Glossary
Meritage
/MAIR-ih-tij/
American Bordeaux-style blend from authorized grapes.
Full Definition
Meritage is a trademarked term for American wines made from traditional Bordeaux varieties. Red Meritage uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and/or Malbec. White Meritage uses Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and/or Muscadelle. No single variety can exceed 90%. The name combines 'merit' and 'heritage.'
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with M
Maceration
Soaking grape skins in juice to extract color, tannin, and flavor.
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Wine showing oxidation and heat damage, like Madeira.
Magnum
A 1.5-liter bottle, holding two standard bottles.
Malic Acid
A tart acid in grapes, converted to lactic acid during ML.
Malolactic Fermentation
Bacterial conversion of tart malic acid to softer lactic acid.
Master of Wine
The most prestigious wine qualification worldwide.