Dear *|FNAME|*,

Marelise Niemann is a quiet powerhouse when it comes to making smart wines that will last. The proof is in the tasting, as they say, and we recently tasted older vintages of her Momento Chenin Blanc/Verdelho that showed wonderful freshness, complexity and verve. The 2022 release is nuanced with florals and piquant pineapple, and that trademark balanced acidity for a long life.

Since going on her own in 2013, Grenache has become an increasing focus of her portfolio. The Momento Grenache Noir 2021 is her finest to date. From the thrilling 2021 vintage, it is absolutely stunning – showing delicate, backward, Pinot-like fruit and super-fine, persistent tannins. Bone-dry and elegant, it will age for decades.

As one of SA’s finest winemakers, Marelise has a no-nonsense approach with an emphasis on natural acidity to protect her pH levels. Her first solo vintage was two barrels of Grenache Noir, and her love affair with the grape has deepened; she now works with all three Grenache varieties. The Momento Grenache Blanc 2022 has an open fruit profile and a pithy, dry end, with the 7% Verdelho adding an acid backbone. The Momento Grenache Gris 2022 is something different and special, with grip and a hint of haunting red fruit. Both wines should only be broached in a year or so for the fruit to open up. A 2020 Gris tasted was sublime!

The other red in her portfolio is the Momento Tinta Barroca 2021 – a wine of character. Ripe and brooding yet taut, fresh and dry on the finish, it needs time and is wild in the best sense.

These limited, small-batch releases are among our favourites.

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Tasting notes

Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2022

‘66% Chenin Blanc (sourced from Bot River, Paardeberg and, for the first time, Piekenierskloof) and 34% Verdelho (Bot River and Voor-Paardeberg). Peach and nectarine plus notes of floral perfume, earth and spice in the background. Rich and round with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.05%.’ – 93/100, Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Momento Grenache 2021

‘Grapes from Paardeberg. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in foudre and then a further six months in tank. Wild strawberry, red and black cherry, earth, undergrowth and spice on the nose. Great fruit expression, bright acidity and powdery tannins – intense but not weighty, vital and refined. Alc: 12.65%.’ – 95/100, Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Momento Grenache Blanc 2022

‘Grapes from Paardeberg, Voor-Paardeberg and Stellenbosch. Two days of skin contact before fermentation. Hay, herbs, pear and lime on the nose while the palate has pure fruit, zesty acidity and pithy texture, the finish long and saline. Great refreshment value. Alc: 13.29%.’ – 93/100, Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Momento Grenache Gris 2022

‘Grapes from Voor-Paardeberg. Seven days of skin contact. Aromatically shy – hints of orange, red apple and spice. The palate is nicely balanced – good weight and texture but equally not short of freshness, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.63%.’ – 93/100, Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Momento Tinta Barocca 2021

‘Grapes from Darling, Paardeberg and Stellenbosch all over 40 years old. 15% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 16 months in older oak. Red and black berries, flowers, herbs and earth on the nose while the palate has dense fruit, bright acidity ang grippy tannins – has a certain wildness about it. Alc: 12.95%.’ – 92/100, Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

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