The Hermit Ram Salty White 2022 from North Canterbury is a wildly characterful, skinsy New Zealand white that leans into texture, funk and coastal salinity in all the right ways, without losing freshness or drinkability. It’s adventurous but still thirst‑quenching.

A blend led by Sauvignon Blanc with a portion of Müller‑Thurgau, it’s whole‑bunch fermented with skin contact in amphora and old barrel, some left under flor to build that distinctive briny, “sea‑spray” edge. Expect golden colour, flavours of pineapple, pear, ripe apple, grapefruit, lemon verbena and tropical fruit, wrapped in herb, florals and a tangy, salty finish. It’s dense yet only around 11.5% alcohol, so it stays bright and nervy.

This Hermit Ram Salty White 2022 is brilliant with cured fish, oysters, fish tacos, salty snacks, hard cheese, miso dishes or anything umami‑rich where that saline, slightly “dirty martini” vibe sings. Serve cool, in big glasses, and it will win over both natty‑wine lovers and open‑minded classic drinkers.