The Meaning of Meritage

Dear Wine Ladies,

The term Meritage is one I have seen on wines from California. What does it mean and is it a French word? I’m afraid French class was not my strong suit and I’m wondering how to pronounce it. Merci!

Brian

Dear Brian,

Meritage is a term developed by the California wine industry used to describe wines that are made from the classic grape varieties used in Bordeaux. For the red wines this includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec and for the whites Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. As for the pronunciation, have no fear, meritage rhymes with heritage.