Venus La Figuera 2022

Venus La Universal is the project of Sara Pérez and René Barbier, from the Mas Martinet and Clos Mogador families of Priorat, begun in 1999 on a small plot of old vines in Montsant. La Figuera is a single-variety Garnacha farmed organically, with the aim of restoring the grape's natural balance and working the vineyard and cellar with care for resources. Montsant's slate, limestone and sandy soils and its warm, altitude-tempered climate give ripe Garnacha that keeps its freshness. The wine spends eighteen months in clay amphorae. Unmicroporous clay allows a slow, gentle oxygen exchange similar to but softer than oak, rounding the tannins and adding texture without contributing any wood flavour, so the fruit and the soil character come through cleanly. Long ageing on this gentle breathing settles the structure while keeping the wine vibrant. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe red Garnacha fruit and plum over an earthy, peppery, herbal note. The palate is medium to full bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees and decant young bottles. It suits roast lamb and grilled vegetables.