{"product_id":"derenda-noema-2018","title":"Derenda, Noema 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eDerenda Noema 2018 is a thoughtful, terroir-driven red blend from the rugged Kras region of Slovenia, crafted in equal parts from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the native Teran grape. As the only blended wine in Darko Derenda’s portfolio, Noema is conceived as a “greater than the sum of its parts” cuvée, showcasing balance, depth, and energy in a single bottle. It captures both the character of the local terroir and the producer’s philosophy of harmony and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Noema 2018 typically shows a deep ruby to garnet hue, with an inky core and bright reflections that hint at its freshness and concentration. The nose is expressive and layered: dark cherry and ripe plum from Merlot, blackcurrant and cassis from Cabernet Sauvignon, and a vivid, wild-berry character from Teran. These fruit notes are woven together with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, graphite, subtle pepper, and a gentle touch of cedar or spice from time in tank and\/or barrel.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with the firm acidity and distinct structure of Teran providing a lively backbone. Merlot brings plush, rounded fruit and mid-palate weight, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth, refined tannins, and a savory, herbaceous edge. The finish is long, fresh, and slightly saline, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of Kras. With its balance of fruit, structure, and freshness, Noema 2018 drinks beautifully now but also has the potential to evolve and gain further complexity over the next 5–8 years under good cellaring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNoema is sourced from some of Darko Derenda’s best plots in Kras, a plateau near the Adriatic Sea known for its red, iron-rich topsoil over hard limestone. This terroir, combined with the region’s winds and significant diurnal shifts, naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor in the grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Teran are harvested separately at optimal ripeness—typically by hand to allow careful selection in the vineyard—before being vinified individually. After fermentation, each variety is matured on its own to preserve its character, and then blended in equal parts (1\/3 each) to create Noema. The goal in the cellar is to respect the natural vibrancy of Teran and the elegance of the Bordeaux varieties, resulting in a wine that clearly expresses Kras rather than overt winemaking signatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDerenda Noema 2018 is a versatile food wine that excels with hearty, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, game, lamb chops, and slow-cooked beef stews, as well as earthy dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, or aged hard cheeses. Regional pairings might include cured meats and robust, rustic cuisine that can stand up to its structure and acidity. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a medium to large Bordeaux-style glass. A short decant of 30–60 minutes is recommended to allow the aromatics to open and the tannins to soften, especially if enjoyed on the younger side.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDerenda is a small, quality-focused producer in Slovenia’s Kras region, an area renowned for its dramatic karst limestone landscapes and distinctive, characterful wines—particularly those made from the indigenous Teran grape. Working primarily with estate-grown fruit, Darko Derenda emphasizes attentive vineyard work and careful, minimalist winemaking to let the terroir speak clearly in the glass. While much of the portfolio is dedicated to varietal expressions, Noema stands out as the estate’s sole blend, representing a deliberate statement about balance and synergy between local and international grapes. Through wines like Noema, Derenda contributes to the growing reputation of Kras as one of Slovenia’s most intriguing and expressive wine regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derenda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256156574033,"sku":"EW-10451","price":23.11,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Untitled-100.jpg?v=1783462925","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/derenda-noema-2018","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}