Ojisan Rouge 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 Rouge is the red side of the project.  This one is a light, bright blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah off certified organic New Zealand fruit. Made about as naturally as it gets, same as the Blanc: wild indigenous yeasts, no fining, no filtration and next to no added sulphur.

Red and black berries on the nose, soft silky tannins and a fresh line of acidity that keeps everything juicy and very easy to drink. Lovely with a slight chill.

Variety: Red blend — Pinot Noir, Syrah

Vintage: 2024

Region: Nelson, New Zealand

Bottle size: 750ml

Alc: 13%