The Hermit Ram Salty White 2022

In 2012 Theo Coles discovered the Limestone Hills vineyard in Canterbury in the north of New Zealand’s South Island.  Owned by Gareth Renowdon, Theo agreed to make some wine with him from his 1000 or so Pinot Noir vines.  Limestone Hills vineyard is naturally farmed, and the first vintage (2012) was that way too — no additions and matured in old oak.

Since then Theo has expanded the range to include the skin fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau, a field blend rosé and another Pinot Noir.  The fruit comes from tiny vineyards throughout the Canterbury region, all naturally farmed without chemicals and Theo is keen to stress that every wine has its own story to tell.  We agree and would add that this is some of the most exciting wine to come out of New Zealand for a long time; a turning point for authentic, artisan winemakers in a country so often associated with mass-produced wine.  These are wines with personality, depth, complexity and most importantly, drinkability.

The grapes come from organically farmed vineyards in North Canterbury and are fermented in whole bunches. Part of the blend is aged in stainless steel, part in amphora, and two barrels are filled and left untopped to develop a flor. These separate parts are then blended before bottling. Unfined and unfiltered.

“Salty White is my ode to the New Zealand coastline, an attempt to marry both the saline and floral elements of our land.” - Theo Coles