Riserva Meritage (1991)

About this wine

The 1991 Ferrari-Carano Riserva Meritage is a testament to the art of blending, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This full-bodied wine greets the nose with aromas of ripe blackberries, vanilla, violets, and toasted oak. On the palate, it offers a luxurious mouthfeel with flavors of blackberry, cassis, oak, minerals, and soft dusty earth. Even after decades, this wine maintains a remarkable balance, with the fruit still pronounced and the tannins having softened beautifully. Aged to perfection, it stands as a shining example of Sonoma County's winemaking prowess.

About the grape

The 1991 Ferrari-Carano Riserva Meritage from Sonoma County is crafted from a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and tannic structure, forms the backbone of this blend, providing longevity and complexity. Merlot adds softness and approachable fruit flavors, balancing the robust nature of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic qualities and subtle spice notes, enhancing the wine's bouquet. Malbec, though less commonly used in Bordeaux-style blends, imparts deep color and rich, plummy flavors. Petit Verdot, often used in small quantities, adds depth of color and floral notes, along with firm tannins that aid in aging potential. Ferrari-Carano's meticulous vineyard practices, including sustainable farming and careful site selection across their Sonoma County estates, ensure that each varietal expresses its best characteristics, culminating in a harmonious and age-worthy Meritage wine.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The term "Meritage" is a blend of "merit" and "heritage," created in 1988 to describe American wines made in the Bordeaux style.
• 🍇 Ferrari-Carano's 1991 Riserva Meritage is a Bordeaux-style blend from Sonoma County, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
• 🏰 The 1991 vintage was among the early releases of Ferrari-Carano's Reserve Reds, which later became known as "Trésor" starting with the 1994 vintage.
• 🌄 Ferrari-Carano's vineyards span over 1,500 acres across six appellations in California, including Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, and Dry Creek Valley.
• 🌱 The winery's commitment to sustainable farming includes practices like recycling organic matter for compost, planting cover crops to prevent soil erosion, and integrating animals to enhance biodiversity.

Palate profile

Producer

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano, who were inspired by the beauty of Northern Sonoma County while sourcing wines for their Reno hotel and casino. They began with a 60-acre parcel in Alexander Valley and expanded their holdings over time. The winery released its first wines in 1987, including a 1986 Fumé Blanc and a 1985 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. In 2019, Ferrari-Carano's 21 vineyards earned California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance certification, reflecting their commitment to sustainable practices. The winery is renowned for its Italianate architecture, Villa Fiore hospitality center, and five acres of exquisite gardens that attract numerous visitors annually.