OJISAN ROSÉ 2024

The term 'ojisan' translated into English conveys a gentleman of some years or, with brevity in mind, 'old man'.  First impressions, based purely on nomenclature, may evoke early-bird dinners and the vinous equivelant of an all day buffet – in the glass however, the wines are anything but your grandparents over-boiled vegetables. 

The two not so old old-men in question, as immortalised on the labels, are Kindeli's Alex Craighead and Kazuomi Fujimaki of the Yamagata Prefecture based winery Grape Republic. This inaugural release made from organic Nelson fruit is equal parts playful and approachable.

Ojisan Rosé sits somewhere between rosé and orange wine, combining juicy red fruit with the textural grip and gentle savouriness of skin contact. Bright raspberry, wild strawberry and redcurrant lead the way, with subtle citrus peel, dried herbs and a lightly earthy character adding intrigue. Fresh, crunchy and slightly wild, with a pleasingly dry finish and just enough tannin to give it shape. Playful, unconventional and seriously easy to drink.