2021 Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà

Sara Pérez is the wife of Rene Barbier, who produces the famous Clos Mogador, Espectacle and Manyetes. Sara Pérez is also in charge of the family estate Clos Martinet. She also works closely with her brother Adria at Cims de Porrera. Father José Luis Pérez, one of the most important figures in the Spanish wine world, is proud of his children. He himself remains active in various wine projects. Together with her husband René Barbier (Clos Mogador), Sara Pérez owns and vinifies two magnificent wines at Venus La Universal. As a tribute to every small food manufacturer from the 1920s who wanted to become big, Sara has named this mini-estate Compania Universal de Vinos. There at 'La Uni', as she likes to call it, she has created the mother of all female wines: Venus. And 'Dido' is the more than exemplary daughter of 'Venus'. New is the Dido blanco, a complex white wine based on Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca, with partial fermentation on French oak. The wine deserves a little bottle aging and is best served in large glasses. Elegant 'feminine' wines with a lot of style.

If the red Venus Univesal is already scarce, this is especially true for the white Venus. The white Venus de Cartoixà 2018 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 plot on granite soils that was re-grafted onto Cartoixà from the original plot, which was used for the second time in this wine. The bunches were pressed immediately and the juice fermented slowly in a 600-litre oak barrel and a 190-litre glass demi-bottle with indigenous yeasts. The wine was aged for 20 months in demi-muid oak. No added sulphur was used throughout the process. This is therefore a technically a Vin Naturale of an unprecedented high 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 2018 vintage were made and it is a wine that can age (very) beautifully.

Parker (96/100) writes: ".....It has 13.5% alcohol, amazing balance and a salty finish. Sharp and straight"

The 2021 Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà is an expressive, refined white wine from Catalonia, made from Cartoixà , the local name for Xarel lo , originating from chalky soils around the Montsant area. The wine is partly vinified with skin contact , which gives it extra structure, complexity and aromatic depth. The style is powerful and refined at the same time, with notes of citrus, dried herbs, fennel, apple, almond and a subtle saltiness, carried by lively acidity and a slightly oxidative tension. This makes the Venus de Cartoixà 2021 a very gastronomic wine, which comes into its own in combination with dishes in which texture, earthy tones, subtle spice or saltiness play a role.

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 is a good fit:
The wine has enough structure to stand next to more robust fish dishes, while the acidity and salty notes refresh the dish. The spicy and slightly almondy aroma of the wine is a perfect match for Mediterranean garnishes.

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

Why this is a good fit:
The wine can accompany the lightness of poultry well, but also has enough grip to deal with nutty or caramelized elements in the dish. The aromatic tension of the wine 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 is a good fit:
The wine goes beautifully with textured and umami-rich vegetables. The structure of the wine reflects the softness 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 is a good fit:
The salty, slightly oxidative character of the wine fits nicely with the mature, slightly salty tones of these cheeses. The acids refresh the palate after each bite, which provides balance.

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

Why this is a good fit:
The subtle maritime note in the wine enhances the salty, mineral taste of shellfish. At the same time, the aromatic complexity of the wine creates a layered whole in combination with spicy and citrus elements.

FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.