Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2022

Momento Wines, owned by Marelise Niemann, is based in Bot River on the Anysbos property. Marlelise is passionate about working with grape varieties that are well suited to South Africa’s climate.  That means vineyards that can handle low rainfall and high temperatures; that naturally fit in with the environment and don’t need excessive energy input. The hand drawn vine on her labels is by artist Hennie Niemann Jnr, Marelise’s husband: an old vine with various personal characters worked into it.

This is their most complex blend in the line-up, comprising fruit from six different vineyards. Chenin Blanc grapes are sourced from dryland bush vines farmed in four sites; two older vineyards from the Paardeberg, one from the Piekenierskloof and a younger vineyard from Bot River. The Verdelho is from two vineyards, one in the Voor-Paardeberg and one in Bot River. The soils are a combination of granite, sandstone and Bokkeveld shale. The decomposed granite soils produce a rich, generous and broader palate, while the shale and clay soil bring austerity, focus and make for a texture driven wine. The sandstone adds brightness and length. Blended together with the freshness of the Verdelho to create a balanced wine; both rich and generous yet elegant and well poised, with a mineral focus and bright acidity.

Blend: 66% Chenin Blanc, 34% Verdelho