💎 A Gem in the White Mist 💎
We’ve been trying to get the Mrs to partake in a cheeky wine more often, but the old “I can’t afford to be dusty” excuse keeps cropping up. So this week, we went hunting for a lower-alcohol option that could win her over without the dreaded morning-after regrets.
Enter this light, zippy number that turned out to be just the thing for a warm May arvo spent with mates. We poured a few bottles for a Saturday party at ours, and not a single drop survived the day.
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Low Alcohol, High Praise 🍐
🍷 South Island White Mist Pinot Gris (2024)
Right off the bat - yes, we know low-alc wine can feel a bit like a game that ends in a draw. But hear us out: we set out to find a lighter option that wouldn’t lead to a morning of regret and Gatorade. This Kiwi drop? Nailed the brief.
We grabbed this bottle for $13 on special at Dan’s, a saving off the regular $16.99 price which would generally put this beyond Vine in the Rough territory. But at the discount price it’s comfortably in the mix. And if you’re buying for a mixed crowd or trying to avoid a Sunday struggle, it’s a clever little addition to your stash.
We went looking for a Pinot Gris specifically. We wanted something with that dry, refreshing finish that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve just necked a bottle of cordial. This one delivered. It had the fresh, no-fuss vibe we were after - easy to sip, a little zingy, and just enough flavour to hold its own next to the cheese board. And honestly, if you served this blindfolded next to some full-strength counterparts, most people wouldn’t even know the difference.
This bottle hails from across the ditch - New Zealand, land of the long white cloud, slightly confused vowels, and bloody good wine. Their cooler climate is bang-on for Pinot Gris, and this bottle is a solid reminder that the Kiwis aren’t just good at rugby and landscapes. They know their way around a grape, too.
Now, where this one drops a point is in the looks department. Presentation matters to us, and this bottle looks like something you’d find last-minute in a drive-through on your way to a mate’s BBQ. It’s giving “reliable auntie” when we wanted “cool cousin from the city.” Big opportunity missed there.
So no, it’s not going to win awards for presentation, but in terms of drinkability, this is a tidy little drop. Especially on a mild autumn day where the air’s cool but the sun’s got some sting left in it. Our party crew gave it a quiet thumbs-up, and so do we.
VITR Official Score: 8 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: $13 on special, drinks better than some $20+ ones.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: Could do with a makeover.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Not really a comparsion to his deep reds. In fact, he'd call this juice.
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: Wouldn’t steal the show, but may save your guests for a stubborn hangover.
🤑 Keep the Change: You’ll walk out with a couple dollars change, but not a lot to play with.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Tight: In wine talk, this doesn’t mean stingy. It’s when a wine’s keeping all its flavour secrets locked up. Bit rude, really.
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💡 Sip Tip
Don’t Chill to Kill: Chucking your white wine in the freezer for a “quick chill” is a classic move - just don’t forget about it or you’ll be scraping shards out of the veggie drawer.
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🍿 Sip & Snack
Pinot Gris & Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh, crunchy, slightly smug pairing. Ideal for when you want to pretend you’re being healthy while knocking back a few.
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Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷
White Mist Pinot Gris: Light on alcohol, heavy on approval. Doesn’t look the part, but it plays it well. Perfect for mild days and mild hangovers.
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