Meritage

Meritage meaning in wine

Meritage is a trademarked term for Bordeaux-style wine blends, most often from the United States, made by wineries licensed to use the name. It is pronounced like “heritage,” not like a French word. A red Meritage must blend at least two permitted Bordeaux red varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère, St. Macaire, or Gros Verdot, with no single variety making up more than 90% of the wine. A white Meritage blends at least two of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. The term was created from “merit” and “heritage” to give New World Bordeaux-style blends a clear identity without using the protected Bordeaux name.