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Buyers Guide to VINTAGES – Aug 18th, 2018
Noble Grapes versus Native Grapes By David Lawrason with notes from John Szabo and Michael Godel Last week John shone a light on the new wave of grape varieties re-making Australian wine in VINTAGES August 18 release – thanks to an uncharacteristically daring collection assembled by VINTAGES buyer Greg MacDonald. Langhorne Creek Montepulciano eh? This week […] More
David Lawrason: A Canadian Wine Industry Champion
WineAlign’s David Lawrason: A Canadian Wine Industry Champion By John Szabo Industry insiders know it’s no surprise that David Lawrason was named Wine Industry Champion during the 2018 Canadian Wine Industry Awards ceremony held a couple of weeks ago in Kelowna, BC. Few have worked as tirelessly as Lawrason to shine the spotlight, and educate both […] More
John Szabo’s VINTAGES Preview – Aug 18th, 2018
The New Australia By John Szabo, MS, with notes by David Lawrason and Michael Godel Australia has worked hard over the last decade to re-shape its image from purveyor of inexpensive, fruity “sunshine in a bottle” to serious, regionally-focused fine wine producer and innovator. If you’re still stuck in the old paradigm, then the VINTAGES […] More
National Wine Awards of Canada
Discover Canada's best wines! In 2016, 22 judges tasted 1,535 wines from 230 wineries across the country to identify Canada's top wines.
View Award-Winning Wines
World Wine Awards of Canada
Seventeen judges tasted 1,000 wines in 21 categories in 2015 to find the world's best wines sold in Canada under $50.
View Award-Winning Wines
Meritage is pronounced Meh-rih-TIJ, rhyming with Heritage. This is a made-up word, registered as a US trademark, that wineries must pay to use on their wines. 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. Just like Bordeaux, since they're made with the same grapes, Meritage wines tend to 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 flavours - cigar box, rich fruits, with a hefty feel. They're great with a steak, or with game meats - venison, pheasant etc.
