Wine Lingo
Meritage
(Rhymes with "heritage")

DISCOVER - May 28, 2009

The language of wine can be daunting, particularly if you don't speak French. Just how do you say Sémillon? Answer: Seh-mee-YOHN. Look for the Minute 00:60 to discuss common but often unclear wine lingo. After all, a wine is more enjoyable if you know its story and can keep up with cocktail conversations.

What does Meritage mean when used on a wine label? The word is the result of an international naming competition held by a group of American vintners. Seeking to promote Bordeaux blends made in the New World, it combines "merit" with "heritage" to honor the centuries-old art of blending grape varieties. There are Bordeaux blends with proprietary names, but to use the trademarked Meritage:

• A winemaker must blend two or more "noble" Bordeaux varieties.
  
  
• No single grape variety may be more than 90% of the blend.
  
  
• A red Meritage may only select from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot (and the rarer St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère).
  
  
• A white Meritage may only select from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon or Muscadelle du Bordelais.
  

Note the blends and enjoy drinking and pronouncing these Meritage wines:

Hahn Estates Central Coast Red Meritage, 2007 ($16)
Blend: 31% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 12% Malbec, and 9% Cabernet Franc.

Rancho Sisquoc Cellar Select Meritage, Santa Barbara County, CA, 2006 ($30)
Blend: 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 15% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Tagaris White Meritage, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2005 ($20)
Blend: 89% Sémillon, 11% Sauvignon Blanc.

St. Supéry Virtú White Meritage, Napa Valley, CA, 2006 ($28)
Blend: 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 48% Sémillon.

Interested in learning more? The Meritage Alliance website can be found at:
www.MeritageWine.org

Our Wine Lingo series discusses common but often unclear wine language.

Wine mark-ups and prices vary, and, as such, Wine Country Minute 00:60 cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listed prices. Please check around to find the best price and availability.

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