Venus La Universal "Venus de la Figuera" Organic 2022

Wine Advocate 2020 96 points, 2021 97 points, 2022 not reviewed. 

Venus La Figuera is a red wine crafted by the winery Venus La Universal using the garnacha tinta grape variety within the DO Montsant.

Sara Pérez (Mas Martinet) and René Barbier (Clos Mogador), both scions of renowned winemaking families from Priorat, embarked on their own venture in Montsant with Venus La Universal. This project began in 1999 on a small plot of old vines, aiming to restore the grape's natural balance through organic principles and optimise resources and energy in the vineyard, winery, and logistics. The red wine Venus La Figueraoriginates from one of the highest plots in the municipality of La Figuera (Tarragona). It involves vineyards owned by the local Cooperative, which, in exchange for oenological advice, allows Pérez and René to produce their own wines.

The Garnacha variety of Venus La Figuera is planted in clay-limestone soils at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Thanks to a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, the grapes achieve long ripening periods, resulting in a significant concentration of sugars. Harvesting is done manually, with selection occurring in the vineyard.

The grapes for Venus La Figuera are processed whole with some stems included. They undergo maceration and fermentation with indigenous yeasts for a month in wooden vats and open 500-litre barrels. The wine is aged in amphorae for 18 months.

Venus La Figuera is a red wine that showcases the garnacha grape in its most natural expression.