PETILLANT NATUREL
Meinklang, Foam Weiss, Burgenland, Austria 2021 93
£21 Vintage Roots
Gorgeous, hazy, rusted coral colour in the glass. Joyfully floral and stone fruit-led, with a tantalising bitter orange note to it, like fresh oranges soaked in Campari and honey. Full-bodied and textural, and there’s a herbaceous savouriness, too. It’s wild and free, and has zesty acidity and a summery feel. A Pinot Gris pét-nat that’s perfect for picnics. Biodynamic; crown cap. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 12%
Testalonga, I Wish I Was a Ninja, Swartland, South Africa 2021 93
£19.99-£24 Ellis Wines, Les Caves de Pyrene,
Shop Cuvée, Woodthorpe Wines
Truly one of my favourite pét-nats, this is such a chirpy, jolly wine that is perfect for pouring in the park or for friends. Frothy, hazy, super-fresh and bright on opening, it’s impossible not to sip it immediately. Made from Colombard, it’s grapey, peachy, tropical and appley; there’s such energy and the acidity is spot-on. At 8.5% alcohol, there’s certainly sweetness but it’s so well balanced: upbeat and drinkable. Crown cap. Drink 2022-2023 Alc 8.5%
2 Les Enfants Sauvages, Dans Ma Bulle, Roussillon, France NV 93
£34 Dynamic Vines
Seek out this aromatic and expressive orange Muscat fizz from Roussillon – it’s such a characterful wine, and full of lovely pure, distinct orange rind, as well as peach and orange blossom notes. The bubbles are light and it’s cloudy in the glass. Lots of pineapple, plum and crunchy pears too. Yum! I love the texture and herbs on the finish. Organic; natural cork.
Drink 2022-2024 Alc 11.5%
Heinrich, Oh When the Saints Pet Nat, Burgenland, Austria 2021 93
£26.40 The Sourcing Table
Such inviting quince and ripe stone fruit aromas, with apple pie, raspberries and redcurrants, too. I really enjoy the tactile, creamy texture which is balanced by lemony acidity and the smallest lick of sweetness. Floral and honeyed, there’s lots of fine mousse; it’s so vivid and driving on the finish. A blanc de noirs from biodynamic St Laurent grapes that makes for an exhilarating and refreshing gulp. Crown cap. Drink 2022-2023 Alc 11%
Krásná Hora, Miya, Moravia, Czech Republic 2021 93
£21-£22 Basket Press Wines, Monty Wines Glinting cherry-red in colour, there’s great vibrancy to this Czech biodynamic pét-nat. Lots of black cherries and red berries with pepper and stony notes too. It’s light, fresh and fun, with great texture, energy and acidity. Get these bouncy bubbles in your glass and drink up. Crown cap. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 13%
3 Còsmic Vinyaters, Fades del Granit, Catalonia, Spain 2021 92
£30 Dynamic Vines
A blend of Grenache Noir and Carignans Blanc and Gris from the Empordà region. Lovely rosehips on the nose; soft, with a subtle orange-laced fizz. Lively and full of cherry skin, strawberry and roses, it’s tangy, grippy and very dry. So tasty, I love the freshness and tartness. Crown cap.
Drink 2022-2023 Alc 11%
Domaine Le Roc, Roc'Ambulle, Fronton, Southwest France 2021 91
£15.95 Buon Vino, Les Caves de Pyrene
Made from the Négrette and Mauzac varieties in southwest France, this pink gem is lightly fizzy with only 9% alcohol and a touch of sweetness, and thus seriously easy to drink. A little hazy, and full of red cherries, almond frangipane and ripe strawberries. A delight. Crown cap. Drink 2022-2023 Alc 9%
Lost in a Field, Frolic Pét-Nat, England 2021 91
£33 Bottle Apostle, D Vine Cellars, Kerb,
Seven Cellars, Swig, The Sourcing Table
A new addition to Tim Wildman MW’s range of pét-nats, this time coming from a selection of old, abandoned vineyards in England. This is orangey-pink, hazy and a little explosive! It bubbles over – quite literally – with florals, orange peel and grapefruit, fresh citrus and bright shiny redcurrant fruit. Weighty and textured with a perky foamy fizz. Crown cap.
Drink 2022-2023 Alc 10%
Vignereuse, Mayga Dark, Gaillac, Southwest France 2020 90
£26.50 All Good Beer
Marine Leys makes wines in Gaillac, where Gamay isn’t native, but some was planted in the 1970s and ’80s, and this was used to create this fizzy pink juice. This wine is normally called Mayga Watt and is usually much lighter pink in colour, but the heat and drought of 2020 birthed this darker iteration. It’s fruit-forward, friendly, juicy and ripe, with dark cherry, raspberry and nectarine goodness. There’s a little tannic grip and a frothy, mouthfilling mousse. Fun and delicious. Organic; crown cap. Drink 2022-2023 Alc 13%