2021 Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà

Venus La Universal Winery

Venus La Universal is the project of Sara Pérez and René Barbier Jr., based in Montsant. The estate works with old vineyards and local varietals, with a clear focus on terroir, finesse, and transparency. The wines are made with minimal intervention, with long aging and a strong focus on texture and balance. Elegance and tension are the focus, rather than power.

Sara Pérez is the wife of René Barbier, who produces the famous Clos Mogador, Espectacle, and Manyetes. Sara Pérez also heads the family estate, Clos Martinet. She also works closely with her brother, Adria, at Cims de Porrera. Her father, José Luis Pérez, a key figure in the Spanish wine world, is proud of his children. He remains active in various wine projects. Together with her husband, René Barbier (Clos Mogador), Sara Pérez owns and vinifies two superb wines at Venus La Universal. As a tribute to every small food producer from the 1920s who aspired to become great, Sara named this mini-estate Compania Universal de Vinos. At "La Uni," as she likes to call it, she created what she considers the mother of all feminine wines: Venus. And "Dido" is the more than exemplary daughter of "Venus." More information about this winery can be found under the "Winery" tab.

2021 Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà

Venus de Cartoixà is the pure expression of Xarel·lo, locally called Cartoixà, sourced from one hectare of old vines around Falset. The 2021 is a distinctive vintage distinguished by freshness, refinement and an understated, almost fragile elegance.

Origin and vinification

If the red Venus Univesal is already rare, this is especially true for the white Venus. The white Venus de Cartoixà was produced with Cartoixá grapes, the local name for Xarello, from half a hectare of 60-year-old vines in Falset, in the clay-limestone zone, and some grapes from a small parcel on granite soils that was re-grafted onto Cartoixà from the original parcel, which was used for the second time in this wine. The bunches were pressed immediately and the juice fermented slowly in a 600-liter oak barrel and a 190-liter glass demi-bottle with indigenous yeasts. The wine was aged for 20 months in demi-muid oak. No added sulfur was used throughout the entire process. This is therefore a Vin Naturale of an unprecedentedly high technical level. It feels riper and more Mediterranean, with notes of chamomile and dried flowers. The taste is round and soft, with integrated acidity. Only 900 bottles of the 2021 vintage were made and it is a wine that can age (very) beautifully.

The 2021 vintage

2021 was an exceptional year with 60 centimeters of snow in January and significant rainfall throughout the season. The summer remained relatively cool, resulting in lower alcohol levels and higher acidity. At 13% alcohol, this vintage displays a balance not achieved since 2024. The 2021 wines are considered the most elegant yet within the Venus range.

Color, smell and taste

Bright golden yellow in color. The nose is subtle and layered, with notes of dried yellow flowers, pollen, and a slight reductive note that contributes to its complexity. There is a savory undertone reminiscent of umami, with nuances of soy sauce and broth, giving the wine a gastronomic character.

Delicate and refined on the palate, with an almost fragile texture. The acidity is lively yet perfectly integrated. The wine has less concentration than in warmer years, but precisely because of this, more tension and transparency. The finish is long, mineral, and subtly salty. This is not an exuberant wine, but one of inner energy and precision. The wine received an impressive 96/100 Parker points.

Structure and storage potential

The Venus de Cartoixà 2021 is considered a vin de garde. The combination of crisp acidity, controlled aging, and low alcohol indicates excellent aging potential. With further bottle aging, the wine will deepen and develop even more complexity, without losing its elegant core.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-and-spice pairing, as well as several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.

Grilled or roasted fish with hearty garnishes
Think of sea bream with fennel, sea bass with roasted fennel and orange, or cod with white beans and rosemary.

Why this fits well:
The wine has sufficient structure to complement more substantial fish dishes, while the acidity and salty notes refresh the dish. The wine's spicy and slightly almondy aroma complements Mediterranean garnishes perfectly.

Poultry with roasted vegetables or nuts
Roasted chicken with almonds and lemon, or guinea fowl with roasted carrot and parsnip.

Why this fits well:
The wine complements the lightness of poultry well, but also has enough grip to handle nutty or caramelized elements in the dish. The wine's aromatic tension adds extra depth.

Vegetarian dishes with Mediterranean or earthy influences
Roasted cauliflower with tahini, risotto with fennel and lemon zest, or roasted aubergine with herb oil.

Why this fits well:
The wine pairs beautifully with textured, umami-rich vegetables. Its structure reflects the tenderness of roasted vegetables and offers enough tension to lift the dish.

White cheeses with a creamy or nutty note
For example, mature goat's cheese, tomme de brebis or old Manchego.

Why this fits well:
The wine's salty, slightly oxidative character complements the aged, slightly salty notes of these cheeses beautifully. The acidity refreshes the palate with each bite, creating balance.

Shellfish with herbs and citrus notes
Mussels with saffron and fennel, clams with garlic and parsley, or cockles with lemon butter.

Why this fits well:
The subtle maritime notes in the wine enhance the salty, mineral flavor of shellfish. At the same time, the wine's aromatic complexity creates a layered whole, combined with spicy and citrusy elements.

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht with ample parking. Click here for our address.