I enjoy a fairy tale and even more when it involves wine. In the 1980s, Napa Valley’s Franciscan Winery began making its Magnificat wine. It used the best Bordeaux blending grapes from the highest prized Franciscan vineyards. The only problem was that the U.S. wine industry had not created a name for wines made from blends.
The solution began when Agustin Huneeus of Franciscan called two of his best friends, American winemakers Bob Mondavi and Joe Phelp, to help him as he traveled the country looking for the right descriptor for his “Wine Waiting for a Name.” They arrived at an idea to conduct a contest to choose a name for this magnificent blend of grapes. The offer was well received, with more than 6,000 entries filling Huneeus’ mailbox.
The name was chosen and is very well established today on wine labels around the world: “meritage,” a combination of merit and heritage. This is an American word and not meant to be pronounced with the French accent, as is often done. If you are pronouncing it correctly, it will rhyme with “heritage.” As it is with most fairy tales, the ending is the happiest part. The winner of the naming contest was given a case of wine each year for the rest of his life from the most exceptional vineyards of “the three friends.”
THE VALUES
2010 Robert Mondavi Meritage, California (about $14 retail)
2009 Cameron Hughes Meritage, California (about $13 retail)
THE SPLURGES
2010 Lyeth Meritage, California (about $22 retail)
2010 Estancia Reserve Meritage, California (about $36 retail)
2009 Franciscan Magnificat Meritage, California (about $56 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email: [email protected]
Food, Pages 33 on 10/30/2013