Short definition
An American wine term for Bordeaux-style blends using traditional Bordeaux grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Meritage was coined in 1988 to give California Bordeaux-style blends a name, since US labeling laws require 75% of one grape for varietal labeling. A red Meritage uses two or more of the classic red Bordeaux varieties. A white Meritage uses Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The term rhymes with "heritage," not "itage." Some producers have moved away from it, preferring proprietary names.