Christoph Hoch Pet Nat Kalkspitz NV 750ml

This is all about minerality and texture, although the crisp acidity accents orchard-fruit notes and makes it quite refreshing. The finish is delicate and inviting.

Christoph has very active, chalky soil much like what is found in the Côte des Blancs in Champagne. Upon learning this, he wanted to try out making a pet-nat. In an effort to learn about sparkling wine, he spent time in Champagne with De Sousa, Laherte, and LDM's Champagne Tarlant; Benoît Tarlant made a bet with Hoch that it would be nearly impossible for him to make a stable pet-nat. The bet was that if he succeeded, then Tarlant would give him twelve barrels to use. After his first bottling, Hoch sent him twelve bottles to try and after trying the bottles, Tarlant conceded that he lost the bet and Hoch drove to Champagne to collect his barrels! The Kalkspitz (kalk = chalk, and spitz = acidity) is made of 70% Grüner Veltliner, blended with Zweigelt pressed white, Sauvignon Blanc fermented on the skins, Blauer Portugieser and Muskat Ottonel. It's dry with a maximum alcohol of 11% and a maximum pressure of 3atm’s. It’s savory with a refreshing acidity and creaminess on the palate.