wine characteristics of fruit flavours, tannic structure, and sharp acidity. Kombucha is unique; it has more fermented tea and medicinal qualities. Although they are both excellent, they're not the same.
Bottom line: Pét-Nat is a wine that fizzes. Kombucha is tea that fizzes. Know the difference, pick your Pet Nat vs Kombucha winner accordingly.
Non-Alcoholic Pét Nat Wines
Non-alcoholic Pét-Nat wines are crafted to capture the vibrant fizz, fresh aromas, and natural fruitiness of traditional Pet Nat, but without alcohol. They offer a sparkling experience that is:
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Refreshing and lighter than traditional sparkling wine.
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Perfect choice for anyone avoiding alcohol or seeking a mindful drinking option.
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Versatile option for casual sipping, brunches, picnics, or festive occasions.
How to Store and Serve Pét-Nat
Why do Pét-Nat bottles need chilling? Because they are lively and want special care. These wines have active bubbles that are still developing in the bottle. If you open one at room temperature, you might get a messy foam explosion.
Why it happens:
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Live yeast is still working in the bottle
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Warm temperatures make bubbles more active
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The pressure builds up and escapes fast when opened
How to store it right:
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Keep it cold - Store in the fridge, always
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Stand it upright - Don't lay bottles on their side (this lets sediment settle at the bottom)
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Chill for 24 hours before opening - This calms the bubbles down
How to open it safely:
Point the bottle away from yourself and others. Slowly loosen the cap a little bit at a time. If foam starts coming out, press the cap back down and wait a few seconds. Then try again.
Serving tip: Cold Pét-Nat tastes better, too. The chilled temperature keeps the bubbles crisp and fine instead of wild and foamy.
Food Pairing: What Goes Best with Pét-Nat?
Pét-Nat is way more versatile than Champagne when it comes to food. Those funky, wild flavors and lively bubbles can handle bold dishes that would overpower delicate sparkling wines.
Why Pét-Nat Works with Rich Foods
The natural acidity and carbonation in Pét-Nat cut through fatty, rich foods like a charm. While Champagne is best with oysters and caviar, Pét-Nat thrives with everyday comfort food that has some weight to it.
Perfect pairings for Pét-Nat:
Fatty & Fried: Fried chicken, French fries and Fried calamari
Cheese & Charcuterie: Aged cheddar or Gouda and Cheese boards with nuts and honey
Light & Fresh (Classic Pairings): Grilled seafood, Veggie platters with hummus, and Fresh salads
Desserts: Fruit tarts, Lemon sorbet, and Light pastries
The Rule of Thumb
If a dish is rich, salty, or fatty, Pét-Nat will balance it. If a dish is light and fresh, Pét-Nat will match its energy. The bubbles refresh your palate between bites, and the acidity cuts through oils and fats.
Think of Pét-Nat as your everyday celebration wine, it's fancy enough for special occasions but casual enough for pizza night.
Are there Non alcoholic Pét Nat wines?
The winemaking technique that underpins traditional Pet Nat wines is also being explored by a growing number of producers creating non-alcoholic wines.
NON
Chef William Wade has partnered with Aaron Trotman to create NON. They layer together different grapes and flavours to produce seriously tasty wines with enormous appeal for people who like their sparkling wines.
NON 2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu
NON 3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu
Benefits of Sipping Non-Alcoholic Pét Nat Wines
Non-alcoholic Pét Nat wines offer several advantages:
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0.5% ABV – enjoy the sparkling wine experience with alcohol as less as of orange juice.
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Lower calories and sugar – a lighter and healthier choice compared to regular sparkling wines.
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Vegan-friendly and preservative-free – ideal for clean-eating lifestyles.
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Supports mindful drinking – enjoy social occasions without the booze
Choosing non-alcoholic Pet Nat is a way to indulge in a celebratory drink while keeping health-conscious choices in mind.
Why are Pét-Nat wines so popular?
Pét-Nat wines have become popular because of their versatility and easy-drinking nature. But they have some additional benefits too. Firstly, they tend to be a cheaper alternative to traditional sparkling wines, which makes them more accessible to a wider market.
Secondly, while classic sparkling wine is made from a fairly narrow range of grape varieties, Pét-Nat wines can be made with any grape. This means that winemakers are experimenting with a whole lot of unusual grape combinations, which results in some really fun and interesting flavours.
This also means that Pet Nats can be any colour – white, rose, red, or even orange – making them a super flexible option for pairing with food because they go with pretty much anything.
And on top of all this, as they are made without any additives, Pét-Nat wines are lower in sugar and alcohol, making them an easy choice for the health-conscious.
FAQs
1. What does Pét- Nat wine taste like?
Pét-Nat wines are known for their lively, refreshing, and slightly unpredictable taste, often bursting with bright fruit flavours like apple, pear, citrus, or stone fruits. It usually has a light, crisp acidity with a gentle fizz, giving it a playful, effervescent mouthfeel. Some bottles can be slightly cloudy or yeasty, adding a rustic, natural charm that makes every sip unique.
2. How does Pét-Nat differ from Champagne?
While Pet Nat is bottled during its first fermentation, which gives it a lighter, less processed, and somewhat unpredictable profile, champagne is prepared utilising secondary fermentation for consistent bubbles and flavour.
3. How is non-alcoholic Pét-Nat made?
A non-alcoholic Pét-Nat is made using the same traditional méthode ancestrale as an alcoholic version, but the alcohol is removed through techniques like vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or spinning cone technology, preserving the wine’s natural aromas, fruitiness, and lively fizz.
4. Does Pét-Nat taste like regular sparkling wine?
Not quite. Pét-Nat is lighter, fruitier, and naturally fizzy, with a slightly rustic, unpredictable character that sets it apart from regular sparkling wines.
5. Are non-alcoholic Pét-Nats vegan and low in sugar?
Many are vegan-friendly, preservative-free, and lower in sugar, providing a lighter, healthier alternative to regular sparkling wines.
6. How should Pét-Nat be served and paired?
Serve well-chilled to enjoy its bubbles, pairing it with light appetisers, salads, seafood, or fruity desserts for a refreshing experience.
7. Can Pét-Nat be stored like regular sparkling wine?
Yes, store upright and avoid shaking. Flavours may evolve naturally over time due to minimal processing.
Why Pét-Nat Is Here to Stay
Pét-Nat feels like Champagne’s wild, playful sibling. It’s unfiltered, packed with fruit, and brings real flavour to the table, something alcohol-free drinkers have been waiting for. You don’t just get bubbles, you get personality.
There’s a kind of magic in how Pét-Nat is made. The method stretches back centuries, yet it speaks to today’s craving for less fuss and more mindful in what we eat and drink. People are reaching for things with fewer chemicals, less processing, organic roots, and a local story. Pét-Nat slips right into that world, cloudy and proud.
What makes Pét-Nat the future of sparkling wine:
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Made with nothing added, nothing removed
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Natural bubbles from real fermentation
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Vegan, low-calorie, and preservative-free
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Full of character and personality in every bottle
Go for the non-alcoholic version, and you still get everything you love about sparkling wine, minus the booze. Birthdays, dinner parties, or just an ordinary weeknight, any occasion feels a little brighter with a bottle. You won’t lose out on taste, and you certainly won’t miss out on the experience.
The rise of Pét-Nat isn't a trend, it's a return to something authentic. And with more people choosing mindful drinking, expect to see many more Pét-Nat options hitting shelves in the coming years.
Ready to get funky? Explore Sans Drinks' non-alcoholic sparkling wine collection and discover the wild, wonderful world of non-alcoholic wines. Your taste buds will thank you.
