Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat)?

Pétillant Naturel, often shortened to Pét-Nat, is a naturally sparkling wine made by bottling the wine before fermentation has finished, allowing it to complete fermentation in the bottle and create natural bubbles.

What is Col Fondo?

Col Fondo is a traditional Italian sparkling wine made using a similar ancestral method, where the wine undergoes fermentation in the bottle and is typically left unfiltered, often with natural sediment.

What is the difference between Pét-Nat and Col Fondo?

Pét-Nat is a broader natural wine style that can be made anywhere, while Col Fondo specifically refers to traditional Italian sparkling wine, most commonly associated with Prosecco-style production using the ancestral method.

How are Pét-Nat wines made?

Pét-Nat wines are made using a single fermentation process where the wine is bottled before fermentation is complete, trapping carbon dioxide and creating a lightly sparkling, natural fizz.

What does Pét-Nat taste like?

Pét-Nat wines are typically fresh, lightly sparkling and slightly cloudy, with flavours ranging from crisp green fruit and citrus to funky, yeasty or floral notes depending on the grape variety.

Is Col Fondo filtered?

No. Col Fondo is usually left unfiltered, meaning sediment remains in the bottle, which can give the wine a more rustic texture and character.

Are Pét-Nat wines sweet or dry?

Most Pét-Nats are dry or off-dry, though natural residual sugar can sometimes remain depending on when fermentation finishes in the bottle.

Why are Pét-Nat wines cloudy?

They are often unfiltered and contain natural yeast sediment, which remains in the bottle after fermentation.