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Clai - Ottocento Crni - Merlot
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Deep ruby in the glass with violet hints, this Istrian Merlot opens with ripe dark cherry, blackberry, and a subtle Mediterranean earthiness. Hints of dried herbs, cedar, and a touch of graphite add complexity. The palate is round and generous, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity carrying flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and a whisper of tobacco through to a medium-long, warm finish.
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About this wine
Clai's Ottocento Crni comes from Istria, Croatia's wine-growing peninsula on the northern Adriatic, where Mediterranean warmth meets cooler continental air. Made entirely from Merlot, it reflects a producer working outside the mainstream of Croatian winemaking, giving the grape a distinctly Istrian voice rather than a Bordeaux-style treatment.
Expect a red with dark fruit, savoury depth and firm structure, built for the table rather than easy sipping. Serve at 16-18°C alongside beef, lamb or venison, or set it next to charcuterie and hard cheeses for an easy, unfussy pairing on board.
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Behind the bottle
Producer
Clai
Clai is a small wine producer based in Istria, the triangular peninsula on Croatia's Adriatic coast shared with Slovenia and Italy. The estate is known for a committed approach to natural and biodynamic viticulture, working with…
Photo: Vladimir Srajber, Pexels License
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Region
Istria
Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula in the northern Adriatic, shared between Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. The Croatian portion, known as Istarska, represents the country's most internationally recognized wine region. This…
Explore Istria