"I prefer my Meritage accent-free, thank you."
I always chuckle a bit when a sommelier at a fancy restaurant offers a Meritage wine, but incorrectly pronounces the name with a French accent. Not because I'm a snobbish wine elitist (I can't pronounce the Soave regional grape, Garganega, to save my life), but because the story behind the name has been drilled into me time and time again by other enthusiasts I meet.
The name Meritage--which rhymes with 'heritage'--was coined in 1981 by the winner of a Los Angeles Times contest to designate a distinguished class of American wines blended in the image of Bordeaux. The name is legally restricted to blends that meet the following criteria:
-must be produced by an American winery;
-the producer must be a member of the Meritage Association;
-red blends must be made solely from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Petit Verdot;
-white blends must be made solely from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, or Muscadelle;
-no more than 25,000 cases are made each year;
-the blend must be one of the two most expensive wines produced by the winery.
Though it may sound like a draconian list of requirements, the movement has paid off. Meritage wines are increasing in popularity, and with good reason. For more information on the name and specific producers, follow the Meritage Association link above. To try our current selected Meritage wines, check out the Valley of the Moon Cuvee de la Luna or the Dry Creek Meritage. Both are delicious, bold, spicy red blends that merit a chilly fall or winter evening and a hearty home-cooked meal. Good company always helps as well!