King Umberto - Long Island Italian Restaurant

Back in 1989, wineries were all choosing names for their various blended wines, and it was getting hard to keep track of them all, an association was formed to try to define a "Bordeaux Blend" of grapes that was done on non-French soil. They had over 6,000 people submit choices for the name of this blend, and "Meritage" won. This is a combination of the words "Merit" and "Heritage".

First of all, this can not be a mass-marketed wine. The release of Meritage must be under 25,000 cases. Secondly it has to be a "high-end" wine for the winery. And finally, it has to be a blend of certain grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Meritage, like Bordeaux (Since it’s made with the same grapes!) have a rich, full aroma. Depending on the particular blend, it can be blackberry, black cherry, spices, chocolate, and vanilla. Most Meritages have the Bordeaux signature flavors - cigar box, rich fruits, with a hefty feel. It's great with a steak, or with game meats - venison, pheasant, or so on!


601	Alexis, Swanson 2002	$95
	Estate bottled in Napa Valley
603	Alluvium, Beringer 1999	65
	From Knight’s Valley
605	Anthology, Conn Creek 2004	85
	From Napa Valley
607	Cing Cepages, Chateau St. Jean 1999	110
	From Sonoma County
609	Cuvee Julia, Delectus 1999	140
	From Napa Valley
611	Belle Cousine H D V 2004	110
	From Los Carneros, Napa Valley
613	Elevage, Chimney Rock 2001	120
	Out of Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
615	Generations, Charles Krug 2001	80
	From Napa Valley
617	Insignia, Joseph Phelps 2001	180
	Out of Napa Valley
619	Les Pavots, Peter Michael 2000	160
	From Knights Valley
621	Lyeth Red 2003	35
	From Sonoma County
623	Magnificat, Franciscan Oakville Estate 2001	80
	From Napa Valley
625	Marlstone, Clos du Bois 2001	85
	Out of Alexander Valley in Sonoma County
627	Omaggio, Seghesio 1999	90
	From Alexander Valley in Sonoma County
629	Opus One, R. Mondavi & Rothschild 2003	240
	From Oakville in Napa Valley
630	Opus One, R. Mondavi & Rothschild 1999	300
	From Oakville in Napa Valley
631	Artistry, Girard 2005	75
	From Napa Valley
633	Rubicon, Niebaum-Coppola 2001	150
	From Rutherford in Napa Valley
635	Rudd 2002	150
	From Napa Valley
637	St. Supéry 1999	95
	Out of Napa Valley
639	Tapestry, Beaulieu Vineyards 1999	90
	From Napa Valley
641	Vagabond, Bacio Divino 2005	80
	Out of Sonoma County
643	Trilogy, Floral Springs 2001	95
	From Napa Valley

651	Col Solare, Antinori & Ch.Ste. Michelle 1999	$110
	Out of Columbia Valley in Washington State
653	Meritage Red, Chateau St. Michelle 2002	70
	Out of Columbia Valley in Washington State