2022 Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà

Venus Winery La Universal

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

Sara Pérez is the wife of Rene Barbier, who produces the famous Clos Mogador, Espectacle, and Manyetes. Sara Pérez also manages the family estate Clos Martinet. Additionally, she works closely with her brother Adria at Cims de Porrera. Their father, José Luis Pérez, one of the key 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 aspired 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 practically the mother of all female wines: Venus. And 'Dido' is the more than exemplary daughter of 'Venus'. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Venus La Universal Venus de Cartoixà

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

Origin and vinification

If the red Venus Universal is already scarce, this applies even more so to 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 and 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-liter oak barrel and a 190-liter glass carboy with indigenous yeasts. The wine aged for 20 months in demi-muid oak. No added sulfur was used throughout the entire process. It is therefore technically a Vin Naturale of an unprecedentedly 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 2022 vintage were produced, and it is a wine that can age (very) beautifully.

Color, smell and taste

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

On the palate, delicate and refined, 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 saline. 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

Venus de Cartoixà 2022 is considered a vin de garde. The combination of fresh 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 will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will receive advice on what to look for for the right wine-spice pairing and find several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.

Grilled or roasted fish with hearty side dishes
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 stand alongside heartier fish dishes, while the acidity and briny notes refresh the dish. The wine's spicy and slightly almond-like aroma pairs perfectly with Mediterranean garnishes.

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 pairs well with the lightness of poultry 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 eggplant with herb oil.

Why this fits well:
The wine pairs beautifully with texture- and umami-rich vegetables. The structure of the wine reflects the tenderness of roasted vegetables and offers sufficient tension to elevate the dish.

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

Why this fits well:
The briny, slightly oxidative character of the wine pairs beautifully with the aged, slightly salty notes of these cheeses. The acidity refreshes the palate after every 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 note in the wine enhances the briny, mineral flavor of shellfish. At the same time, the aromatic complexity of the wine creates a layered whole in combination with spicy and citrusy elements.

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with ample parking. Click here for our address.