2018 Momento Grenache Gris

Momento began in 2013 while Marelise Niemann was the winemaker at Beaumont Family Wines in Bot River. She has since become known for wines of purity, elegance and honesty, working with old vines in both Bot River and the Swartland - with a minimal intervention approach, putting terroir front and centre.

Her first vintage of Momento was two barrels of Grenache Noir, and since then her love for Grenache Noir has only grown. She now works with all three Grenache varieties, having added Grenache Blanc to the repertoire in 2019.

Now based at Anysbos, the farm next door to Gabrielskloof - where she spent four years alongside Crystallum and Thorne & Daughters - Marelise is becoming increasingly known as the champion of the variety.

The Grenache Noir and Gris have become critically acclaimed and prized examples over the past few vintages, as has the outlier of the range, a Tinta Barocca made in a style more like Pinot Noir.

Marelise’s fascination with Grenache all started after her time in the Priorat region in Spain, where, along with Eben Sadie, she was inspired by how the old vine fruit was used to make wine in a fresh and vibrant way. She returned to South Africa, determined to seek out old vine Grenache.

Marelise is passionate about working with grape varieties that are well suited to South Africa’s climate. That means vineyards that can handle low rainfall and high temperatures; that naturally fit in with the environment and don’t need excessive energy input. Chenin, Verdelho, the Grenaches and Tinta, all flourish in dry, warm conditions.