Marks & Spencer’s inaugural wine report has unveiled a significant lack of awareness among Brits regarding Petillant Naturel, commonly known as Pet Nat.
According to the report, only 11% of respondents correctly identified Pet Nat as a natural, unfiltered sparkling wine. Many mistakenly associated it with winemaking equipment used for grape sorting.
Further complicating perceptions, 29% of those surveyed indicated they would hesitate to consume or serve a cloudy wine, reflecting a broader misunderstanding of the hazy nature of Pet Nat.
Pet Nat, bottled during ongoing fermentation, has traditionally appealed to a niche market, often dubbed “hipster bubbles”. However, Marks & Spencer’s decision to stock Pet Nat in May 2024 marked a significant step towards mainstream acceptance in the UK wine market.
Notably lower in alcohol content compared to Champagne and traditional sparkling wines, Pet Nat resonates with younger consumers increasingly drawn to no-and-low alcohol alternatives, if only they were more informed about the style.
Distinctively sealed with a crown cap, akin to craft beer, Pet Nat presents an opportunity for collaboration across beverage categories.
Marks & Spencer now offers two Pet Nats: the Rose Pet Nat Brut (£15), crafted from a blend including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Heppington Vineyard in Kent, and the New Theory Pot Luck Pet Nat (£22), a modern rendition featuring South African Pinotage from Swartland.
Enotria & Coe and North South Wines also list a variety of Pet Nats from regions including Northern Spain, Abruzzo (Italy), France, Italy, Australia, and the UK, reflecting the growing interest in this vibrant category.
Increasingly, UK vineyards such as Tillingham, Davenport Vineyard, Trevviban Mill, Whinyard Rocks, and Ancre Hill are embracing Pet Nat production, underscoring its rising popularity within the domestic wine scene.
The future of Pet Nat in the UK appears promising as awareness grows and consumer preferences continue to evolve towards innovative and sustainable wine styles.
