Dido La Universal 2023

Dido La Universal 2023 is an organic red from D.O. Montsant in Catalonia, made by Venus La Universal. It is a blend led by Garnacha and rounded out with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, drawn from a 10-hectare estate of weathered granite. Granite changes temperature quickly, warming through the day and cooling sharply at night, and that wide diurnal swing slows ripening and gives a long, even maturation that builds aromatic depth while keeping freshness. Fermentation runs with wild yeasts to let the site speak, and the wine spends 16 months ageing in separate containers by variety before blending. The barrel time softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and knits the components together. The wine is a deep ruby colour. The nose shows ripe red and dark fruit, garrigue herbs, black pepper and a savoury, earthy edge, with a sweet Garnacha lift. The palate is full bodied and supple, with fine-grained tannin, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles. It is a strong match for roast lamb and grilled red meat.