The red 2011 Dido is produced with organic farmed grapes grown on granitic soils and blends Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aim here is to keep the freshness. Forty percent of the wine is aged in concrete vats, while the rest is matured in clay amphorae and used oak. The result is a restrained, soil-driven red with earthy notes, black fruit, licorice and subtle Mediterranean herbs with some floral overtones and no traces of oak. The palate is medium-bodied, with clean, penetrating flavors, lively acidity and a long finish. A delicious, serious red showing balance and personality. What more can you ask for? Drink now-2018. Venus La Universal was created in 1999 in Montsant and is the personal project of wife and husband Sara Perez from Mas Martinet and Rene Barber Jr. from Clos Mogador. I’ve seen a few stylistic changes through the years, and I feel they are now producing better wines than ever. Various importers, Michael Skurnik Wines, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, www.skurnikwines.com; Europvin SAS, CA, www.europvin.com and Robert Houde, IL; tel. (847) 939-1400