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Top 5 Meritage at the LCBO
If I Could Buy Only One – August 30th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the August 30th release, which one would it be and why?” Palacios Remondo La Montesa 2021, Rioja, Spain$26.95, Woodman Wines & SpiritsMegha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is a Rioja I tasted last week that has persisted not just in my […] More
John’s Chianti Classico Collection Report 2025 & Top Buys
By John Szabo MS Earlier this year I attended the Anteprime di Toscana, the annual release of new vintages from all the major Tuscan appellations (with the exception of Brunello di Montalcino, which hosts a separate preview tasting in November). It’s always a brilliant opportunity to catch up with producers, taste soon-to-be-released wines, and get […] More
John Szabo’s Buyer’s Guide to Vintages August 30th Release
If It’s in the Buyer’s Guide, It’s Worth Buying, and Navigating “Scoreflation” By John Szabo MS, with notes from David Lawrason, Michael Godel, Megha Jandhyala and Sara d’Amato Navigating the Scoreflation First, just a brief word on the admittedly tired subject of wine scores. We know that you know this already, but considering the theme […] More
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Meritage is pronounced Meh-rih-TIJ, rhyming with Heritage. This is a made-up word, registered as a US trademark, that wineries must pay to use on their wines. Back in 1989, wineries were all choosing names for their various blended wines, and it was getting hard to keep track of them all. An association was formed to try to define a "Bordeaux Blend" of grapes that was done on non-French soil. They had over 6,000 people submit choices for the name of this blend, and "Meritage" won. Just like Bordeaux, since they're made with the same grapes, Meritage wines tend to have a rich, full aroma. Depending on the particular blend, it can be blackberry, black cherry, spices, chocolate, and vanilla. Most Meritages have the Bordeaux signature flavours - cigar box, rich fruits, with a hefty feel. They're great with a steak, or with game meats - venison, pheasant etc.
