2024 Òrbita Venus Parellada

René Barbier and the story behind Òrbita Venus

At the heart of Òrbita Venus is René Barbier , the iconic winemaker from Priorat and founder of Clos Mogador . He is considered one of the pioneers who elevated Catalan viticulture to a higher level. With Òrbita Venus, Barbier is turning his attention to a different part of Catalonia: Conca de Barberà and its surroundings. There, he is experimenting with local grapes and innovative vinification methods, along with his winemaking friends, Jordi and Sònia from Carlania Celler .

Òrbita Venus's goal isn't to create wines that are grand or heavy, but rather wines that speak through their tension, freshness, and authenticity. As the house itself says: "Òrbita Venus is risk, it's fun, it's learning." The Òrbita Venus Parellada 2024 is a prime example of this philosophy. A wine with a distinctive character, low alcohol, pure, and vibrant—a style perfectly suited to the current generation of wine lovers and sommeliers seeking energy and transparency in the glass.

The Cabra del Camp region and the terroir

The grapes for the 2024 Òrbita Venus Parellada come from Cabra del Camp , a small village in the hills of Tarragona, north of Conca de Barberà. A Mediterranean climate with continental influences prevails here. The altitude and cool nights ensure a long growing season, allowing the grapes to retain their natural acidity.

The vineyards are between 50 and 60 years old and have been organically farmed for over twenty years. The soils consist of limestone and clay with good drainage, which contributes to the wine's fresh, mineral style. The presence of natural vegetation among the vines enhances biodiversity and ensures a healthy soil balance. This is reflected in the purity of the wine.

The Parellada grape – a Catalan classic

Parellada is one of Catalonia's historic white grapes, traditionally known for its Cava, but in the hands of modern winemakers like Barbier, it reveals a completely different side. It's a late-ripening variety with a long growing season and remarkably low sugar content. This results in light, refined wines with an alcohol content below 10%.

In this version, Parellada is given the opportunity to fully express its freshness and aromatic finesse. The old vines of Cabra del Camp produce low yields but a high concentration of aromas: floral, citrus, green apple, and a subtle spiciness. The grape forms the heart of this wine, demonstrating that light and elegant can be just as captivating as powerful and full-bodied.

Vinification and maturation

The wine is made entirely from 100% Parellada grapes. The grapes are fermented on the skins for three weeks after harvest. This short maceration adds texture and depth, without sacrificing the wine's airy character. After fermentation, the wine is aged for eight months in stainless steel tanks.

No wood is used, deliberately, so that the natural expression of the grape remains the focus. The result is a wine that is extremely light, fresh, and vibrant. With less than 10% alcohol, this is no ordinary white wine, but a modern interpretation of Catalan elegance: refined, digestible, and full of tension.

Color, smell and taste

The 2024 Orbita Venus Parellada has a pale straw yellow color with a hint of green. The aroma reveals notes of white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of freshly cut herbs. As the wine gains some air, light mineral and herbal nuances emerge.

On the palate, the wine is refined, thirst-quenching, and exceptionally light. The low alcohol gives it an almost ethereal character, while the long acidity provides tension and length. The palate is delicate and precise: citrus notes, light bitterness, and a velvety mouthfeel make this Parellada a wine that displays purity and refinement in their most modern form.

The style and philosophy of Òrbita Venus

What makes Òrbita Venus special is its willingness to experiment without losing sight of the terroir. The winemakers push the boundaries of freshness and balance, but always with respect for nature. The Parellada 2024 is a striking example: a wine that demonstrates that light doesn't necessarily mean simple.

Influenced by René Barbier, Òrbita Venus combines tradition with curiosity. These are wines that provoke reflection and prove that minimalist viticulture can taste great. The Parellada 2024 is elegant, subtle, and original – a wine for connoisseurs who appreciate authenticity.

Would you like to order Òrbita Venus wines online?

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 these 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, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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Wine and food pairings

Òrbita Venus Parellada 2024 is a fresh, light wine that pairs beautifully with pure dishes. The delicate acidity and floral notes give way to delicate flavors, while the low alcohol content creates an elegant balance at the table.

• Scallop carpaccio with lime and dill – the soft texture of the shell and the fresh citrus accent complement the wine perfectly.
• Fennel, orange and goat cheese salad – the fresh acidity and spicy notes of the wine enhance the liveliness of this dish.
• Grilled chicken with lemon and rosemary – the spicy character of the wine complements the aromatic herbs perfectly.
• Lemon and pea risotto – the creamy texture and light bitterness of the wine provide a lovely contrast to the smooth risotto.
• Sea bass in a salt crust with olive oil and parsley – the saltiness and refined texture of the fish enhance the mineral side of the wine.
• Linguine with clams and garlic – the light, salty notes of this dish complement the freshness of the Parellada perfectly.