Meritage
From EncycloWine
Meritage is a word used to distinguish wines that are made in the style of Bordeaux but without infringing on that region's legally protected appellation.
Meritage: An invented term, used by California wineries, for Bordeaux-style red and white blended wines. Combines "merit" with "heritage.
Meritage. Name for red and white blends in the U.S. made from classic Bordeaux varieties. Rhymes with heritage.
Merlot. Bordeaux blending grape. First bottled as a U.S. varietal in 1972 by Louis Martini. Top red varietal in the U.S.
Meritage: This wine was the American answer to the European Red Bordeaux (France) and Claret (United kingdom) blends...
Meritage
is a white or red wine from a California winery incorporating a blend of varieties traditionally used in Bordeaux, France ...
MERITAGE: An term used by California wineries to describe Bordeaux-style blends. The term arose out of the need to name wines that didn't meet minimal labeling requirements for varietals (i.e., 75 percent of the named grape variety).
Meritage: A blend of Bordeaux varietals bottled and marketed under the name "Meritage" because the winemaker thought the blend was a better wine than any of the varietals alone.
Meritage
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Tim Ramey photographed many of the images of grape varieties to illustrate The Great Wine Grapes, written by his father, Bern C. Ramey. They appear in our profiles with his kind permission.
Lyeth Meritage is an example of a wine hurt by "the system". Tasted within minutes after opening, its nose is closed, it has a harsh bite on the palate, and at best it seems clumsy.
This is a Meritage-type blend but substitutes Syrah for the Petit Verdot. There's juicy red cherries, spices, and cedar that is followed up with licorice, berries, and pepper. Tougher presence, compelling complexity, and a good sense of Mt. Veeder.
2002 Hahn, Meritage, Central Coast, California, $20, 8,900 cases. Purple/red in color with an enticing fragrance of cassis, kirsch, cedar, and light smoke. Crisp and tannic, the wine reveals a boat load of fruit and sweet vanilla; 84/84.
Try the Oroppas Meritage. Simply stunning!
The Wine Skinny - an online wine magazine bringing you all the inside skinny on wine, wine reviews, wine & food, wine events, and much more! ...
Often the backbone for Meritage (Bordeaux-style) blends. Carbonic maceration technique employed in the making of Beaujolais wines whereby CO2 generated during fermentation is used to break down the grape-bunches and release their juice.
Meritage
Meritage is an American trademark for California wines that are a blend of Bordeaux grape varieties. Among the grapes used for red Meritage wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
For example, Meritage (sounds like "heritage") is generally a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and may also include Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
In the US, members of the Meritage Association can label their Bordeaux blend-styles as Meritage.
White Bordeaux blends will comprise Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and sometimes a dash of Muscadelle.
What is an 'aromatic' variety? ...
A meritage blend, an interesting cabernet, a red Bordeaux, Burgundy, Brunello or Hermitage-whatever most excites you. But hey-it doesn't have to be a special occasion to drink it; maybe you just feel like treating yourself after a rough week.
In California it is a popular varietal on its own and also as a percentage constituent of the red wine blend resembling Bordeaux claret called "Meritage". It does extremely well in the state of Washington and shows great promise on Long Island, N.Y.
Merlot
Merlot is the most important grape varietal grown in Bordeaux and forms the backbone of many "meritage" (Bordeaux-style) blends. It is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but displays more fruity than herbaceous or vegetal character.
Cariñena - Spanish Roots Riesling - Germany's Finest Grape Petit Verdot - Not Just for Bordeaux Blending - The Winemakers Art Semillon Grapes - Often Overlooked Why Are Aged Cabernets So Special? Meritage Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir ...
Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, with which it is sometimes blended, but typically less tannic and earlier to mature. Used alone, or in blends such as California Meritage, in Bordeaux claret tradition.
 See also: Wine, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Blend, Red
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