Momento is the solo project of young winemaker Marelise Niemann, who after years of vintner work in the Cape launched her own label to showcase Mediterranean varieties in South Africa. She sources fruit from old parcels in Voor Paardeberg and Swartland, planting on decomposed granite and clay soils. All grapes for the Grenache Gris come from this rare vineyard of copper-skinned Grenache Gris, dry-farmed and sustainably tended to preserve terroir. The Momento Grenache Gris is fermented with indigenous yeasts, including a seven-day skin maceration before gentle pressing. It is aged for around ten months in old French oak barrels on its gross lees with full malolactic fermentation and absolutely no fining. Momento Grenache Gris 2021 shows a pale peach-skin colour with aromas of nectarine, pink grapefruit, and dried apricot, balanced by soft herbal tones and wet stone minerality. The palate offers crisp citrus (tangerine and blood orange), white peaches, subtle spice and fine tannins with a chalky mineral edge and refreshing acidity. Great with spiced seafood, light curry dishes, aged goat cheese or roasted pork belly.
