Wine of the Day for February 8, 2010
Meritage
The wine of the day today is a wine, and not simply a grape that is made into wine.
Style
Meritage wines are blends crafted from Bordeaux grape varieties considered the best of the vintage. Meritage, pronounced like heritage, is a combination of the words “merit” for the grape quality and “heritage” recognizing old world blending traditions. Meritage wines are growing in popularity, recognizing for its cellaring potential, yet enjoyable in youth.
Red Meritage
A Red Meritage is a blend of two or more of the red “noble” Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. Red Meritage flavors and aromas will vary depending on the grapes used in the blend, but it is a highly rated wine, with favorable smooth texture and complex structure.
White Meritage
A White Meritage is a blend of two of three specific white “noble” varieties — Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon or Muscadelle du Bordelais. White Meritage flavors and aromas will lean toward honey and lemon grass, but can vary as well and contrary to many other whites that do not have aging potential, White Meritage wines can benefit from cellaring, adding dimension with age.
Not a Meritage
If the blend includes any other grape variety other than those identified, it is not a Meritage, and to qualify as a Meritage, no single grape variety can make up more than 90% of the blend.
Pairings
Pair your Red Meritage with equally robust and rich foods: prime rib, Stilton Cheese, and Farmhouse Cheddar. Pair your White Meritage with lighter fare such as fresh seafood and poultry.
I do love a good blend; bringing out the beautiful notes, flavors, characteristics of each of the wines. Hmmm, I’m thirsty!
