Madrona Bay Pet Nat, Yakima Valley, USA

The Moment

Some sparkling wines are built around polish.
Others are built around life.

The Madrona Bay Pet Nat is very much the second kind — bright, energetic, a little wild in the best way, and exactly the sort of bottle that makes warm weather feel more like an occasion. Made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir from Gamache Vineyards in Yakima Valley, it pours a beautiful golden straw and opens with aromas of Meyer lemon and cream before moving into a palate full of golden apple, Basque pear, and apricot.

This is pét-nat doing what pét-nat does best: bringing sparkle, texture, and a little raw charm without losing elegance. It is native yeast fermented, direct pressed, and not disgorged, which gives the wine a more living, layered feel in the glass. The result is fresh and effervescent, but also a little more complex than a simple porch-pounder.

What It Feels Like

Think late afternoon sun, a table outside, salty snacks already open, and a bottle that makes everyone lean in after the first sip.

What makes this wine work is the balance between brightness and texture. The bubbles feel lively, the fruit stays fresh, and the creamier edge underneath gives the wine just enough softness to keep it from feeling sharp. It has the easy joy you want from summer sparkling wine, but also a little depth that keeps the bottle interesting all the way through.

In the Glass

Aromatics
Meyer lemon, cream, and lifted orchard fruit.

Palate
Effervescent golden apple, Basque pear, and apricot with bright, fresh energy.

Texture
Lively and lightly creamy, with pét-nat texture and an unfined, unpolished feel that adds character.

Finish
Layered, refreshing, and quietly complex, with fruit and sparkle carrying through the close.

Why We Love This Bottle

Summer Sparkling With Personality
This is not a squeaky-clean, overly technical sparkling wine. It has motion, charm, and just enough wildness to make it memorable.

Fruit And Texture In Balance
Golden apple, pear, and apricot bring generosity, while the lemon and lively mousse keep everything fresh.

A Bottle That Feels Alive
Native yeast, direct press, and no disgorgement all point toward a pét-nat that keeps its natural energy intact. That is a big part of the appeal here.

Pair It With

• Salty snacks
• Soft cheeses
• Fried chicken
• Stone fruit salad
• Patio hangs and nothing too serious

These are my pairing recommendations based on the wine’s lively sparkle, orchard fruit, citrus lift, and lightly creamy texture.

Technical Notes

Producer: Madrona Bay
Region: Yakima Valley, Washington, USA
Vineyard: Gamache Vineyards
Grapes: 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
Production: 50 cases
Farming / Yield: 4.0 tons per acre
Winemaking: Native yeast, direct press, primary fermentation 10 days, secondary fermentation added December 2019, not disgorged
Alcohol: 11.5% ABV

Body: Light
Structure: Lively mousse · fresh acidity · layered finish

Flavor Profile
Meyer Lemon · Cream · Golden Apple · Basque Pear · Apricot

Drink Window
Now