Ancestral Method (Pet-Nat)
Ancestral Method (Pét-Nat): The OG of Sparkling Wines
The Ancestral Method, also known as Pétillant-Naturel (Pét-Nat), is the oldest known way to make sparkling wine. Unlike Champagne, which undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, Pét-Nat wines are bottled before fermentation is complete, allowing natural carbonation to develop
These wines are naturally sparkling, often slightly cloudy, and are funky, fresh & unpredictable
The Ancestral Method dates back to the 16th century in France, particularly in:
Gaillac (Southwest France) – One of the earliest sparkling wine regions.
Limoux (Languedoc, France) – Blanquette de Limoux, a historic sparkling style.
Loire Valley (France) – Many Loire producers now champion Pét-Nat.
Modern Revival – Popular with natural winemakers worldwide in regions like Italy, Spain, Australia, and the U.S.
