Ojisan Blanc 2024, Nelson

Ojisan is the collaboration between Alex Craighead of Kindeli in Nelson and Kazuomi Fujimaki of Grape Republic in Japan — two natural winemakers who hit it off back in 2016, when Kazu came out to New Zealand to learn the craft. "Ojisan" is the affectionate Japanese word for an uncle or a middle-aged fella, which tells you plenty about how much they enjoy winding each other up.

The Blanc is a bright, aromatic white blend grown on Alex's organic Nelson blocks — Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, all in together. Made about as naturally as it gets: wild indigenous yeasts, no fining, no filtration and no added sulphur.

Floral and fruit-driven, with a clean pinch of acidity to keep it fresh. Easy to love, and a lovely example of what happens when two thoughtful winemakers pool their ideas.

Variety: White blend — Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer

Vintage: 2024

Region: Nelson, New Zealand

Bottle size: 750ml

Alc: 12.5%