Maybe you’re familiar with Meritage, or maybe the name is brand new to you. In honor of the upcoming release of our 2020 Meritage Reserve, here’s the story of how — against the odds — this old-meets-new Bordeaux blend became our most popular wine.
The History
A Meritage, by design, is a New World wine crafted in an Old World style. Specifically, it’s a blend of two or more approved, region-specific Bordeaux grape varieties. For a red Meritage, those grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Started in California in the 1980s, the name is a portmanteau of “merit” and “heritage.” It’s pronounced to rhyme with “heritage.” The wines are regulated and licensed by the Meritage Alliance.
The Idea
When we were shiny new vintners, dreaming about what grapes we’d grow at M Cellars, we had the wild thought to bring Meritage varieties in the Grand River Valley. We say “wild” because people told us we were crazy. They said that those varieties wouldn’t work in our region. But we studied our terroir and the growing success of other cool climate regions, such as Niagara-on-the-Lake. And we thought… it’s worth a try.
The Grapes
We found that Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grew very well in our soil. In fact, Cabernet Franc has emerged as a rising star. Merlot, although more winter tender, can be successfully produced on our land. And Petit Verdot falls in between. Malbec didn’t suit our climate, so we opted not to grow it. In the end, our Meritage was crafted using four out of the five approved Bordeaux grapes. We became the first estate producer in the Grand River Valley.
The Wine
Our Meritage was immediately popular with guests and soon became our best-selling wine. It won multiple awards, including the 2019 Director’s Choice for best red wine from the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Ohio Grape Industries Committee. This year will mark the ninth season producing this bold Bordeaux blend.
If you haven’t yet, we hope you’ll try our 2019 Meritage Reserve. Aged 10 months in American and French oak, this vintage is complex and full-bodied, with notes of dried dark fruit and toasted warm spices. Stop in to our tasting room, or order online. We hope to serve you soon.
