Final pairing of TJ’s budget wine week!
A Meritage (rhymes with heritage!) is a New World blend that is produced Bordeaux-style, meaning it must include at least 2 of the 6 red Bordeaux varietals. The 3 major grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Malbec, Carménère and Petit Verdot appear in smaller quantities.
A white Bordeaux blend is primarily made of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with a splash of Muscadelle… but we’ll revisit this style another day.
A bottle of Meritage reminds us of a puzzle – Meritage wines often don’t have to disclose which grapes are a part of the blend, and yet the pieces (…grapes, but bear with us for the metaphor) fit together so beautifully in a silky, yet robust blend.
This Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Meritage, Lot #86 ($13) is easy to drink, velvety smooth, and shows a lovely blend of vanilla, blackberry, and a hint of plum.
Have you tried any of the TJ’s reserve wines yet? Let us know what you think!
Witty Pairs 