Man O’ War Exiled Pinot Gris

Man O War Exiled Pinot Gris delivers a bright, off-dry expression of Waiheke Island winemaking at its most refreshing. Sourced from vines grown on the volcanic hillsides of Waiheke and the remote clay soils of Ponui Island, this wine captures the maritime character of New Zealand’s coastal vineyards. The 2025 vintage showcases the St Helena clone of Pinot Gris, fermented and chilled below zero to retain natural carbon dioxide, creating a gently spritzy texture that lifts the palate and adds vibrancy to every sip.

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Man O War farms the largest vineyard holding on Waiheke Island, where constant sea breezes moderate the warmth of clay and volcanic sites. The result is a wine with both ripeness and tension, offering texture without heaviness. Rated 93 points by Cameron Douglas MS for the 2024 vintage, this off-dry style balances natural residual sugar with crisp acidity and a fine mineral line that runs through the core.

Nose: White nectarine, green apple, and elderflower open the aromatics, lifted by lime zest and a cool thread of wet stone that speaks to the island’s maritime influence.

Palate: Juicy and mouth-filling, with flavours of mandarin peel, honeysuckle, and ripe stone fruit unfolding across a textural mid-palate. The natural carbon dioxide adds a light spritz that enhances freshness, while the wine’s 12.3% ABV keeps it approachable and balanced. A fine mineral tension hums beneath the fruit weight, preventing any sense of cloying sweetness despite the off-dry profile.

Finish: Long and composed, with lingering citrus peel and a mineral edge that refreshes rather than fades, enhanced by the gentle effervescence retained from fermentation.

Pair Man O War Exiled Pinot Gris with Asian cuisine such as Thai green papaya salad, grilled pork with honey glaze, or creamy pungent cheeses that benefit from the wine’s subtle sweetness and lively acidity.

Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C in a white wine glass to preserve the delicate spritz and aromatic lift.

This is a wine for those who appreciate off-dry whites with personality, ideal as an aperitif or alongside lighter meals where both fruit and freshness are welcome at the table.