Les Equilibristes Zestos Pet Nat

Pairs with: Fresh oysters, sushi, crispy fried chicken, or a light melon and prosciutto salad

Good for: Introducing your friends to the vibrant world of natural sparkling wine, or setting a fun, lively tone at your next outdoor gathering

Grape: Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau Gris, and Grolleau Noir

I am from: Loire Valley, France

The Story: "Les Équilibristes" translates to "the tightrope walkers"—a perfect description of the creative high-wire act pulled off by founders François de Monval and Florent Girou. They partner with passionate, independent growers across France to break standard winemaking rules and revive forgotten grape varieties. For "Zestos," they head to the Loire Valley to craft a Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat), an ancient method where the wine is bottled before its initial fermentation finishes, trapping the natural, wild bubbles inside without any added sugar or yeasts.

Why You'll Love Me: It is hazy, electric, and wonderfully unique. True to its name, it bursts with a delightfully zesty and complex bouquet of navel orange peel, green apple, fresh cucumber, and white pepper, anchored by a beautiful note of warm yeast. On the palate, it delivers a lively, thirst-quenching acidity and a fine-beaded mousse that balances fruitiness with a crisp, bone-dry, and mineral-driven saline finish.