A Rising Tide: The Global Perlant Wine Trend

The Rising Popularity of Perlant Wines

Perlant wines, often referred to as "pétillant naturel" or "pét-nat" wines, have been growing rapidly in popularity over the last decade. These light, bubbly wines offer a different experience from traditional sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco.

What is Perlant Wine?

Perlant wines are bottled before primary fermentation is completed, allowing carbon dioxide to develop naturally in the bottle. This captures some of the yeast used in fermentation, giving perlant wines their signature cloudy appearance and added complexity of flavor.

While most perlant wines are white due to the grapes used, some rosé and red perlant wines are also produced. The term "perlant" comes from the French word "pétillant" meaning "sparkling lightly" which aptly describes the gentle effervescence in these wines.

Perlant Wine Grapes and Regions

Some of the most commonly used grapes in perlant wine production include:

• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Glera
• Muscat

These grape varieties tend to retain more aromatic qualities and higher acidity through the perlant winemaking process, allowing their fruit character to shine.

While France remains an epicenter of perlant wine production, these wines are now crafted by small producers across the world - from Italy and Spain to the United States, South Africa, and Australia.

The Perlant Winemaking Process

So what sets the production of perlant wine apart from other sparkling wines?

Early Bottling

The key difference is that perlant wines are bottled before primary fermentation has finished. Generally about halfway through initial fermentation, the still-active yeast is captured in the bottle along with some residual sugar.

Natural Carbonation

The yeast continues fermenting the remaining sugars in the bottle, naturally producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This slowly carbonates the wine with bubbles. Perlant wines tend not to reach the same high pressures as Champagne and other sparkling wines.

Cloudy Appearance

These wines often have a cloudy, veiled appearance unlike crystal clear sparkling wines. This is due to the leftover yeast particles that remain suspended throughout the wine.

Lower Alcohol Content

With fermentation stopping partway through the process, most perlant wines end up with a lower alcohol content, usually between 7-12%. This makes them perfect for weekday enjoyment rather than just celebratory toasting.

Tasting Profiles and Food Pairings

So what can you expect when tasting one of these fashionable bubbly wines? Here’s an overview of common flavor characteristics:

Fruit and Floral Notes

Delicate fruit flavors reflect the grape varieties used - from lemon, lime and orchard fruits in Sauvignon Blanc perlants to peach, pear and cherry in Chardonnay versions. Floral aromas like orange blossom and jasmine also come through.

Yeasty, Bready Qualities

The left-behind yeast particles lend unique bready, doughy, or biscuity qualities along with hints of mushroom or kombucha. These can range from subtle to pronounced.

Zesty Acidity

Perlant wines tend to have a bright, acidic backbone that balances their modest sweetness. This makes them versatile food companions.

Food Pairing Possibilities

Serve these wines chilled as apéritifs or with appetizers, lighter seafood and vegetarian dishes, aged cheeses, Mediterranean fare, Asian noodles, and more. Their lower alcohol and bubbles make perlant wines fun to sip without demanding rich meals.

Notable Producers of Perlant Wines

Perlant wine production started off as a niche craft, but it has hit the mainstream as daring vintners around the world experiment with the style. Here are some top names leading the perlant wine movement:

Domaine Têta in Japan

This tiny urban winery based in Tokyo helped introduce the natural wine world to the delights of Japanese perlant wines. Winemaker Mai Ohira explores local grape varieties like Koshu and Muscat Bailey A.

Roark Wine Company in California

Ryan and Megan Roark craft their vibrant “Glou Glou” wines from Santa Barbara grapes using the French perlant method withminimal intervention. They produce perlants from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.

Gabrio Bini in Italy

Based in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, this renowned producer makes pet nat wines he calls “Vino Frizzante Cremant” from local Lambrusco Grasparossa and other Italian grapes.

The Future of Perlant Wines

What started out over a decade ago as an obscure type of natural wine made by renegade winemakers has blossomed into a full-fledged sparkling wine category winning over mainstream wine critics and everyday drinkers.

Today you can find trendy cans of perlant wine at music festivals, glasses poured alongside fancy Champagnes at upscale restaurants, and bottles popping up on retail shop shelves across the globe.

As wine lovers continue seeking out fun, flavorful options with character, all signs point to shimmering sales ahead for the perlant wine movement.

FAQs

What does "perlant" mean?

Perlant comes from the French word "pétillant" meaning gently sparkling or lightly effervescent. So perlant wines are lightly sparkling due to the natural carbon dioxide produced during fermentation.

How are perlant wines different from Champagne and Prosecco?

Unlike Champagne and Prosecco which go through a secondary fermentation process to achieve bubbles, perlant wines capture leftover yeast from the first fermentation which continues working in the bottle to naturally carbonate the wine. Perlants also tend to have lower alcohol content and be less effervescent than traditional sparkling wines.

Why is perlant wine cloudy?

The cloudy or veiled appearance of many perlant wines comes from yeast particles remaining suspended throughout the wine after incomplete fermentation. The yeast isn't removed as in crystal clear sparking wines.

What foods pair well with perlant wines?

Perlant wines make excellent food partners! Their high acidity, citrusy flavors, and gentle fizz pair nicely with salads, seafood, chicken, vegetarian dishes, creamy cheeses, and more. Perlants work with aromatic Asian foods, Mediterranean meals, spicy cuisines, and wherever you want something bright and refreshing.