Cover Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
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Exploring the bubbly world of naturally sparkling wines
The natural wine movement has the world in a tizzy and the Philippines is caught in the middle of the whirlwind. And why wouldn’t it be? In this tropical climate, the (generally) lower in alcohol, naturally lighter bodied and higher in acid beverage makes it easier to imbibe without breaking into a sweat.
Of the many hues and styles that natty wines come in, the slightly fizzy, sometimes hazy and always yummy pétillant-naturel has captured the fancy and palate of most. What exactly is pét-nat? Simply, it is a natural sparkling wine made with very little (if at all) intervention, with nothing added in the beginning and nothing taken out in the end. The only ingredient? Grapes!
Related: My Wine Epiphany: Chie Gatchalian hunts down wines off the beaten path (and you should, too)
Above Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova / Unsplash
Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova / Unsplash
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Unlike Champagne or other sparkling wines made in the traditional method, pét-nat is bottled while still in the fermentation stage and sealed with a crown cap, trapping inside a small amount of carbon dioxide. Also called méthod ancestrale, it is the oldest way of making sparkling wines. Pét-nats may not be as predictable as your usual bottle of Non-Vintage (NV) bubbly, but its unpredictability is what makes it delicious. Pet nats are best served well chilled to fully appreciate its unique flavour and fizz.
Basically, pêt-nats are easy to drink on their own–no food necessary. But for us Filipinos, drinks are always best with little nibbles. The versatility of this natural bubbly means you can pretty much pair whatever you want with it–cheese, chips, pizza, finger sandwiches or even lechon! The food options for pet nat are limitless! Here’s a list of what’s good to drink right now to beat the heat:
See also: Natural wine gastrobars in Metro Manila: Meet Bibio and Bombvinos Bodega
Milan Nestarec Danger 360 Volts
Above Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
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Available at supernaturalwine.ph
A white blended pét-nat of very Czech grapes. This glass of bubbly has a loose structure with larger bubbles and lots of character. Zesty, salty, zippy, energetic, wild—these not only describe this wine but Nestarec himself. A good start for beginners, but still exciting for the more experienced. Dangerously drinkable indeed.
Grape variety
Muller Thurgau, Neuburger, Muscat Blanc
Region
Moravia, Czech Republic
Tastes like
Lemonade, white peach, honeysuckle, sea breeze, sourdough starter
Best with
Arancini, veggie pizza, summer salads, seafood tower
Milan Nestarec Moje
Above Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
Photo: courtesy of Supernatural Wine
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Available at supernaturalwine.ph
A 100 per cent Riesling with a touch of residual sugar, delicate fizz and mouthwatering acid. Very refreshing and absolutely electric. The grapes are made into a still wine, bottled and the lees of older vintages are added for secondary fermentation. Recklessly chuggable and dangerously delicious.
Grape variety
Riesling
Region
Moravia, Czech Republic
Tastes like
Green apple skin, fresh lychee, honey, sea breeze
Best with
Panna cotta with honey, salty hors d’oeuvres, foie gras, Thai green curry
See also: Restaurants with the best cocktails in Tatler Dining Guide 2024
Meinklang Foam Vulkan
Above Photo: courtesy of Bombvinos
Photo: courtesy of Bombvinos
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Available at Bombvinos.com or the Bodega
Fermentation starts in stainless steel, then finishes fermentation in the bottle. Hárslevelű is known for its unique aroma and ability to produce rich, honeyed wines. You get a clear sense of that with Foam Vulkan, but the inclusion of Juhfark turns the intensity down with its neutral character and high acidity. What you get is a superbly interesting and refreshing bottle of sparkling wine.
Grape variety
Hárslevelű (one of the grapes used in Tokaji)
Region
Pamhagen, Austria
Tastes like
Lime and white flowers
Best with
Raw fish, light citrusy salads, fried snacks
Read more: Introducing Bb Sunshine, a natural wine by Bombvinos
Delinquente’s 2023 ‘Amaya’ Negro-amaro PetNat
Above Photo: courtesy of Somelove
Photo: courtesy of Somelove
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Available at Somelove.ph
Fermented in stainless steel with wild vineyard yeast, the wine was bottled under crown seal to finish fermentation, resulting in the Petillant Naturel, lightly sparkling style. The Negroamaro for this wine was sourced from the Sherwood Estate in Loxton North, owned by the Proud family–third-generation grape growers who have introduced Southern Italian varieties into their vineyards with great success.
Grape variety
Negroamaro
Region
Riverland, South Australia, Australia
Tastes like
Black cherry, marjoram, tarragon
Best with
Pinoy barbecue, Mexican birria, Korean fried chicken
See also: Where to order the best tacos in Metro Manila 2024
Ordinaire 2022 by Claus Preisinger
Above Photo: courtesy of Bombvinos
Photo: courtesy of Bombvinos
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Available at Bombvinos.com or the Bodega
Extra juicy, having undergone carbonic maceration prior to finishing fermentation in the bottle. This is best enjoyed at an outdoor feast with hearty get-together favourites.
Grape variety
Pinot Noir
Region
Gols, Australia
Tastes like
Raspberries, cherries and wild strawberries
Best with
Pizza, paella, lechon
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