Description
Pétillant Naturel, or Pét-Nat for short is French for “naturally sparkling”. Pét-Nat’s are made by bottling a wine part way through fermentation. This will trap a small amount of the carbon dioxide (that is produced during fermentation) in the bottle resulting in a natural sparkling wine. The wine is unfined, unfiltered and naturally cloudy
Growing Season
Vintage 2023 has produced exceptional wines. It was the longest and latest on record, stretching from mid-March to early-May. The vines got off to a superb start with a wet and cool Spring providing plenty of sub-soil moisture for the growing season ahead. Summer brought typically average temperatures and was generally dry with occasional finite rain. The vines were in fantastic condition for slow and steady ripening into Autumn with its mild days, cool nights, and isolated light rain. Yields from 2023 are good and quality is excellent.
Vineyard
The Petillant Naturel is from a single vineyard of Chenin Blanc on the Kalleske property that was planted in 1988. The vines are low yielding and soil is shallow sand with clay subsoil.
Winemaking
Chenin Blanc grapes from 35-year-old vines for the White Pet Nat were harvested on March 30th. Grapes were harvested in the cool of the night to preserve maximum freshness and bright flavours. They were gently pressed in a pneumatic press, squeezing the berries and extracting the sweet juice. After settling for a day, the juice was racked and a cool, steady fermentation took place over a couple weeks. With a portion of residual grape sugar, the wine was hand-bottled, which the yeast fermented in the bottle, trapping the carbon dioxide in the wine and creating a naturally sparkling Chenin Blanc. This wine showcases the primal characters of this naturally made rare variety.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
The 2023 Chenin Blanc Pet-Nat is cloudy straw in appearance, obviously youthful, resembling fresh-pressed cloudy apple juice
Aroma:
It is very lifted, an initial greeting of intense yeasty ferment esters. Bright with tropical notes including banana and pineapple along with cut hay, gooseberry, and citrus. Fresh bread is in the mix adding to the intriguing and inviting aromatics.
Palate:
The palate is equally bright and energetic with crisp flavours throughout. Plenty of white juicy fruits, namely peacharine. There’s also some lemony citrus. The natural carbonation gives punch adding further dimension. The finish is lengthy, with the generous flavours continuing to a clean finish. This is a very delicious wine effusing the raw beauty of young vintage Chenin
Recommended Drinking:
Made to drink now!