James Halliday 10 Australian pét-nats to try

Pétillant naturel is French for ‘naturally sparkling’. Put these tangy, zingy and juicy styles on your list.

Pétillant naturel, commonly known as pét-nat, is a naturally made, minimal intervention style of sparkling wine. Trendy, yes. But new? No. Pét-nats have been made by the French for centuries with the inexpensive (but unpredictable) méthode ancestrale technique. The wines undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle with no disgorgement, giving them wonderfully funky and unique characteristics.

The demand for Australian pét-nat is larger than ever, with producers countrywide trying their hand at this ancient technique. From single-variety styles to rosé blends and mash-ups of lesser-known varietals, there’s no singular flavour profile on offer – but they are consistently juicy, fruit-forward and easy drinking. Best enjoyed on the grass, in the sun and with friends.

• •  L.A.S. Vino Pet Nat, WA.

Wilyabrup Pinot Noir picked early and fermented in an amphora, topped with biodynamic Chenin juice and matured on full lees.

• • Delinquente Wine Co. Tuff Nutt, SA

Made from Italian variety bianco d’alessano, with bright citrus mixed with bready, almost croissant-like aromas. Tropical fruits with a saline, herbaceous, moreishness palate that invites both quick drinking and deep thought.

• • Jamsheed Wines Candy Flip,VIC

A pétillant naturel rosé made from a blend of Yarra Valley syrah and merlot. A moreish mouthfeel with lingering candy crunch flavours of pomegranate and rhubarb. Light, fluffy and made to be enjoyed in the sunshine.

• • La Violetta Spunk, WA

A chewy and textural pét-nat made from riesling and shiraz varieties. Fruit-forward but not overly sweet with strawberries and grapefruits. Maintains a crisp and refreshingly dry palate throughout.

• • LS Merchants Natorious Pet Nat, WA

Fun, fizzy thing from one of the most exciting and interesting up-and-coming producers in the West. Extremely limited.

• • Konpira Maru Classic Pet Nat. VIC

There are only really two rules when you make Pet Nat: make it fizzy and make it delightful to drink. The boys have nailed it on both accounts.

• • La Violetta Patio Nat, WA

Totally gluggable Pet Nat from the Wild Man in the West.  A blend of Riesling and Muscat, full of white floral aromatics, quince, and nashi pear.

• • Delinquente Wine Co. Weeping Juan, SA

Made from white and red varieties, vermentino and nero d’avola, this naturally sparkling pink wine has a spritzy energy with sweet dark fruit, and bracing acidity. Super bright red fruit cutting through a citrus, stonefruit push.

• • Cullen Rose Moon, WA

Dazzling array of tropical fruits, apples, peaches, grass, orange peel and mandarin. Vibrant lime and citrus, fresh doughy yeast. A supple palate finishing with clean and fresh acidity.

• • Konpira Maru Total Victory Pet Nat, VIC.

Sagrantino and Vermentino straight to their winery and got straight to work to produce this delicious bubbly. Candied strawberry and rosehip on the nose, leading to a thirst-quenching palate of watermelon rind, orange sunnyboy, and fresh herbs with zesty acidity keeping things nice and fresh.