Meritage Wine Turns 20
w ritten by TI M COUSI N S &
SHERIL BE NNE T T TURNER
M
eritage (a combination of the words “merit” and “heritage” and pronounced meh-rih-TIHJ) is a term that was created in 1988 by a group of vintners in America who were frustrated with how their high-quality blended wines were being labeled and federally regulated. Prior to that time, if a wine contained less than 75% of a single grape it was labeled “table wine.” This group of twenty-four vintners combined forces to establish the Meritage Association, which regulates membership to include only those labels that produce premium-quality, handcrafted, blended wines done in the Bordeaux tradition. This year the association celebrated 20 years of dedicated leadership in the wine industry by signing their 200th member, Revolution Winery in Ashburn, VA. “I think it’s fitting that our 200th member is Revolution
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Winery,” says Meritage Association chairwoman, Julie Weinstock. “Because when we started 20 years ago, Meritage truly was a revolutionary idea in the wine industry.” The association has grown over the years and includes wineries from 20 states in the United States, as well as a few other countries. One of the original founders of the association, Mitch Cosentino, remarks, “Meritage is now a recognized category of top-tier wines and I’m proud to have been a part of the process.” Indeed the first red Meritage released in the United States, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, was Mitch’s 1986 “The Poet.” Meritage wines are American kissing cousins to the betterknown Bordeaux blends of France, whose vintners have no qualms about blending regional grapes to make a better wine.
Bordeaux blended wines in France are made out of only five native grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, while to be considered a Meritage, the wine must consist of at least two Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, or Carmenere. To display the word Meritage on your label, though, the winemaker must also belong to the Meritage Association, and abide by other strict guidelines where quality and quantity are concerned. The same regulations apply to a handful of wineries that make white Meritages, which must contain at least two of the three varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Vert, and Semillon. A Meritage also must not contain more than 90% of any one grape variety. Since a red Meritage contains much of the same grape varieties as a French Bordeaux, the taste is similar, and according to the specific blend can have a full, rich aroma with hints of fruit, spice, chocolate, and vanilla. Some great examples of high-end Meritage wines include Quintessa, Rubicon Estate, and Phelps Insignia from California. Some more reasonably priced Meritage wines include Franciscan Magnificat, Newton Claret, and Rodney Strong Symmetry. These wines get better and better each year as the Meritage Association continues to compete successfully with the Bordeaux blends. Remember, it’s only blended grapes— Happy Birthday Meritage!!!!
Harvard’s Discount Beverage Greer has its very own discount wine and liquor store! Harvard’s has over 800 wines and all major liquor brands at discount prices and is conveniently located on Wade Hampton in the Staples shopping center.
864-879-9462
13450 East Wade Hampton Blvd. Greer, SC 29651
New Daily Specials Monday 1/2 off Steamed Oysters
Tuesday Steam Bowl
Oysters, Clams, Mussels, Crab Legs, and Shrimp
Wednesday Sushi Night
Assorted Sushi Rolls
Thursday
109 E. Poinsett St Historic Downtown Greer 864.879.1030
Low Country Boil Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Corn and Potatoes
A Traditional Oyster Bar with an Upstate Twist GreerNow JULY 2008
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