Wine review: 2010 Venus la Universal ‘Dido’ Montsant tinto

This is a terrific Montsant from the husband-and-wife team of Sara Perez and René Barbier. Their parents, who have Mas Martinet and Clos Mogador, pioneered the Priorat region. Now the children are striking out on their own in the less known Montsant region adjoining the Priorat in Catalonia.

Made from a blend of Garnacha, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the 2010 Dido red is elegant and balanced with smooth tannins and a lush, lovely finish. The yellow wax seal is pretty great too. Just point that corkscrew right through the wax. A perfect red with roast birds, seared duck breast, braised lamb shanks or grilled lamb chop.

Region: Montsant (Catalonia), Spain

Price: $20 to $24

Style: Elegant

What it goes with: Roast birds, braised lamb shank or grilled lamb chops

Where to find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463, https://www.hitimewine.net; Silver Lake Wine in Los Angeles, (323) 662-9024, https://www.silverlakewine.com; Wine Exchange in Orange, (800) 76WINEX, https://www.winex.com.

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