Meritage

Meritage is a red grape variety, and it traces back to Napa Valley, USA.

Structurally it lands at medium-full body, medium tannin, medium acidity, dry and medium alcohol.

Look for blackberry, cherry, plum, coffee, vanilla and oak.

The regions that matter for it are Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Columbia Valley and Okanagan Valley.

In the vineyard it is marked by mid ripening, medium vigour and a preference for temperate.

It blends readily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Watch for the synonyms: Bordeaux Blend, Meritage Red and Meritage White.

At the table it suits osso bucco, beef yakitori and stewed lentils with bacon.

The structure.

Where it grows.

Blends well with.

Food pairings.

Also labelled.

Bordeaux Blend, Meritage Red, Meritage White.

Bottles to look for.

• Arietta Quartet, Napa Valley, USA
• Baily Vineyard & Winery Meritage, Temecula Valley, USA
• Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Meritage, Okanagan Valley, Canada
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Artists Series Meritage - Red Blend, Columbia Valley, USA
• Cooper's Hawk Winery Lux Meritage, California, USA
• Cosentino Winery The Poet Meritage, Napa Valley, USA
• Damiani Wine Cellars Meritage, Finger Lakes, USA
• DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate, Yakima Valley, USA

Meritage: common questions

Keep going: the A to Z grape index, or the wine regions of USA.