Cowpunk Natural Pet Nat 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Leesy & bready

A lively, fruit-driven pét-nat with that addictive mix of crunchy apple freshness and gentle yeasty complexity. It’s dry, energetic and super refreshing, with a soft, cloudy charm and a crisp, mouth-watering finish. Chill it properly, pop it for aperitivo, and watch it disappear before the cheese board hits the table.

Highlights

• Natural wine: certified organic and vegan suitable
• Very low sulphites: Total SO2 22 ppm; Free SO2 0 ppm
• Apple – yeasty – bright: fresh and lightly bruised apple with hints of yeast and a dry, vivid finish
• Made in the traditional pét-nat method: bottled while still fermenting to create natural sparkle
• From Cowpunk’s small-batch, single-site range made by award-winning winemaker Aaron Mercer
• Serve well chilled for maximum lift and fizz

Taste Profile

Tasting Notes

Bright and inviting on the nose: fresh apple and pear with citrus-peel lift, then that soft, bready/yeasty note that gives pét-nat its charm. The palate is dry and zippy, bubbling with crisp apple and a touch of lightly bruised apple character (think cider-apple nuance rather than sweetness). High, mouth-watering acidity keeps it snappy and clean through the finish, while the gentle leesy complexity adds interest without turning funky.

Winemaking

Made in the traditional pét-nat (pétillant naturel) method, where the wine is bottled while fermentation is still finishing. That remaining fermentation creates the bubbles naturally in bottle, often leaving a soft haze and a touch of bready complexity from time on lees. Cowpunk’s approach is hands-off and minimal-input: the aim is bright fruit, natural fizz and an energetic, dry finish.

Vineyard & Vintage

Cowpunk is a small-batch, single-site range grown by long-term friends and made by Aaron Mercer. Trade notes for the 2023 season point to cooler conditions early, followed by sunnier, drier stretches later in the growing season, helping quality and freshness. In the glass, that translates into crunchy orchard fruit and a lively, refreshing line.

Why We Love It

Because it’s the ultimate “yes please” sparkle: casual, bright, properly dry, and ridiculously easy to pair with snacks. It feels festive without needing a special occasion, and the apple-plus-yeast combo makes it more interesting than most simple fizz. Keep a bottle cold and you’re always five minutes away from a good moment.

Food Pairing

This is a crisp, dry, lightly yeasty sparkle that loves salty snacks, seafood, creamy cheeses and anything with a squeeze of lemon. Try matching this wine with →

• Salt-and-pepper squid or calamari – Recipe Search
• Goat’s cheese salad with citrus dressing – Recipe Search
• Chips, olives and dip (the “aperitivo plate”) – Recipe Search

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A Long-Lunch Standout for picnics, porch drinks and “we’re just having one” catch-ups. The bottle you open when you want something bubbly, dry and easy, without the formality of Champagne.

Cellaring

Pét-nat is best for freshness, so enjoy it young and cold. It can hold short-term, but the bright apple notes and lively fizz are at their best now. Store upright in a cool place, and open over a sink if you’re worried about an enthusiastic pop.

Producer

Cowpunk is a modern, natural-leaning Australian label made by award-winning winemaker Aaron Mercer, with fruit sourced from small, single sites grown by long-term friends and acquaintances. The philosophy is simple: organic fruit, a hands-off approach, and wines that still deliver complexity and enjoyment without heavy manipulation. For the Pét Nat, the traditional in-bottle fermentation method is the feature – it preserves bright orchard-fruit character while adding that gentle leesy, bready layer that makes the style so moreish. The end goal is refreshment with personality.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love bright, natural sparkle with a dry finish, these are great next bottles:

• Das Juice Prosecco Pet Nat
• Minimum 'Alt' Pet Nat
• Das Juice Pink Pet Nat

FAQ

What does this pét-nat taste like?

Fresh and lightly bruised apple, a hint of pear and citrus peel, plus a gentle yeasty/bready note. It’s dry and zippy, with lively bubbles and a clean finish. Think “orchard fruit meets fresh bread crust” in the best way.

What is pét-nat, exactly?

Pét-nat is short for pétillant naturel, a traditional sparkling style where the wine is bottled before fermentation finishes. The remaining fermentation creates natural bubbles in bottle, often leaving a soft haze and extra texture. It’s usually more casual and fruit-forward than Champagne, and it’s meant to be fun.

Is it sweet or dry?

This one drinks dry. You may taste ripe apple flavour, but that’s fruit character rather than sugar. Serving it extra cold also keeps the finish feeling crisp and tight.

How would you describe the body and acidity?

Light-bodied and very refreshing, with high, mouth-watering acidity. That acidity is what makes it so good with salty snacks and seafood. It’s the kind of wine that resets your palate after each sip.

How should I serve it (temperature and glassware)?

Serve well chilled, around 6–8°C. A white wine glass works well for aroma, while a small tulip or sparkling glass keeps the bubbles lively. Avoid a super-narrow flute if you want more of the apple-and-yeast detail.

Does it need decanting, and will it be cloudy?

No decanting needed. Pét-nat can be naturally cloudy due to lees, so that soft haze is normal and part of the style. If you prefer it clearer, stand it upright in the fridge for a few hours and pour gently.

Is it organic, and what about preservatives (sulphites)?

Yes — it’s certified organic and it’s also listed as a natural wine. The sulphite levels are very low: Total SO2 is 22 ppm and Free SO2 is 0 ppm, which is why it tastes so bright and clean. Practically, that means it’s a great option if you’re aiming to keep sulphites on the lower side while still enjoying a stable, refreshing sparkle.

Is it vegan friendly?

Yes — it’s listed as vegan suitable in the product specs. That typically means no animal-derived fining agents are used, keeping the winemaking aligned with a vegan lifestyle. It’s an easy, worry-free pick for mixed groups.

What foods pair best with it?

Salty, crunchy, and creamy foods are the sweet spot: chips, olives, dips, and soft cheeses. It’s also brilliant with seafood (especially calamari, prawns, oysters) because the acidity and bubbles cut through richness. For something spicier, try it with chilli-lime flavours – it holds up beautifully.

Who will love this style?

If you like sparkling wine that’s dry, fresh and not too serious, you’ll love it. It’s also a great pick for natural-wine fans who want something clean and drinkable rather than funky. And for cider drinkers, the apple nuance feels very familiar.

If I like Prosecco or sparkling cider, will I like this?

Yes, with a small twist. Compared to Prosecco, pét-nat is often a bit more textural and slightly leesy, with a more “raw” feel. Compared to cider, it’s drier and more wine-like, with acidity and subtle yeast complexity rather than sweetness.

Related Wines

• Das Juice Pink Pet Nat 2023
• Minimum 'Alt' Pét Nat 2023
• Das Juice Prosecco Pet Nat

(SKU: CP_PN_CV)