2020 Tinta Barocca Momento - Western Cape

The 2020 Momento Tinta Barocca is a deliciously offbeat Cape red from Marelise Niemann, whose small-scale Momento project began in 2013 and champions old vines and minimal-intervention winemaking. Sourced from three vineyards across the Swartland, Bot River and Stellenbosch, it captures the Western Cape’s varied terroir: dry-farmed, 40-plus-year-old Swartland bush vines on decomposed granite bring concentration, while Atlantic cooling and shale and clay add freshness and finesse. The 2020 vintage began wet and cool before heatwaves accelerated ripening. Expect cherry, cassis, rose, porcini, spice and savoury soy, with grippy tannins and a long finish. Try it with duck, lamb or mushroom dishes.