Momento Grenache Noir 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service.

Created by Marelise Niemann in 2013, Momento is a South African winery renowned for its Grenache wines. Marelise Niemann became captivated by this variety during her travels around the world and decided to cultivate it in South Africa. Her wines quickly gained acclaim and popularity, and in 2023, she was named "Young Winemaker of the Year" by Tim Atkin.

The grapes come from a plot in Paardeberg, Swartland, purchased by Marelise in 2011. Here, the bush vines, planted in 2000, root themselves in decomposed granite soil. Following hand-harvesting and a four-day cold maceration, fermentation proceeds spontaneously using indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then rests in used oak barrels for 16 months before bottling. The result is a concentrated, balanced, and pure wine, thanks in part to Grenache Noir's unique ability to adapt to dry climates while retaining good levels of acidity.

In the glass, the wine reveals a clear, pale color. Its aromatic profile is expressive, featuring notes of raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate, alternating with hints of violet and nutmeg, alongside touches of forest floor. On the palate, it is fruity, juicy, and smooth, with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The finish is long, elegant, and concentrated. Try it with pork chops in mushroom sauce or with duck wings.