2019 Momento Grenache, Swartland, South Africa

ABOUT THE WINE

Sourced from old bush vines rooted in the granitic soils of the Swartland, this Grenache reflects a hands-off, terroir-first approach that’s become the hallmark of South Africa’s new wave. The 2019 vintage was dry and moderate, yielding small, concentrated berries with great natural acidity. Fermentation took place with wild yeasts and 100% whole bunches to enhance structure and aromatic lift, followed by aging in old French oak to preserve fruit purity and texture.
On the nose, the wine is floral and herbal—think lavender, thyme, and hibiscus—layered with redcurrant and subtle spice. The palate is lithe and energetic, showing a fine chalky tannin line and a savory, almost saline edge that keeps things refreshingly dry and precise. A versatile food wine, it pairs beautifully with grilled quail, roast vegetables, North African-spiced lamb, or even a simple tomato salad with herbs.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Momento Wines is the solo project of Marelise Niemann, one of the leading voices in South Africa’s minimal-intervention wine scene. After working at Beaumont Family Wines, Marelise founded Momento in 2011 to explore the potential of Mediterranean varieties in the Cape’s ancient soils. Her winemaking is intuitive, deeply site-sensitive, and defined by transparency: native fermentations, no additives, and minimal oak use allow the vineyard to take center stage. Grenache, in particular, is central to her vision—valued for its elegance, clarity, and adaptability in dry-farmed sites like Swartland. Momento’s wines are celebrated for their grace, balance, and purity, and this 2019 Grenache is a benchmark example of why she’s considered one of the country’s most thoughtful and skilled natural winemakers.