Momento Grenache Noir 2023

Momento is the solo project of Marelise Niemann, who began the label in 2013 with just two barrels of Grenache Noir after several years as winemaker at Beaumont Family Wines. Her fascination with the variety began during a visit to Priorat with Eben Sadie, where she was struck by the freshness and energy of old-vine Grenache. The Paardeberg Grenache Noir comes from dry-farmed bush vines in the Swartland, planted on decomposed granite soils that encourage deep rooting and naturally moderate yields. Marelise takes a minimal-intervention approach, working with indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction to preserve freshness and the character of the vineyard. Momento has since become one of South Africa’s leading specialist producers of Grenache.

The Paardeberg Grenache Noir is made from 100% Grenache, with the grapes hand harvested and fermented naturally with partial whole-cluster inclusion. The wine undergoes a gentle, extended maceration before being pressed into older French oak, where it completes malolactic fermentation and matures without a heavy oak imprint. It is an elegant, relatively light-footed style of Grenache, showing wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry alongside fynbos, pepper, sweet spice and a subtle gravelly note from the granite soils. Bright acidity and fine, slightly chalky tannins give the wine energy and length, while the moderate alcohol keeps it fresh rather than weighty. A particularly versatile red with roast lamb, grilled pork, charcuterie, spiced vegetables, duck or Mediterranean dishes.