💎 A "Free" Gem 💎
This week’s pick wasn’t planned - we were ambushed in the wine aisle by a label that looked more comic book than classy. Turns out, there was more to the story. Once we spotted it was a free run wine - something you almost never see at this price - we figured it was worth a punt. Spoiler: we’re glad we did.
Know someone who thinks wine labels are all the same? Forward this on and show them a bottle with a bit of personality.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
|
Free Running Pinot Noir 👟
🍷 Slinky Bare Pinot Noir (2024)
We grabbed this Slinky Bare Pinot Noir for $13 on a Dan Murphy’s members special, though you wouldn’t pay more than twenty bucks for it anywhere. Honestly, the packaging first grabbed us - bold, almost comic-style that looks like it should come with a “to be continued…” caption. Not bad, just not exactly going to fool your fancy-pants uncle into thinking you’ve splurged.
What made us whip out the wallet was that “free run” badge. In plain English, that means the juice flows straight out of the grapes without anyone stomping, squeezing, or wringing them out like last night’s footy socks. It’s the good stuff, the purest drop, usually saved for wines that cost way more than this. At this price point, it’s rarer than finding a car park at Ikea on a Saturday morning.
The end result? A lighter, brighter Pinot with less of that tannic grip you sometimes get, and more of the fresh, easy-going fruit character. Those of you that like a Pinot will notice the difference.
While the label screams Saturday arvo comic binge, not high-end dinner party, the taste was way better than expected. Not the greatest free run wine you’ll ever try, but at this price it’s almost cheeky. Smooth, bright, and easy to smash - it makes you wonder how they pulled it off without charging double.
If you can’t remember the last time you tried a free run wine (or maybe never have), you need to give this one a whirl. It’s a perfect intro, and while it’s not perfection, it’s more than earned its spot in Vine in the Rough.
VITR Official Score: 8 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: Tastes surprisingly refined, but no bonus points for the label - too comic strip to trick anyone into thinking it’s a $50 bottle.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: Fun, colourful, but you won’t be Instagramming it next to a cheese board.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: He’d shake his head at the “hands off” part. In Nonno’s world, you’ve got to put your back into it.
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: It depends on your party...this is more suited to a backyard shed party than a ballroom with chandeliers.
🤑 Keep the Change: Just enough left over for a party pie from your local bakery.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Free Run: Just drop “Oh yeah, it’s a free run Pinot” at the table and shrug. Sounds like insider lingo, but really you’re just bragging about grape juice that’s had an easy ride.
|
|
💡 Sip Tip
The Spare Glass Trick: When you’ve got a lighter red like this, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before pouring. It freshens it right up - and gives you time to find that one clean wine glass hiding at the back of the cupboard.
|
|
🍿 Sip & Snack
Pinot Noir & Sang In Bread: Forget the lamb chops, grab a slice of white bread, a snag, and a squirt of sauce. This wine’s fresh vibe keeps pace with the greasy goodness like a champion.
|
Until Next Issue, Cheers 🍷
A funky label, a free run, and a price tag that makes it within VITR's reach - this Pinot Noir proves you don’t need to spend big to try something different. Definitely one we’d nudge you to chuck in the basket if you spot it.
Here’s to the next hidden gem. 🍷
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
|
