Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The eponymous red 2020 Venus la Universal is the result of a long time working with Cariñena from limestone soils from the zone of Montsant. Because of black rot, the Cariñena is complemented by some 40% (or less) Garnacha grapes that are fermented together, all foot trodden with full clusters in oak vats with five to seven weeks of maceration then pressed and kept in the fermentation vats and then moved to oak foudres (2,000-liter ones); after that, it is kept in concrete to complete at least three years of aging. Since 2018, they have increased the élevage. They lose the fruit but gain in complexity. The Cariñena has more elegance, and the wine develops more soil nuances, truffle, damp earth, reminiscent of an earthy Nebbiolo but with some herbal notes and a peachy Mediterranean hint (I thought of some of the Cariñena from Maule in Chile too...), with a medium-bodied palate with chalky tannins. It has good ripeness, 14% alcohol and good freshness, with a pH of 3.46 and 5.5 grams of acidity.
Rating: 94+
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
