Momento Wines

Momento Wines is the solo project of Marelise Niemann, a winemaker working across South Africa's Walker Bay region—specifically the Swartland and Bot River appellations. Her singular focus is Mediterranean varieties and old-vine fruit, particularly Grenache, crafted with restraint and precision.

About Momento Wines

Marelise Niemann spent eight years (2007–2014) at Beaumont Family Wines, where she worked alongside Peter-Allan Finlayson of Crystallum and John Thorne-Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters. Her education extended far beyond South Africa: she gained experience in Burgundy and Portugal, and spent formative time across California and the Rhône Valley. The turning point came in 2010 when, working in Priorat with winemaker Eben Sadie, she witnessed how old vines produce vibrant, expressive fruit. She returned to South Africa determined to source similar parcels of old-vine Grenache and create her own wines.

Momento sources fruit from two distinct terroirs. The Swartland delivers richness and depth through low rainfall and decomposed granite soils—ideal for concentrated, mineral wines. Bot River, cooled by Atlantic influence and planted on shale and clay, contributes precision, elegance and textural finesse. Marelise's winemaking philosophy is explicitly minimalist: she ferments with indigenous yeasts in barrel, employs old basket presses for extraction, performs manual punch-downs during aging, and rests her wines in old French oak. Every technique preserves fruit purity rather than imposing winemaker signature.

Her white wines illustrate this clarity.

Momento Wines Wines in Our Collection

The range spans both whites and reds, each scoring 91–93 points from Tim Atkin. The 2023 Grenache Blanc and 2023 Grenache Gris, both from Voor Paardeberg, represent Marelise's white-wine vision: green, flinty minerality with saline backbone (93 pts each). Choose these when you want crisp, food-friendly whites with texture and grip. For red, the 2022 Paardeberg Grenache Noir (93 pts) and 2023 Paardeberg Grenache Noir (91 pts) showcase her Swartland fruit—rich, intense, but never heavy, with rose and strawberry character and a savory close. The 2021 Tinta Barocca from Bot River (93 pts) sits apart: a richer, darker expression with cassis and umami depth, for occasions when you want serious structure and complexity. All five wines are built for the table, not for show.

Food Pairing

Momento's whites excel with seafood, particularly cured or smoked fish, oysters, and white fish with citrus or herb dressings—the minerality and acidity cut through richness. The Grenache reds suit lamb, duck, tomato-based braises, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes. The Tinta Barocca, with its cassis and porcini notes, pairs with roasted mushroom risotto, grilled steak, and aged cheddar. All Momento wines reward slightly cool serving and work as much at the table as they do alone.

What makes Momento Wines different from other South African producers?

Marelise Niemann's focus on Mediterranean varieties—especially old-vine Grenache—and minimalist winemaking (indigenous yeast, old oak, manual handling) preserves fruit purity. Her Bot River and Swartland sites express terroir distinctly through soil and climate.

Which Momento wine should I choose for everyday drinking?

Start with the Grenache Blanc or Grenache Gris whites—crisp, mineral, and food-friendly. For red, the Paardeberg Grenache Noir offers elegant, racy fruit perfect for casual meals and wine-focused occasions alike.

Has Momento Wines received critical recognition?

Yes. In 2023, winemaker Marelise Niemann was named Tim Atkin's Young Winemaker of the Year. Her current releases score 91–93 points, reflecting consistent quality across whites and reds.

Who makes Momento Wines?

Marelise Niemann, a South African winemaker based in Walker Bay's Swartland and Bot River appellations. She trained at Beaumont Family Wines and gained experience in Burgundy, Portugal, California, and the Rhône Valley before launching Momento as her solo project.

What style of wine does Momento make?

Mediterranean varieties, chiefly old-vine Grenache, crafted with restraint and precision. Whites are green, flinty, and mineral-driven (93 pts); reds are rich and intense with rose, strawberry, and savory notes. Indigenous yeast fermentation and minimal intervention preserve fruit purity.

How much does Momento wine cost?

Between £25.75 and £30.65 per bottle. Whites range from £25.75 to £26.45; reds from £29.80 to £30.65. All scored 91–93 points.