BOTTLE CRUSH: Farmentation Pét Nat + Ramen
THE MOOD: Group Sunday lunch | Warm weather | Picnic
THE PICK: Farmentation Cha Pét Nat from teh Shaanxi region of China (organic)
THE PRICE: $35.00
THE BACKSTORY: Black muscat grapes are a hybrid variety of aromatic table and wine grapes known for their deep blue-black color, thinner skin, and sweet, floral flavor profile. Black muscat, also known as muscat Hamburg, is more common as table grape than a wine but is used for light red wines in Eastern Europe and China. This sparkling white is co-fermented with jasmine tea leaves from Yunnan for 4 hours for added aroma and body. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle. Luchen Yuo of Farmentation wanted to boost the aromatics and tannic structure of his Black Muscat pét-nat without the use of skin contact. He chose to gently infuse jasmine green tea leaves into the fermentation, creating the unique fragrance and texture that makes 'Cha' a runaway favorite.
WHY THIS ONE? Light, crisp, and lightly effervescent, this Chinese rosé pétillant natural has the subtle fragrance of jasmine tea. East meets West in a bottle.
WHAT TO PAIR: In general pétillant natural wine is very versatile pairing well with charcuterie and cheese, salads, raw oysters or sushi. Like Champagne, its acidity, bright flavor, and fizziness cuts through rich fried foods like fried chicken, French fires and tacos. Try it with Szechuan dishes, spicy tuna rolls or crossing-the-bridge noodles.
This week’s wine rec is from Lila Holland, co-founder of Cornelia wine imports. | Photos Susie Davidson Powell/For The Dishing