Meritage

In order to become members and use the term Meritage on their labels, wineries must pay dues of $1 per case produced (up to a maximum of $500) annually to the Meritage Alliance and their wines must meet the following criteria:

• • A red Meritage must be a blend of two or more of the following varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Gros Verdot, Carmenère, and St. Macaire.

• • A white Meritage must be a blend of two or more of the following varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Vert, and Semillon.

• • For either red or white, no single variety listed may make up more than 90 percent of the blend.

• • The Associates also strongly suggest that any wine labeled Meritage also be that brand's most expensive offering, presumably to keep the term from sinking into the "fighting varietal" mire.