Wine: The original bubbly

“What is delicious has a way of catching on,” said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. That’s been the story of late with the oldest-known type of sparkling wine, pétillant naturel. Once a few French winemakers started making playful examples for friends, demand spread quickly. Every pét-nat is different, but misses are rare, and all “share a sort of joyousness and lack of pretension.” ($24). Made from Santa Barbara County riesling, this “absolutely delicious” pét-nat delivers aromas and flavors of flowers, citrus, dried fruit, and spices. ($21). Mostly riesling, this “lively and resonant” wine from Germany’s Mosel region has an “intensely floral” nose. ($20). A product of Alsace, this “savory, refreshing, and bone dry” white wine blends auxerrois and pinot noir.