American Bordeaux
Meritage is just like Bordeaux, since it's made with the same grapes!! There's a rich, full aroma to it. Depending on the particular blend, it can be blackberry, black cherry, spices, chocolate, and vanilla. Most Meritages have the Bordeaux signature flavors - cigar box, rich fruits, with a hefty feel. It's great with a steak, or with game meats - venison, pheasant.
A classic example of an American Bordeaux, eh, Meritage is Joseph Phelps's "Insigna". Phelps has been producing this huge hunk of love for years and constantly ranks up there with the best juice produced in America.
Another great way to enjoy a Meritage at a terrific price is to purchase from American Negociants such as Cameron Hughes. I represent Cameron Hughes Wines in in-store demonstrations; he has put together a great collection of wines that he has bottled with his own lot numbers. I especially enjoy his Meritage lot 139, at around $10 a bottle it represents a terrific value for a dynamic wine, so much so that you actually will have to decant this wine. A great price and terrific example of an inexpensive Meritage at retail but with a big boy mouth feel.
But remember, if you store your Bordeaux's or Meritage's in a nice wine rack in your living room you might as well get ready for a vinegar salad dressing. Room temperature refers to the climate in French Caves which hovers around 57-64 degrees. So do you and your wine a favor and purchase a nice 30-50 bottle temperature controlled wine storage unit.
Now go out there and enjoy your picnic.
