Hitching Post Pet Nat Chenin Blanc
2024, Santa Barbara County, USA
About the Wine
This Pet Nat (pétillant natural) is an exciting, uncomplicated bubbly that captures natural effervescence perserving the vibrant aromatics and energetic, fresh fruit flavors of the grape. It is the world's oldest method of making wine sparkle. Also referred to as methode ancestrale, this ancient winemaking technique uses minimal intervention with no sugar or sulpher added. Here the natural fermentation is interrupted, the unfiltered juice bottled and sealed with a crown cap, and then, once in bottle, continues fermentation until complete. This process allows the wine to be released quickly.
Tasting Notes
Our first Pet Nat Sparkling White is a 2024 from old-vine (40+ years) Chenin Blanc grapes. It captures the raw, wild freshness of munching a whole grape cluster and yet is refined. Subtle notes of crisp apple, casaba melon, apricot and a faint yeastiness lead to a mouth-watering, crisp and clean finish. Since it does not go through secondary fermentation like Champagne, the wine has less pressure yielding softer, easy going but firm bubbles. Enjoy as an apertif, for toasting celebrations, or match with filet of sole or herbed roast chicken. Serve well chilled.
Pairing Notes
Enjoy as an apertif, for toasting celebrations, or match with filet of sole or herbed roast chicken.