EPISODE · Oct 15, 2025 · 44 MIN

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

from Cider Chat · host Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker & Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist

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