Final answer:
California producers have trademarked the name Meritage for a high-quality Bordeaux-style blend. Developed in the late 1980s, the name is now associated with premium wines that adhere to the production standards set by the Meritage Association and commonly include a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.
Step-by-step explanation:
California producers have trademarked the name Meritage to represent a high-quality Bordeaux-style blend. This trademark was established in the late 1980s by a group of American vintners to identify wines that are made in the style of Bordeaux but produced using the strict production standards of the Meritage Association. Like the well-known Bordeaux wines, a Meritage is a blend of two or more of the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot for reds, and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle for whites.
The Napa Valley, which is considered to be one of the premier wine regions in the world, is particularly known for producing these exceptional blends. California's Central Valley, the viticulture in California, and the recognition of areas like Napa Valley demonstrate the importance of wine production to California's agricultural economy. The distinction of the Meritage blend underscores the state's commitment to crafting wines that can stand on the world stage alongside the famous European varieties.