Momento Mori

is a highly respected and innovative natural wine producer in Victoria, Australia, led by winemaker Dane Johns. The name, which is Latin for "remember you must die," serves as a philosophical reminder to live life to the fullest and to make wine with a deep respect for all living things. The winery operates on a small scale, focusing on producing wines that are fresh, pure, and full of character.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Dane Johns's winemaking philosophy is an extension of his life philosophy: respect for the living. This means a hands-off, minimal-intervention approach both in the vineyard and the cellar.

• Vineyard Management: The home vineyard in Gippsland is farmed using strict organic principles. Momento Mori also sources high-quality fruit from like-minded, sustainably-focused growers across Victoria, who also adhere to organic or biodynamic practices. There is a strong focus on soil health and creating a balanced, natural ecosystem.

• Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-picked and processed in small ferments. The wines are made with a "no-tech" and "no-additions" approach, relying on wild yeasts for fermentation. This allows the natural yeasts from the vineyard to express the unique terroir of each site.

• Additives & Filtration: Momento Mori is known for a very strict no-fining, no-filtration policy. They do not add any winemaking aids, including sulfur, throughout the process. A defining feature of their wines is their purity and freshness, which is a direct result of this low-intervention style.

• Aging: Wines are aged in neutral vessels, primarily stainless steel and old oak, to preserve the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit without imparting any new oak flavors.

Grapes & Wines

Momento Mori is celebrated for its eclectic and unique portfolio, with a particular focus on Italian and other less common varieties that thrive in Victoria's cool-climate regions.

• Italian Varieties: Dane has a particular affinity for Italian grapes, including Fiano, Greco di Tufo, Moscato Giallo, Nosiola, and Vermentino. These are often used for textural, skin-contact "orange" wines that showcase savory notes and unique aromatic profiles.

• Syrah: Unlike traditional Shiraz, Momento Mori's Syrah is a cool-climate expression, resulting in a lighter-bodied, peppery, and elegant wine with blue fruit and a distinct savory character.

• Reds and White Blends: Momento Mori is known for its inventive and dynamic blends, often combining several varieties in unique ways to create wines that are full of character and defy conventional classifications.

• Pinot Noir: From their own vineyard, this is a classic cool-climate expression of the grape.

• Pét-Nat: They also produce pétillant naturel wines, a natural sparkling style that is a hallmark of their playful and fresh approach to winemaking.