What makes a Pét Nat cider sparkle naturally and how is it connected to the rural method you might have heard about in the UK?

In this episode, we take a practical look at:

What Pét Nat cider is and how it relates to the "rural method"
A clearer way to describe fermentation: Active Ferment → Quiet Phase → Maturation
When and how to rack cider for clarity and flavor
How to time bottling for perfect natural carbonation
Using a hydrometer to bottle safely at 1.005–1.010 SG
Essential tips for bottle-conditioning without blowouts
Why a little yeast haze can add charm to your finished cider

Key Takeaways

Pét Nat (Pétillant Naturel) means naturally sparkling where the bubbles come from fermentation finishing in the bottle.
Racking is a simple but essential step to move cider off the lees without introducing oxygen.
Skip the jargon: watch what your cider is doing, not just the calendar.
Always use champagne-rated bottles and sanitize everything.
The reward? Tiny bubbles, wild aroma, and the pure joy of cider alive in the glass.

Cider Making Resource

Mentions in this Cider Chat

Cider Making How-to Episodes:

473: Tiny Bubbles | How to Make a Pét Nat Cider