Cabernet Sauvignon is a splendid grape variety used in the creation of some of the worlds finest red wines. The full-bodied, complex wines made properly from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are well balanced and intense with splendid fragrances. These long-lived wines start off high in tannins, but smooth out to a velvety finish with aging.

"Meritage" is a registered trademark of The Meritage Association and can only be used by wineries that agree to the Meritage Associations licensing agreement. The word "Meritage" is a combination of the words "Merit" and "Heritage." Red wine from Bordeaux is made with certain grape varieties, principally, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. A red Meritage must be made from at least two of these grapes and no single varietal may comprise more than 90% of the blend.

Pinot Noir is the famous red grape used for all red Burgundy wines and the majority of Champagnes. The juice is less tannic and richer textured than Cabernet Sauvignon, and therefore it matures more rapidly.. Characteristics: Soft, fruity and smooth.

Merlot is an early ripening and productive grape that originated in France and is now grown widely in many areas including California and Northern Italy. The grape produces a rich fruity non-astringent wine that, because of its softness, is often blended with many of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons such as Bordeaux. Characteristics: Firm to soft and slightly fruity.

Zinfandel is a red grape varietal grown extensively in California. The character of a Zinfandel wine can vary greatly depending on the vineyard, ranging from wines that are light and fruity with a very delicate character to big, rich wines full of intense flavors.

Syrah and Shiraz is the same grape and the two names can be used interchangeably. The name "Syrah" is mainly used in America and France while "Shiraz" is the name typically used in other countries such as Australia. Shiraz or Syrah is intensely colored, ripe and spicy with cedary oak flavors. Richly textured, with firm, ripe tannins and a long tangy finish. This is a delicious, bold and satisfying New World "Winter Warmer". Characteristics: Super ripe fruit, bold, spicy and deep in color.

Chardonnay is one of the worlds great white wine grapes. In France where it originated, it is used in the making of Chablis, Le Montrachet, Pouilly-Fuisse, and Champagne. It has also been widely planted in California. When properly aged in oak, the fragrant and flavorfully crisp wines derived from Chardonnay are rich and well balanced with wonderful body and finesse and a lingering after taste. Characteristics: Full bodied, intense and crisp. Many wine styles from fruity to oaky.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian white wine most widely recognized by consumers. It is grown most prominently in the Friuli and to a lesser extent the Alto-Adige and Veneto regions of Northern Italy. Pinot Grigio is also grown widely in Europe under the following names: Pinot Gris Germany (Rulander), Alsace, France (Tokay d Alsace) and Eastern Europe (Tokaji). These thin-skinned grapes produce wines that are marked by their dryness, crispness and acidity. This combination gives the grape tremendous mouth-watering appeal. On the nose the sensations are of flowers and the palate is honey, pear and lemon.

Sauvignon Blanc is a good basic dry white wine made from the grape of the same name. The Sauvignon Blanc grape may be used in combination with other grapes to make wines such as the White Bordeaux wines of France. Characteristics: Usually dry and smoky or grassy.