From: Penedes, Spain
Varietals: 30% Ull de llebre, 28% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 16% Sumoll, 10% Carinyena
Tasting Notes: The wine presents a vibrant cherry red color. On the nose, it offers pronounced aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and dark plums, layered with hints of undergrowth and spice. On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with smooth tannins and a well-built structure. The finish is long, showcasing a blend of spicy notes and ripe fruit flavors, complemented by fresh red fruit nuances in the lingering aftertaste.
Pairing: For a traditional regional pairing, try it with escalivada, a Catalan dish of smoky roasted vegetables, or botifarra, a classic Catalan sausage served with white beans. A rich pa amb tomàquet, bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and olive oil, is another local favorite that complements the wine’s earthy undertones. The wine's structure and gentle tannins make it an excellent match for grilled lamb chops or a hearty beef stew. Its ripe fruit character pairs well with duck breast in a cherry reduction or a roasted pork loin with rosemary. A roasted vegetable and herb tart for a vegetarian option brings out the wine's savory qualities. Finally, a cheese plate featuring Manchego or Garrotxa cheese would enhance the wine's long, spicy finish and fresh red fruit aftertaste.
Escalivada (Catalan Roasted Vegetables)
By David Tanis
About.Jané Ventura, a family winery in the Baix Penedès, has been crafting wines since 1914. The story began with Josep Jané and continued through four generations, each contributing to the winery’s evolution while maintaining a steadfast philosophy of respecting the land, tradition, and environment. Albert Jané Jané, the second generation, expanded the winery's presence by acquiring the Vendrell winery in 1954. With the third generation, led by Benjamí Jané Ventura, came the introduction of bottled wines in 1985, and cava production began just a few years later. Today, under the guidance of Gerard Jané Úbeda, Jané Ventura's wines and cavas have garnered considerable prestige, embodying both tradition and modernity.
The winemaking philosophy at Jané Ventura reflects a deep connection to the land. Their estate in Baix Penedès, Finca Els Camps, and the collaboration with twenty local winegrowers showcase a commitment to crafting wines that are in harmony with the Mediterranean landscape. This terroir, marked by the proximity of the sea and the elevation of up to 700 meters, offers an ideal environment for cultivating grapes with fresh acidity and expressive character. The winery emphasizes the importance of selecting the right grape varieties for each microclimate, ensuring every vine reaches its full potential. Old vines, known for their deep roots, are crucial in transmitting minerality to the wines, producing complex flavors and aromas.
Since 2010, Jané Ventura has fully embraced organic farming practices, a natural progression from the sustainable methods they had long followed. In 2008, the winery undertook a detailed mapping of the soils on their estate, uncovering 18 distinct soil types. This study allowed them to understand the land’s capabilities better and tailor their viticulture to the specific needs of each vineyard. For Jané Ventura, the soil is more than just the foundation of the vines; it is the soul of the wine. This meticulous approach to farming deepens their love for the land and the wines it produces.
Wine Notes. The blend for this wine is composed of 30% Ull de llebre, 28% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 16% Sumoll, and 10% Carinyena. The Ull de llebre and Grenache are sourced from vines at 500 meters altitude, bringing balance and freshness, while the Syrah comes from Finca Els Camps, located at 400 meters, where it was planted in 2004. The Sumoll and Carinyena, both from old vines, contribute depth and complexity, with Sumoll ranging from 200 to 500 meters in altitude and Carinyena coming from
Finca Els Camps at 400 meters. Harvested manually, the grapes are carefully selected upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation is controlled at 25oC with a 14-day maceration period to extract optimal flavor and tannin structure. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, which are 2 to 5 years old, before being bottled in July 2020.
The label symbolizes the mountain viticultural landscape of the beautiful corners of Baix Penedès, depicting the humanized landscape of vineyards, olive trees, carob trees, and almond trees. These elements surround a farmhouse and a traditional hut, with countless banks of Pedra Seca terraces, paying homage to the region’s agricultural heritage and connection to the land.
