Our Top 5 Sparkling Wines to Drink this Summer

Summer is here! For me, this is undoubtedly sparkling wine season. When you are baking in the sun, Pet Nat is the only thing that will do. Usually low in alcohol and high in acid, these light and fruity wines are genuinely thirst quenching. But it's not all about easy drinking, as traditional method (Champagne-style) wines with their body and complexity are perfect for lunches in the garden and dinners on the patio. 

Here's our top 5 sparkling bottles to drink this Summer...

5. Crémant du Jura Blanc 2020 - Domaine Overnoy

Let start with one of the classics. Superb Crémant from the Jura made with 100% Chardonnay grapes. It's rich and round with plenty of that brioche character that we crave from the Champagne style alongside citrus and orchard fruit. Great for a family meal on a Summer's eve, you can even give it to your Gran and she would love it. Blows any Champagne at this same price point, right out the water.

4. Alma 2023 - Lucy Chilvers

This is our bargain of the Summer! A delightful Pet Nat from English winemaker Lucy Chilvers who works in the Penedès region of Catalonia. Made with a blend of the local usual suspects, Xarel Lo and Parellada, I think the addition of some Moscatel (Muscat) really brings the joy to this cuvée. Subtle tropical fruit and floral aromatics alongside mineral and savoury notes. Can't get a better Pet Nat at this price point in my opinion.

3. Spumante Blanc de Blanc - Alessandro Viola

This traditional (Champagne) method sparkling wine from Sicily is the perfect choice when you are looking for something classic but with a twist. Made in the Champagne style but with the local Catarratto grape, you get plenty of richness and roundness, some beautiful acidity and profound biscuity and cereal-like flavours you might associate with this Sicilian variety. A bit more interesting than your average Champagne and would be the perfect accompaniment to a fish dish, ideally served outside.

2. Moussamoussettes 2024 - Domaine Mosse

The Mosse family are located in the famous Savennières region of the Loire valley where they produce some outstanding and very serious Chenin Blanc. They also have a negotiant arm to the business where they acquire organic grapes from neighbouring farmers and produce more easy-drinking styles at affordable price points. This Pet Nat pours a beautiful electric pink colour and is made from Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. We served by the glass at Highbury Library in May and it was a huge hit. Such a great thirst quencher but it still shows a depth of fruit character. Exactly what we enjoy in a Pet Nat!

1. Pet Nat 2022 - Piri Naturel

We have only recently been introduced to the wines of Christine Pieroth and they have made a real impression on us. She works in the tiny German wine region of Nahe and produces really expressive and characterful wines at great prices. We have been pouring her white Aurora cuvée by the glass in the bar and it has gone down a storm. Now it's time for her Pet Nat to hit the stage. Made from the local red grape Dornfelder, this is a sparkling red wine full of brambly fruit and dried herbs. It clocks in at just 10% alcohol making it the perfect summer time sipper!