What the Flip is Ancestral and Why Are There So Many Sparkling Wine Methods?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a wine label wondering, “Is this Champagne? Prosecco? Cava? Or… what the heck is ancestral?”, you’re not alone. Sparkling wines are like the dance floors of the wine world—plenty of styles, but ancestral wines (or pétillant naturel, if you’re feeling fancy) have their own groove. They’re rustic, raw, and full of personality. So, buckle up for a bubbly ride as we dive into the world of ancestral wines—where the bubbles are natural, the vibes are unfiltered, and the stories are worth sipping.

What is Ancestral Wine?

The ancestral method (also called pétillant naturel or pét-nat) is essentially the OG ´ Original Gangster ´of sparkling wine production.

Long before Champagne producers perfected their art of riddling and dosage, winemakers were experimenting with fermentation in the bottle.

A short summary:

• The wine starts fermenting in a tank (like most wines).

• Before fermentation is finished, the wine is bottled with its natural sugars and yeasts.

• Fermentation continues in the bottle, creating CO₂ (aka bubbles) and leaving behind some sediment.

• The result? A lightly sparkling wine that’s often a bit cloudy, funky, and totally unpretentious. It’s wine with a story, wine with a pulse, wine that doesn’t need a tuxedo.

• Unlike Champagne or Cava, there’s no second fermentation, no riddling (turning the bottles to collect sediment), and no dosage (adding sugar after fermentation). The result? A lightly sparkling, unfiltered wine with a little funk, a lot of personality, and a touch of unpredictability.

How is Ancestral Different from Other Sparkling Methods?

Let’s do a quick comparison with the popular kids of the sparkling wine scene:

1. Traditional Method (like Champagne and Cava), Fermented twice: once in a tank, then again in the bottle, Requires riddling (turning the bottle) and dosage (adding a sugar solution), Sophisticated, precise, and meant for celebration.

2. Tank Method (like Prosecco), Fermented twice, but the second fermentation happens in a big tank, Clean, fruity, and often a bit sweeter.

3. Ancestral Method, Fermented once and left to do its thing naturally in the bottle, Rustic, unpredictable, and perfect for sipping with friends who love surprises.

   Why So Many Sparkling Wine Methods?

The Champagne method and its variations dominate the sparkling wine world, but here’s why:

The Champagne Method (Traditional Method):This is the gold standard for sparkling wine production, known as Méthode Champenoise (when made in Champagne) or Méthode Traditionnelle elsewhere. Here’s how it works:

Base Wine: A dry, still wine is made first.

Second Fermentation: Sugar and yeast are added before bottling, and the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, creating those famous bubbles.

Riddling: Bottles are turned over weeks to collect sediment in the neck.

Disgorging: Sediment is removed, and dosage (a sugar solution) is added to balance the wine.

This method is meticulous and time-consuming, which is why Champagne often comes with a hefty price tag. The result? A wine with fine bubbles, complex flavors, and a creamy texture.

Tank Method (Prosecco)

Prosecco follows a simpler approach:

Second Fermentation in a Tank: Instead of fermenting in individual bottles, Prosecco is fermented in large stainless steel tanks, then bottled under pressure.

This method is faster and cheaper, which is why Prosecco is often more affordable than Champagne.

The result? Prosecco is fresh, fruity, and fun—think ripe pears, apples, and floral notes. It’s the life of the party, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Cava: Spain’s Champagne Rival

Cava, mostly from Catalonia, uses the traditional method, just like Champagne, but with a Spanish twist:

Made primarily from native grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.

Aged for minimum 9 months on the lees (dead yeast cells) for complexity.

Cava has a beautiful balance of crispness and creamy texture, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and almond. It’s often more affordable than Champagne, but don’t let the price fool you—it’s just as elegant.

Prosecco vs. Cava, no they’re not the same!

Now that we’ve cracked the sparkling code, let’s break it down:

• Style - Prosecco

• Method - Tank (Charmat)

• Bubbles - Larger, frothy bubbles

• Flavor Profile - Fruity, floral, light

• Grapes - Glera

• Price - Budget-friendly

• Occasion - Casual get-togethers

• Style -Cava

• Method - Traditional (Bottle-Fermented)

• Bubbles - Finer, creamy bubbles

• Flavor Profile - Complex, citrusy, nutty

• Grapes - Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada

• Price - Budget to mid-range

• Occasion - Any time you want something elegant

Why Ancestral Wines Are Different:

Ancestral wines are the rebels of the sparkling wine world. While Champagne and Cava aim for precision, pét-nats are all about spontaneity.

They are:

• Natural: No added sugars, no filtering, no fuss.

• Unpredictable: Every bottle is a tiny adventure.

• Wildly Fun: Perfect for sipping with friends who love surprises.

Let’s talk about some ancestral wines that make my heart bubble

1. RIM - Contra-Ban - Empordà - Garnacha Negra + Muscat

2. La Fita - Ancestral, 100% Macabeo - Winner of Best Ancestral 2024 in Catalonia

3. Emma Ancestral - VEGA AIXALÀ

4. Ros Marina - Font Rubí Penedès - Free Style Ancestral Cuvée

5. Mas Contal - Penedès - Incrocio Manzoni Ancestral

6. Mas Comtal - Penedès - Sumoll, Blanc de Noir Ancestral

7. Anima Mundi - Penedès -Camí dels Xops

8. Dumunge - Penedès. - Xarel.lo

9. Dumunge - Penedès Xarel.lo Vermell

10. Bouquet D´Alella - Ancestral Mataró

11. Joan Rubio - Xarel.lo Ancestral

12. Josep Foresta - Lilla, Trepat and Parellada Ancestral

13. Can Sumoi - Ancestral, Montońega

14. 9 + Wines - Ancestral - 7ē

15. PLANA D´ EN JAN - He has a few, I love them all

16. MontRubí - I love both Ancestral wines they make, Parellada and Sumoll Rosé

All of these Ancestral Wines can be easily found here in Barcelona.

If your not 100% sure where to buy wine when visiting Barcelona, check out my blog on the best wine stores in Barcelona.

Why Should You Try Ancestral Wines?

If you’re tired of perfectly polished wines, ancestral sparkling is your ticket to the wild side. These wines are:

Unpredictable: No two bottles are exactly the same, and that’s part of the fun.

Accessible: Many pét-nats are budget-friendly compared to Champagne.

Sustainable: Minimal intervention and natural winemaking practices are often the norm.

Pairing Tips:

Pét-nats are like that friend who gets along with everyone. Pair them with:

• Spicy Asian dishes

• Fried chicken

• Fresh seafood

• Soft cheeses

• Sushi

• Picnic Snacks

• Or… nothing at all! They’re great solo, too.

So, the next time you’re browsing for something sparkling, don’t be afraid to grab a pét-nat. Ancestral wines are bubbly little love letters from winemakers who aren’t afraid to keep it real. Cheers to funky fizz and wine with soul!