{"title":"De Mar","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"de-mar-cuvee-zenon-istra-red-750ml","title":"De Mar Cuvee Zenon Istra Red","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDe Mar Cuvee Zenon Istra Red\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Croatian red blend from the Istrian peninsula, produced by Istravino and bottled at 750ml. This cuvée carries the name \"Zenon\" within the De Mar line, representing one of Istravino's red offerings from a region increasingly recognized for distinctive Mediterranean-influenced wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Style: Red Cuvée  |  Origin: Istria, Croatia  |  Producer: Istravino  |  Size: 750ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIstravino is a Croatian wine producer based in the Istrian peninsula, a region at the northern tip of the Adriatic shared between Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Istria's wine tradition dates back centuries, with a climate shaped by warm Mediterranean breezes, stony terra rossa soils, and cool continental influence from the interior. The De Mar range draws from this terroir, and the Cuvee Zenon sits among Istravino's red blends. Istrian reds are commonly produced from both international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as indigenous grapes such as Refošk (Refosk) and Teran, though the exact blend composition for the Cuvee Zenon has not been publicly disclosed by the producer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Istrian red blends from this area typically present ripe dark fruit aromas alongside herbal and earthy undertones. Expect hints of dried Mediterranean herbs and a subtle minerality consistent with the region's iron-rich terra rossa soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, this style of Istrian red generally delivers medium to full body with dark berry fruit at the entry, followed by a savory mid-palate suggesting dried herbs and soft tannins. The Mediterranean climate tends to yield ripe, approachable fruit character balanced by the mineral backbone common to wines from this part of Croatia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red blends from Istria's coastal zones often close with moderate length and a gently earthy, lightly spiced trail. Tannin structure is typically rounded rather than aggressive, leaving a warm, dry impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cuvee Zenon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Istrian red is best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Pour into a standard red wine glass to allow the aromas to open, and consider decanting for 20–30 minutes if the wine feels tightly wound on first pour. It drinks well alongside a meal and is well-suited to Mediterranean and Central European fare. A splash of this red also works in wine-based drinks like a classic Sangria, where its dark fruit character would add depth, or a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), a simple Basque-style serve that benefits from a fruit-forward red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Croatian wines beyond Malvazija and Plavac Mali\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a Mediterranean dinner party centered on grilled meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to the emerging Istrian red wine scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding regional diversity to a curated European wine collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cuvee Zenon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e This Istrian red cuvée is expected to deliver ripe dark fruit, savory herbal tones, and moderate tannins characteristic of red blends from Istria's Mediterranean-influenced terroir. The style is generally approachable with an earthy, mineral-driven backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cuvee Zenon compare to other Istrian reds?\u003c\/strong\u003e Istravino's De Mar Plavac, made from the Plavac Mali grape, is a single-varietal expression with typically more assertive tannins, while the Cuvee Zenon is a blended red cuvée that may deliver a rounder, more integrated profile drawing on multiple grape varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cuvee Zenon good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, Istrian red blends in this style are generally medium- to full-bodied with enough fruit and structure to enjoy as a standalone pour, especially at a slightly cool cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cuvee Zenon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cuvee Zenon is produced by Istravino in Istria, Croatia, a coastal peninsula on the northern Adriatic known for its terra rossa soils, mild Mediterranean climate, and a winemaking tradition influenced by Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian viticultural practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cuvee Zenon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the savory herbal notes of Istrian reds. Istrian fuži pasta with truffle sauce mirrors the wine's earthy character. Hard aged cheeses like Croatian Paški sir stand up to the tannin structure. Beef stew with root vegetables matches the body and warmth of the wine. Prosciutto and cured meats from the region create a natural regional pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cuvee Zenon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The De Mar Cuvee Zenon Istra Red is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cuvee Zenon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e This wine positions as a mid-range Croatian red, offering an accessible entry into the growing Istrian wine category at a price point that reflects the region's smaller production scale compared to more established European appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cuvee Zenon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIstria has rapidly gained credibility among European wine regions, particularly for its whites, but its reds remain relatively undiscovered on the international stage. The De Mar Cuvee Zenon represents an opportunity to taste what the peninsula's red grape potential offers through a blended format that can showcase the interplay between indigenous and international varieties. Croatia's wine output is a fraction of its neighbors Italy and France, making bottles like this a genuine point of difference on any shelf. For drinkers looking beyond familiar appellations, an Istrian red cuvée from an established local producer like Istravino delivers a sense of place that's difficult to replicate elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Mar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836784111785,"sku":"20455","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/de_mar_cuvee_zenon_istra__13042.jpg?v=1730470236"},{"product_id":"de-mar-plavac-mali-750ml","title":"De Mar Plavac Mali","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDe Mar Plavac Mali\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Croatian red wine made from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape, produced by Istravino in 750ml bottles. Plavac Mali stands as one of Croatia's most important native red varietals, and this De Mar expression brings the grape's characteristically dense, dark-fruited personality to a wider audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~13% (typical for varietal)  |  Origin: Istria, Croatia  |  Red Wine  |  Producer: Istravino\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDe Mar Plavac Mali is produced by Istravino, a Croatian winery based in the Istria region. Plavac Mali is a genetically confirmed cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (known internationally as Zinfandel) and the rare Croatian grape Dobričić. The varietal is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to its uneven ripening tendencies — individual clusters can carry both underripe green berries and partially raisined fruit simultaneously. This forces winemakers to make precise harvest timing decisions, balancing tannin and sugar development against declining acidity. The resulting wines tend toward full-bodied, deeply colored reds with significant structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect an aromatic profile driven by ripe dark cherries and blackberries, followed by secondary notes of dried fig, sage, and a hint of carob. There is a distinctive Mediterranean herbal quality that distinguishes Plavac Mali from its Zinfandel parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with concentrated dark fruit — black cherry and plum dominate the entry. At mid-palate, peppery spice and a smoky undertone develop, supported by firm, grippy tannins. The wine carries notable density and weight, consistent with the grape's reputation for producing robust, full-bodied reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium to long, with lingering notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and a subtle mineral edge. Tannins remain present but integrated, tapering into a warm, spice-driven conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink De Mar Plavac Mali\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Given the wine's tannic structure and concentration, decanting for 30 minutes to an hour allows the fruit and spice layers to open up fully. Drinking neat in a large-bowled red wine glass is the most rewarding approach. For wine-based cocktails, the bold profile works in a \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e where its dark fruit intensity holds up against citrus and brandy; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) where its spice and density add complexity to the simple combination; or a \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e during colder months, where its pepper and dried herb notes complement traditional warming spices like cinnamon and clove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a wine enthusiast to Croatian indigenous varietals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with hearty grilled meats at a summer cookout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to Zinfandel fans curious about Plavac Mali's genetic roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a collection that represents underexplored European wine regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does De Mar Plavac Mali taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Mar Plavac Mali delivers a bold, dark-fruited profile centered on black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with black pepper, smoke, and dried Mediterranean herbs. The wine is full-bodied with firm tannins and noticeable density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does De Mar Plavac Mali compare to Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Plavac Mali is genetically one generation removed from Zinfandel — it is a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (Zinfandel) and Dobričić. Compared to most Zinfandels, Plavac Mali tends to show higher tannin levels, more pronounced herbal and mineral characteristics, and a darker, more austere fruit profile rather than Zinfandel's often jammy sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs De Mar Plavac Mali good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, this is a wine best appreciated on its own or alongside food, served slightly below room temperature and ideally decanted to soften its tannins and allow its aromatic complexity to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is De Mar Plavac Mali made?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Mar Plavac Mali is produced by Istravino in the Istria region of Croatia, a peninsula along the northern Adriatic coast known for both its white wines (Malvazija) and increasingly for structured reds from native Croatian grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with De Mar Plavac Mali?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops work well with the wine's peppery tannins. Pašticada (traditional Dalmatian beef stew) mirrors its dark fruit and spice. Aged hard cheeses like Paški sir (Croatian sheep's milk cheese) complement the wine's structure. Roasted eggplant dishes echo its smoky, herbal character. Cured meats such as pršut (Croatian prosciutto) balance the wine's weight with salt and fat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does De Mar Plavac Mali come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Mar Plavac Mali is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs De Mar Plavac Mali worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Mar Plavac Mali positions as an accessible entry point into Croatian red wines, offering genuine varietal character from an indigenous grape at a value-friendly tier — well below the price of premium single-vineyard Plavac Mali bottlings from Dalmatian producers like Miloš or Saints Hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy De Mar Plavac Mali?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this wine apart is its grape. Plavac Mali is Croatia's most planted red varietal, yet remains relatively unknown outside the Adriatic — making it a genuine discovery for drinkers accustomed to international varietals. The grape's genetic link to Zinfandel provides a familiar reference point, but Plavac Mali's higher tannin structure, herbal complexity, and Mediterranean character make it a distinctly different drinking experience. Istravino's De Mar bottling serves as a straightforward, well-priced introduction to this varietal, representing one of the easiest ways to explore Croatia's indigenous wine heritage without committing to the higher-priced prestige cuvées from the Dalmatian coast.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Mar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836784242857,"sku":"20454","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/de_mar_plavac_mali__57537.jpg?v=1730470240"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/de-mar.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}