Until the Meritage Association coined the term, a blend like that could only be called “red table wine” here, which sounds inappropriately plebeian, or given a fancy proprietary name, like “Insignia” from Joseph Phelps Vineyards.Īny Meritage is likely to be good, because part of the deal in using the association’s term on a wine is that it be one of the winery’s top bottlings. “Meritage” is a made-up word that rhymes with “heritage.” It was the solution to the problem of what to call a wine in this country that’s a blend of two or more of the five traditional Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. But what is it? (And how on earth do you pronounce it?) Red licorice, cherry, cedar, and great chewy tannins from a brilliant marketer (Charles Smith) in Washington State. Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Columbia Valley $10). With juicy red berries, dried cherry, cranberry, and sarsaparilla, this bottle manages to deliver more Pinot Noir–ness than most with this price tag. A big blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cab Franc, with loads of aromatic fruit ― raspberry, plum, dried cherry. Here are three of our current crazy faves.Ĭirque Du Vin Red Wine 2006 by Peachy Canyon (Paso Robles $17). Although quality ranges wildly among the wacky names in wine aisles these days, a lot of good stuff comes with a sense of humor. What’s up with the crazy names? Can I trust a Cirque Du Vin as much as Château Grand Etcetera?ĭon’t write the “Circus” off. Seems they know that most of us are too embarrassed to order the cheapest wine on the list, and they’re too proud of their “value find” to let it languish unsold in the basement. We have it on the highest authority that some wine directors price their favorite inexpensive wine one notch above the cheapest bottle. Where are the best deals on restaurant wine lists? Put yourself in their hands to continue your wine-country day. Most wine-country restaurants take great pride in representing their region on the wine list. How cool it would be to take a bottle to dinner … Don’t do it! Save it for drinking at home. Wine-country dilemma: You’re touring wineries, fall in love with a new Pinot or what have you, and load up your trunk.If your bottle is something special, he or she will probably be interested too. He or she should do it tableside, so you can monitor its treatment. ![]()
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