Côté Cairn Ambel Blanc Pétillant Naturel Brut NV

Côté Cairn’s roots trace back over 30 years to the Clairette de Die region in the Rhône Valley, an area with a sparkling legacy that dates to Roman times. Ancient texts mention local shepherds who discovered that bottles left to chill in cold mountain streams over the winter would come alive with bubbles in the spring – a happy accident that gave rise to the methode ancestrale, the original technique behind today’s Pét-Nat wines. That same sense of natural wonder and simplicity continues in every bottle of Côté Cairn.

The cooperative itself is a true labor of love. Founded by farmers Vincent and Cyrille along with winemaker Hembise, Côté Cairn operates on a mission of collaboration, sustainability, and accessibility. The name “Cairn” refers to the stacked stones left on mountain trails to guide travelers – a symbol of the teamwork and shared purpose that defines their work. Every wine they produce follows strict organic and biodynamic principles, crafted to be as gentle on the earth as they are generous in the glass, and priced to make conscious drinking easy for everyone.

From their vineyards in the Drôme appellation near the Italian border, the team crafts this 100% Muscat Pét-Nat with pure, unfiltered expression. The aromas leap from the glass – white peach, lychee, jasmine, ginger, and dusty white pepper in a swirl of the exotic and the familiar. On the palate, it’s vibrant and textured, with juicy stone fruit, a touch of phenolic bitterness, and hints of hazelnut and Alpine herbs. A fine, lively mousse ties it all together, finishing dry, refreshing, and alive with zest. It’s a brilliant companion for spicy curries, fragrant Southeast Asian dishes, or tangy cheeses – and a must-have for any lover of easy-to-drink and energetic bubblies!