Pétillant-naturel. Gaillac méthode ancestrale wines are really the mother of Pét-Nats, and the there is no better example than the Plageoles' Mauzac Nature. Gaillac has a very, very long history of producing méthode ancestrale (pét-nat) sparkling wines - a history that goes back to the 1500s (long before Champagne began producing sparkling wines). In fact, so synonymous was Gaillac with pét-nats back in the day that méthode gaillacoise was a widely used synonym for méthode ancestrale. The Plageoles example is made from a 40 year old parcel of the exceptionally rare Mauzac Rose grape variety. In simple terms, the naturally fermented base wine is chilled to stop the fermentation when there is still 25-30 g/l residual sugar remaining. The following spring, the wine is put into bottle and the fermentation continues under cork, producing the bubbles. There are no other additions and no need for dosage, as the bottle fermentation naturally stops when there is still a touch of residual sugar left in the wine.
A cracking, lip-smacking, slightly off-dry wine that is fragrant and textural, with citrus oil, cider apple, nettle and hazelnut notes. There's a beautiful pillowy texture that leads to a tangy close balanced by a kiss of natural sweetness. A pét-nat of extreme refreshment and genuine finesse. As there is no disgorgement, you can expect a slight cloudiness in the bottle.