Momento
Summary
Momento Wines is a boutique South African producer established in 2013 by winemaker Marelise Niemann, who sources Grenache and Chenin Blanc from select vineyards across Bot River, Stanford, and Swartland, where granite, shale, sandstone, and clay soils contribute distinctive character to her small-batch wines. Niemann's hands-on approach embraces minimal intervention techniques throughout production, including indigenous yeast fermentation, partial whole-bunch processing, neutral vessel aging, and minimal filtration to preserve the natural expression of each carefully chosen vineyard site.
Heritage & Leadership
Momento Wines was established by winemaker Marelise Niemann in 2013 in South Africa's Cape South Coast region. After gaining experience at Beaumont Family Wines in Bot River, where she worked for eight years as winemaker, Niemann launched her own project focused on small-batch, terroir-driven wines. Her background in both viticulture and enology has informed her approach to winemaking, with a particular emphasis on Grenache and Chenin Blanc. Momento represents Niemann's personal expression as a winemaker, operating as a boutique producer that sources fruit from carefully selected vineyards rather than owning estate vineyards.
Vineyards & Wines
Momento sources grapes from select vineyards across three main regions: Bot River, Stanford, and Swartland. The Bot River and Stanford vineyards are located in the cooler Cape South Coast region, while Swartland offers a warmer climate with different soil profiles. Niemann works primarily with Grenache and Chenin Blanc, producing both single-varietal wines and blends. The Grenache vineyards are typically planted on decomposed granite and shale soils, which contribute to the wine's structure and mineral character. The Chenin Blanc comes from older vineyards, some with vines over 35 years old, planted on sandstone and clay soils. Momento's portfolio includes Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Tinta Barocca, and Chenin Blanc, with production remaining deliberately small to maintain quality control.
Philosophy & Practice
Marelise Niemann employs minimal intervention winemaking techniques at Momento, focusing on expressing the distinctive character of each vineyard site. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, with fermentation occurring naturally using indigenous yeasts. For the red wines, Niemann typically employs partial whole-bunch fermentation to enhance aromatic complexity and structural elements. The wines undergo gentle extraction, with limited pump-overs to preserve fruit purity. Aging takes place in a combination of older French oak barrels and concrete vessels, allowing for slow maturation without imparting dominant oak flavors. Momento wines are bottled with minimal filtration to preserve their natural character. Niemann's approach emphasizes patience and restraint, allowing each vintage to reveal the unique conditions of the growing season and the distinctive qualities of the vineyard sites she works with.