Adirondack Winery’s “Meritage” Wine Earns Platinum Medal!

at the Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (April 2016): Adirondack Winery is pleased to announce that its “Meritage” (Premium Edition, 2013 vintage, red wine) was awarded with a Platinum Medal and a score of 95 points at the 2016 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition, staged March 19-20, 2016 in San Diego, California.

At the Critics Challenge, the Meritage was judged alongside more than 1,300 wines from 14 countries. Of those, only 5% of the wines submitted were awarded with a Platinum Medal. The medal also came with a judges’ overall score of 95 points, considered an excellent score in the wine world. The Critics Challenge’ panel of judges boasted 16 wine writers, bloggers and sommelier’s, including Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW (Director of the International Wine Center in New York City), “The Wine Guru” Robert Whitley, Michael Cervin (Author & Head Wine Writer for Fine Wine & Liquor Magazine), and many more.

Rich Cook, a reviewer for WineReviewOnline.com said that Adirondack Winery’s Meritage is “certainly not light on flavor or fragrance, presenting itself like a fine Bordeaux. Blackberry, vanilla, black cherry, dry earth and lively spice and chocolate mix well together on a bright palate that intensifies in the long finish. Nicely done!”

To craft this 2013 Meritage, Michael Pardy, Adirondack Winery’s CEO & Wine Maker, carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from New York, and Malbec grapes from California. He fermented and masterfully blended the three wines (a 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 24% Malbec blend), aging them in First Vintage American Oak Barrels (new barrels impart the most oak flavor) for more than two years. The winery released only 220 cases of Meritage in June of 2015.

Meritage wines come with a unique story. The name Meritage (pronounced like “heritage”) combines "merit," reflecting the quality of the grapes, with "heritage," which recognizes the centuries‐old tradition of blending, long considered to be the highest form of the winemaker's art. In order to use the wine name, Adirondack Winery had to obtain a license from the National Meritage Alliance  and follow a strict guidelines set of guidelines. Meritage wines must be a blend of at least two of the traditional red or white Bordeaux grape varieties and no single varietal can make up more than 90% of the blend. Meritage wines are highly regarded for their aging potential, but are also excellent in their youth.

The Meritage wine label, which fittingly carries a caption of “Adirondack Trio,” features three red Adirondack Chairs sitting on a Lake George dock in Autumn. All of Adirondack Winery’s labels feature oil paint images of the beautiful landscapes of the Lake George / Adirondack region.

Adirondack Winery President, Sasha Pardy, said, “It is very fitting that news of our first ever Platinum medal coincides with our 8th Anniversary. I am continually impressed with the continuous evolution of quality my Husband, Michael and his Assistant Wine Maker, Brad Casacci, achieve with our wines.”

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ABOUT ADIRONDACK WINERY:

Adirondack Winery opened in 2008 as the region’s first winery. Winemaker/ CEO, Michael Pardy, creates the winery’s more than 35 wine varietals, which have won more than 120 medals at competitions to date. Adirondack Winery’s wine labels serve as a beautiful representation of Lake George and the Adirondacks, featuring artistic photographs of the gorgeous landscapes and landmarks of the region.  Adirondack Winery’s wine making facility is located in Queensbury, NY and its Tasting Room is located at 285 Canada Street in Lake George, NY. Adirondack Winery’s wines are available for sale at its Lake George, NY tasting room; through its online store; at more than 300 wine retailers in New York; and at wine festivals & fairs throughout New York. Adirondack Winery is also the presenter of the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival.