In the United States, a wine is usually labeled by the dominant grape varietal used to make the wine. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon wine must be produced from at least 75% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This is not the case in some parts of Europe where the bottle is often labeled by the name of the grape growing area and the wine is normally a blend of the grape varietals from that area. A Bordeaux wine from France is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.
In America, blended wines were sometimes considered simple, everyday wines. However, some winemakers desired to create high quality blended wines in the Bordeaux style. They grouped together and coined the name Meritage(rhymes with heritage) to signify a high quality wine blended from the Bordeaux varietals listed above. A winemaker must pay a fee to use the name Meritage and meet certain quality standards.
Every year, Costco produces a Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage. The wine is currently available for a limited time in our local store. The 2010 Napa Valley Meritage is composed of 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. and it contains 14.1% A.C. As you would expect, the wine is more flavorful than a merlot but smoother than a Cabernet Sauvignon. This is rich tasting high quality wine. The bottle suggests that you may taste dark cherry or plum flavors. The wine is priced at $10.99.
SC Wine Joe Rating =89
In America, blended wines were sometimes considered simple, everyday wines. However, some winemakers desired to create high quality blended wines in the Bordeaux style. They grouped together and coined the name Meritage(rhymes with heritage) to signify a high quality wine blended from the Bordeaux varietals listed above. A winemaker must pay a fee to use the name Meritage and meet certain quality standards.
Every year, Costco produces a Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage. The wine is currently available for a limited time in our local store. The 2010 Napa Valley Meritage is composed of 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. and it contains 14.1% A.C. As you would expect, the wine is more flavorful than a merlot but smoother than a Cabernet Sauvignon. This is rich tasting high quality wine. The bottle suggests that you may taste dark cherry or plum flavors. The wine is priced at $10.99.
SC Wine Joe Rating =89
Bill and I are going to join Costco so we will be interested to read what other great finds you make at this store. We are enoying reading your blog....and if you need any "research" assistance, please let us know.
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