The Earth Wine | Natural Wine Journal | Shop Pét-nat
re you curious about Pét-Nat wine? It’s the latest buzzword in the wine world, and everyone is talking about it. Pét-Nat stands for pétillant naturel, which is a type of natural sparkling wine. It has been gaining popularity in recent years, and many wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike are discovering the joys of this unique and delicious beverage. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Pét-nat, including where to try or to order them online in Hong Kong.
What is Pét-nat?
Pét-nat (short for Pétillant Naturel), is a type of natural sparkling wine made with minimal intervention, no additives and no sugar added. It’s known for its slightly cloudy appearance due to the presence of sediment of grape, and its refreshingly light, slightly effervescent texture.
Pét-Nat are made with grapes that are picked slightly underripe to preserve their acidity and freshness, which in turn helps to create a light, fizzy bubbly. The process of making Pét-Nat is quite different from traditional Champagne methods, as they are made with no sugars added and rely on the native yeasts to create the bubbles. As such, each bottle of Pét-Nat will have its unique flavour profile and expression of terroir.
How is Pét-Nat made? (The Ancestral Method)
Pét-nat is a type of natural sparkling wine that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is made from grapes that have been fermented with native yeasts, with no additional additives or sugars used to promote fermentation. The process is called "méthode ancestrale", meaning ancestral method.
This involves bottling the partially fermented grape juice before it has finished fermenting, creating a naturally sparkling beverage that retains its full flavor and characteristics from the grapes it was made from. The natural carbonation from the fermentation process makes for a refreshing and lively drink.
The process of making Pét-nat can vary depending on the grape variety used, the region in which it is produced, and the winemaker's style. Grapes are picked before they are at the point of sweetness and they ferment with native yeasts to create a dry base wine.
This partially fermented grape juice is then bottled and stored at low temperatures to allow it to ferment more, a process which lasts several months. This means that when you drink a Pét-nat, you are tasting a completely natural sparkling wine that is free of any additives or chemicals and has a unique flavour profile in every bottle.
Additionally, because the wine is not filtered, the grape sediment is left in the bottle, adding cloudiness and contributing even more to its unique taste. This is the best part of the wine, as it allows you to experience the full taste of the grape variety and its terroir. All of these qualities combine to make Pét-nat a truly special and unique beverage, and one that everyone should try at least once!
Celebrate in Style: When to Drink Pét-Nat?
Pét-nat is a great option for any occasion, especially when you're looking for an affordable, natural sparkling wine.
Pét-Nat stands for pétillant-naturel and is a form of natural sparkling wine that uses no additives and sugars, and is made using a centuries-old method of fermenting the wine in the bottle. This creates a light and refreshing sparkling wine that is perfect for occasions such as brunch, dinner parties, wedding toasts, and special celebrations.
- It's low in alcohol and therefore much more suitable for those who don't typically consume wine. Plus, Pét-Nat wines are usually much more cost-effective than their champagne counterparts. Whether you're hosting a large group or just looking for something special to share with your friends, Pét-Nat is always a great option.
Pros and Cons of Pét-Nat Wine
Pros of Pét-nat:
- Natural and additive-free: Making it a great choice for those looking for an all-natural, vegan-friendly option.
- Unfiltered: Pét-Nat retain their original taste from the grape, giving you a unique and distinct flavor that you won’t find in other wines.
- Low calorie and keto diet friendly: As no sugar is added to the wine, it has fewer calories than most other wines, making it a good option for those following a keto or low calories lifestyle.
Cons of Pét-nat:
- Need to be handled with care: Due to the wine still fermenting in the bottle, Pét-Nat need to be treated with extra care when transporting them over long distances.
- Active bubbles: The active fermentation process can create lots of bubbles, so it’s important to let the wine sit still for 15 minutes before opening the bottle.
- Limited availability: Natural wines are created without manipulation in the winemaking process, so the vintage each year is limited. Additionally, as Pét-nat necessitates specific winemaking skills, not every natural winemaker is producing it, causing the amount to be very limited, resulting in popular labels often selling out.
Where to Buy Pét-Nat in Hong Kong? Our Top 3 Picks (2025 Edition)
If you’re looking to enjoy a Pét-nat in a chilled and relaxed atmosphere, look no further than White Beard on 55 Peel Street Central. Here, you’ll find a great selection of Pét-Nat and natural wines from Europe — all exclusive in Hong Kong. And to make the experience even better, all their Pét-Nat pair perfectly with White Beard’s delicious fresh-fried fish from New Zealand.
If you’d prefer to enjoy your Pét-Nat at home or need something to spruce up your house party, The Earth Wine is the perfect place to shop. This online natural wine shop specializes in low-intervention wines from Europe and our selection of Pét-Nat includes everything from whites to pinks to reds.
Here are three Pét-Nat you definitely need to try before they sell out in Hong Kong:
- The Crowd Favorite Alternative: Barb & the Beast 2022 We know many of you are looking for the famous Piggy Pop. While it is sold out, if you like the Piggy Pop style, you must try Barb & the Beast 2022. Think Barbera, but with a fresh twist. Harvested early to capture its juiciest, most vibrant side, this pet-nat is all about crisp cherry notes, a hit of leafy green, and that signature Basso Piemonte acidity. Bottled mid-fermentation and disgorged the following spring, it’s more than your typical easy-going sparkler — it’s a raw, refreshing burst of the land.
2. The Unapologetically Fun: Leviatano 2024 Juicy, Cloudy, and Unapologetically Fun. Forget what you know about serious Italian wines. The Leviatano is a Pet-Nat (natural sparkling) made from 100% Garganega grapes in Veneto. Bottled unfiltered and sur lie (on the yeast), it pours a hazy yellow and bursts with energy. Think fresh green pears, crunchy apples, and a zip of citrus, all wrapped up in gentle, frothy bubbles. Beneath the fruit, you get that signature volcanic minerality and a touch of saltiness that makes your mouth water. It’s light-bodied, low in alcohol (~11.5%), and dangerously easy to drink. It cuts right through richness, making it the ultimate partner for a Cantonese feast.
3. The Chill Choice: Isy 2023 Easy like a Sunday morning. Isy is all about uncomplicated, feel-good vibes. A playful, carefree sparkling wine made from Trebbiano grapes, it’s light, joyful, and perfect for those moments when you just want to sip, relax, and let go. Named after Iside, the goddess who taught women to cultivate, spin, and weave — and how to tame men just enough to live with them. She’s the spirit of fertility, agriculture, and magic. Isy channels that untamed, vibrant energy — a wine that’s as effortless as it is soulful.
Ready to taste the bubbles? We are THE EARTH WINE - a wine company dedicated to natural wine. Our belief is that great wine shouldn't come at a great cost to our planet. We work tirelessly to source wines from artisanal producers globally who share our values.
Why Order Pét-Nat Online? Pét-Nats are fragile and often limited in production. Buying from a specialized online natural wine shop like The Earth Wine ensures you get the freshest bottles stored in temperature-controlled conditions. Whether you are looking for a funky orange wine or a crisp Leviatano, we offer fast delivery across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories.
Shop our full collection of Pét-Nat Wines here
