Domaine du NivalPet Nat Vidal ‘Ces petits imprévus’ 2020 (750ml)

Matthieu and Denis Beauchemin founded Domaine du Nival in 2013; a bad idea that just wouldn’t quit as Matthieu described it to me one time. Yet very quickly, they have made a name for themselves. They are already very well known and respected in Montreal. The wines are vivid, immediate, joyous. I love these damn wines.

The name of the Pet-Nat, “Ces petits imprévus,” means “those small unexpected things.” It’s a nice statement of the humility of the wine, of the intention. This is a simple and delicious, delicately sparkling wine for those impromptu moments of one’s life – a friend comes over, unexpectedly, and you end up pulling something from the fridge. Everything doesn’t – shouldn’t – be ceremonious or grand. This is 100% Vidal; it’s floral and buoyant and creamy (without being heavy), citrus pith and flowers, a nutty saline edgings. I can’t explain what it is, maybe the lemon-yellow brightness of it, but the wine seems to glow. Just a lovely sparkling wine.