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

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

• Cider Maker check list √ go to https://ciderchat.com/cider-making-equipment/
• Cider Books, Orchard Care, Apple Id and Children’s Books

Mentions in this Cider Chat

Cider Making How-to Episodes:

• 095: Cider Making at Home easy as 1-2-3
• 152: How to teach Cider Making 101
• 381: DIY Cider Making for Beginners
• 382: Beginner Tips for Squeaky Clean Cider Equipment
• 384: Beginner Cider-Making Tips for Primary Fermentation
• 386: Managing Cider’s Secondary Fermentation – DIY Tips

Fall Event – November 1, 25th Annual Apple Harvest Fest at Albemarle CiderWorks