It gives us great pleasure to introduce Venus la Universal’s flagship wine, their Carignan (locally called Carinyenya)-dominant flagship wine simply called ‘Venus.’ Venus comes from an approximate total of four hectares of vineyards which are owned by four different grape-growing families near Falset, as well as another small plot owned by the couple themselves. One could then call Venus, technically, a négociant project, but it is more accurate to say that it is a partnership between these four grape-growing families and René and Sara. These small growers sell their fruit solely to Venus so their vineyards are farmed in accordance with the rigorous ecological standards set by the couple who value organic viticulture and regenerative farming above all else. 

Venus is made from 60% Carinyenya and 40% Garnatxa (Grenache) sourced from some very, very old parcels of vines grown on deep clay, limestone and slate. It was fermented on whole clusters on its own yeast, foot-trod and allowed to macerate for 60 days in that state before being aged six months in a combination of 2500 liter casks and concrete tanks. Venus is the most robust red wine in the cellar and it matures profoundly well with world-class results. In fact, the importer brought in some cases of Venus dating back to 2007 which still look like they were bottled yesterday! 

You can try to age some yourself, but I’d enjoy this deeply colored, extremely aromatic red that marries the sweet fruit of Grenache with the austerity of Carignan now! Maybe with the same steak you’re cooking for your bottle of Brunello!