Venus La Universal 2020

The eponymous red 2020 Venus la Universal is the result of a long time working with Cariñena from limestone soils from the zone of Montsant. Because of black rot, the Cariñena is complemented by some 40% (or less) Garnacha grapes that are fermented together, all foot trodden with full clusters in oak vats with five to seven weeks of maceration then pressed and kept in the fermentation vats and then moved to oak foudres (2,000-liter ones); after that, it is kept in concrete to complete at least three years of aging. Since 2018, they have increased the élevage. They lose the fruit but gain in complexity. The Cariñena has more elegance, and the wine develops more soil nuances, truffle, damp earth, reminiscent of an earthy Nebbiolo but with some herbal notes and a peachy Mediterranean hint (I thought of some of the Cariñena from Maule in Chile too...), with a medium-bodied palate with chalky tannins. It has good ripeness, 14% alcohol and good freshness, with a pH of 3.46 and 5.5 grams of acidity. 6,703 bottles, 200 magnums and 24 double-magnum were produced. It was bottled in June 2023.

A lively, citric style of Carignan with fresh plum and blackberry fruits, orange peel, violets and a touch of toast. 2024-2032. (Fintan Kerr)