# Reserve Meritage (2021)

- **Producer:** Mission Hill Family Estate
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Okanagan Valley, Canada
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, dark cherry, fig, smoky, spicy notes, blackberry pie crust

## About this wine

The Reserve Meritage by Mission Hill Family Estate is a red wine from the Okanagan Valley, Canada, produced in 2021. This Meritage blend is crafted from a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and potentially Petit Verdot, sourced from the Oliver and Osoyoos regions. Mission Hill Family Estate is a prominent winery in British Columbia, known for its commitment to quality and its architecturally significant estate. The 2021 vintage is distinguished by its youthful structure and potential for long-term aging, reflecting the optimal ripening conditions of the Okanagan's warmer southern areas for these classic Bordeaux varietals.

## Interesting facts

- Meritage is a proprietary term for a blended wine, often inspired by Bordeaux varietals.
- The grapes for this wine come from the warmest, most southern parts of the Okanagan.
- This wine is designed for cellaring, with a peak drinking window extending several years.
- Mission Hill's winery is an architectural landmark in the Okanagan Valley.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and dry, youthful tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like beef, lamb, and duck. The concentrated dark fruit notes in the wine can echo or contrast with savory elements in dishes, while the oak aging provides a subtle spice that pairs well with herbs and earthy ingredients.

## Wine making process

The Reserve Meritage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend produced by Mission Hill Family Estate in the Okanagan Valley. The grapes are sourced from the warm, southern sub-regions of Oliver and Osoyoos. Following harvest, the grapes undergo fermentation, though specific details are not provided. The wine is then aged for 14-16 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, a process designed to build complexity and refine its structure. This careful winemaking aims to create a Meritage that is both expressive of its origin and capable of significant aging.