COMPOSITION: A red Meritage is made from a blend of two or more of the following varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenere. "Meritage," pronounced like "heritage", was selected from more than 6,000 entries in an international contest to name the new wine category. Meritage is an invented word that combines "merit" and "heritage" --reflecting the spirit of members of The Meritage Association.
15% Cabernet Franc
85% Merlot
VINIFICATION:
At the harvest each varietal involved in the blend is fermented separately. Daily pump-overs are made to extract color and tannins until the proper mouthfeel is reached. At the end of the alcoholic fermentation the grapes are pressed and the wine transferred to French and American oak barrels for about one year. After aging the Meritage is blended. Depending on the quality of the vintage, the percentage of each varietal involved in the blend will vary yearly.
DESCRIPTION:
This classic blend of red Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – extends the range of the Salmon Run into carefully crafted, age-worthy red wines. Barrel aged in mostly French oak barrels for a year, this blend offers both uncommon complexity and value. With its exquisite balance, soft tannins and smooth finish, this wine is certain to appeal to even discerning wine lovers.
ANALYSIS:
Alcohol: 12.7 %
Acidity: .54 g/100 ml
pH: 3.38
Sugar: 0.2 %
What is a Meritage?
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