Chateau Morrisette Winery Visit

I went on a winery visit to Chateau Morrisette this weekend with a group of friends. We planned on taking a tour of the winery facilities as well as sampling wines.

All of us outside of Chateau Morrisette.

Chateau Morrisette is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia. On the property there are 13-acres of grape vines, which is not enough grapes to make all the wine produced by Chateau Morrisette. They have contracts with other grape growers across the state of Virginia that ship grapes to the main site at Floyd. The other benefit of getting grapes shipped in from different areas is that because of the altitude of Floyd only certain grapes can grow at that altitude.The biggest harvest is in October.

This is where the grapes come in and the stems are picked up and are crushed for the juices.

After the grapes are picked they are put through a machine in which the grapes are picked off the stems. A metal cylinder with holes turns, and the grapes go in the holes and into a holding container. Then the grapes are put into a crusher. When the grapes are crushed, no matter what types of grapes they are, the juice is white. In the crusher a metal cylinder with holes on the outside and a bladder that expands to crush the grapes, they make sure to not expand the bladder to much because then the seeds will be crushed releasing more acid than desired.

Fermentation tanks and barrels.

After the wines have been fermented they are aged, they are either in a French Oak, American Oak, or a Stainless Steel based on the type of wine. Only two whites are aged in oak. Because of the cost of French oak barrels ($700) they are not experimenting with using Belgium oak that is grown in the same soil conditions as French Oak. A French Oak barrel, that will age a wine for a year and a half, will last for seven cycles.

Bottling process/machine.

 After the wines is aged a wine tester will taste the wine a determine how to mix them in order to produce the wine correctly. There is also a lab that will test the acidity, pH balance, and alcohol content. After the wine is mixed and ready to bottled it is put through a machine that can bottle 3500 bottles an hour.

After the winery tour we sampled some of the different wines available:
       Chardonnay; Independence; Dry Rose; Chambourcin; Cabernet Franc; Merlot; Cabernet Sauvignon; Petit Verdot; The Black Dog; Vidal Blanc; Our Dog Blue; Sweet Mountain Laurel; Frosty Dog; and Blackberry Wine.

Frosty Dog

Name: Frosty Dog
Variety: Not listed
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $19.99

Winery Review: Freezing resulted in a concentrated, aromatic juice, which when fermented became this sumptuous, complex dessert wine. Aromas of apples, citrus, and orange blossoms are accentuated by lively acidity. The lingering finish drips with honey, pear, and subtle mango flavors. This delightful wine is a great dessert by itself, and can also be served as a aperitif.


My Review: This is the first ice wine that I have had. The aroma was very fruity and you could smell a hint of sugar. I must say that it is very sweet, much sweeter than I expected an ice wine to be. It has a very citrus taste, although you could clearly taste the honey. I would recommend this wine to people, but only with the caution that they need to drink it when they are in the mood for very sweet wines. This is not a wine I can see drinking often.

Sweet Mountain Laurel

Name: Sweet Mountain Laurel
Variety: Native American grape varieties
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Price: $10.99

Winery Review: A unique and refreshingly sweet dessert style wine made from Native American grape varieties. Firm acidity balances the sweetness, producing a crips finish with aromas of freshly picked grapes. Pour over fresh berries and sponge cake or blend with vanilla ice cream and fruit for a creamy dessert smoothie.


My Review: You can smell the fresh fruit in the aroma of the wine. It is a very unique aroma. This wine is very sweet, and light on the pallet. It taste like a they used a concord grape type.

Merlot - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Merlot
Variety: Merlot, blended with Cambourcin, small amount of Cabernet Franc, and small amount of Tannat
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: The ruby red vintage fuses leather, black tea and tobacco box aromas with plum and berry flavors. Medium bodied, velvet-textured and slightly spicy, this wine pairs wonderfully with fame meats, lamb, and mushroom dishes. This wine was blended with Chambourcin, a small amount of Cabernet Franc for depth, and was finished with a bit of Tannat for added structure.


My Review: When I smelled this wine I could smell a hint of tobacco and earthy smells. The last of the wine is very earthy and fully bodied. It has a slight peppery taste to it, but it is not overwhelming. I can see this wine going well with a meal.

Cabernet Franc - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Cabernet Franc
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Wild berry and cedar aromas illuminate the plum and black cherry flavors in the mid-weight, mouth-watering wine. The silky tannic structure is augmented by small amounts of Petit Verdot and Tannat, and slowly fades into a warm, lingering finish with emerging cocoa notes. Ideal with steaks, this wine also pairs well with lamb, game, mushroom dishes, and medium to sharp cheese. Try it with chocolate!


My Review: This wine has a very strong aroma of cherries and a slight hint of alcohol. It has a taste like cherry. The wine has a good body and lingers on the pallet. It has a fully developed taste.

Chambourcin - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin
Variety:Chambourcin
Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Aromas of plums and berries lift from this dark violet wine, augmented by gentle notes of black tea. Tasking quickly fills the mouth with rich fruitiness, suggesting cherries and blueberries. Silky and soft, this medium to full bodied wine features a fruity and exceptionally long finish, reveling glimmers of black pepper. Chambourcin is an exceptionally smooth and food-friendly wine. Enjoy it with meats, sausages, roasted poultry, and dishes with mushrooms. Try it with Chocolate!



My Review: The bouquet is very strong, and appealing. It has deep rich colors. The taste of the wine is very smooth with a peppery flavor it is. Once I sipped the wine I could tell that my mouth was filling with the different flavors of this wine. The berry flavors stood out very well in this wine.

Dry Rose - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Dry Rose
Variety: Chambourcin
Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2010
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Our newest wine, Chateau Morrisette Dry Rose, is made by separating juice from the grapes prior to fermentation, resulting in this lovely rose-colored wine. Made from 100% Chambourcin grapes, our Dry Rose is crisp and juicy, with the character of citrus and strawberries, gently augmented by subtle suggestion of peach and banana evolving from the lingering, aromatic finish. This wine is food friendly, pairing well with ham, roasted poultry, sweet Italian sausage, and most any savory, non-spicy foods. Try it with chocolate-covered strawberries!


My Review: The smell of the wine really opened up as I swirled the wine. It was a very nice color, very light. I found this wine to be dryer than any roses that I have tasted before, which was shocking because I was expecting a sweeter wine. It had a very fruity taste and I think that it would be paired well when eating fruit. It was recommended that this wine would pair well with ham, I can see this being true and would like to try it at some point in time.

Independence - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Independence
Variety: Blend - Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Price: $12.99

Winery Review: A blend of Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, this refreshing dry white wine is packed with the lively fruit characters of grapefruit and melon. The smooth texture and entrancing aromas of white flowers and roses complete this delicious tribute to Independence.


My Review: This wine had a very light but floral bouquet. I can taste the grapefruit and melon. I find that this pairing of wine is very interesting, it has a unique taste unlike any other wine I have tasted. I think that because of the sweetness of the different types of grapes used that I would almost consider this a desert wine, more than a table wine.

Chateau Morrisett Chardonnay

Name: Chateau Morrisette Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Pear and applesauce aromas float from this opulent wine. Tasting reveals refreshing citrus fruit, augmented by rich naunces of toffee, fig and vanilla. Smooth and creamy in texture, this wine features a lengthy finish infused with traces of melon and pineapple. Slow barrel fermentation and subsequent aging sur lies (on the yeast) for 8 months resulting in a well-balanced and complex wine. Our Chardonnay pairs well with crab, lobster, and other rich seafood, especially with cream sauces; roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, and sharp cheese.


My Review: I can smell the fruit in this wine, very light smell. I can taste hints of pineapple and pears in the wine, as well as the oak from being aged. It is very smooth and has a clean finish. I do agree with the list of dishes that this Chardonnay would pair well with. This is a wine that I would buy just to try it with a food dish.

Heinz Eifel Shine

Name:Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety:Riesling
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors. Tangy acid on the long finish provide balance.

My Review: This wine has a lime smell to it. When I tasted the wine I noticed two things, 1. it has a very lime taste, and 2. it reminds me of a Corona but with a lot of sugar and not as much carbonation. For Riesling being my go to wine, I did not enjoy this wine. I do not think I would buy this wine or recommend it to someone unless they like sugary wines.

Don Ramon

Name: Don Ramon
Variety: Tinto
Region: Campo De Borja
Country: Spain
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo. Aged 3 months in American Oak casks. Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry. Flavors turn toward deeper and darker black cheery and raspberry on a medium framework. A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.


My Review: I liked the color of this wine, like the winery review describes it has a very ruby color to it. The smell is a little peppery with the combination of cherry and raspberry added in. When I tasted the wine I could take the cherry flavor and a hint of the oak. This combination is really great and I think that it would pair well with many different types of food.

Resonata

Name: Resonata
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country:Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Dense ruby red violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mullberries, blackberries, and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background.


My Review: I am not the biggest fan of red wines but I must say that this is one of my favorite wines that I have tasted. It was very smooth. You can smell the berries in the wine, the smell definitely had an impact on the wine. The taste of the wine was a nice balance between spicy and berries. The spicy aspect was not overpowering.

Protocolo

Name:Protocolo
Variety: Blanc
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon, and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value.


My Review: It smells like a mix of lemon and mint. When I tasted this wine, the first thing that I thought of was a sauvignon blanc. It has a melon flavor, and it very clean. I feel like it has a little kick at the end, but its not overpowering.

Santola

Name: Santola
Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp and clean win, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors. Off dray and very fresh.


My Review: This is the first Vinho Verde that I have tried. Overally I liked the wine, but I don't know if I would go out of my way to buy it. It had good flavors just not my favorite in wine form. I could taste the pear and grapefruit very well, which I enjoyed. It was also very light and fruity.

Emeri

Name: Emeri
Variety: Pink Moscato
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: We select fruit from vines with generous canopies allowing natural fruit ripening. The fruit is picked and gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle naturally before being filtered. The wine is cold fermented to retain fresh fruit characters.



My Review: I could smell a strawberry flavor. The taste is very bubbly taste to it, but it is not too sweet like other sparkling moscatos that I have tasted. I can see this wine being served outside of just a desert wine.

Black Chook

Name: Black Chook
Variety:Shiraz/Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $18.95

Winery Review: The seamless integration of Shiraz co-fermented with Viognier, generates a seductive nose of apricots, spice and ripe berries. The palate is smooth and full of rich flavor, perfect for a long lingering finish of delightfully soft Shiraz fruit, but not without the punch.


My Review: You could see the pepper flakes in the wine, which is a huge turnoff for me because I am not a huge fan of peppery wines. When I tasted the wine I got an overwhelming taste of pepper.

Woop Woop

Name: Woop Woop
Variety: Cabernet
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: Winemaker, Ben Riggs and his team have produced a full and flavorsome wine, deep-hued with lifted aromatics and a structured but supple palate. Smooth, rich and generously loaded with mulberries, black cherries and spice on the palate, the finish is long lasting, delicious, dense and fruit-packed. With tannins enhancing the tastes and richness of food, this is a perfect red meat or pasta accompaniment.


My Review:  It has a good smell, some spicy smell comes through. You can taste the different flavor components of wine, the pepper flavor turned me off some. But I would love to try this wine with grilled food, because I can see that pairing going very well together.

Grayson Cellars

Name: Garyson Cellars
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: The 2010 Grayson Chardonnay is brilliantly ripe and shows aromas of bright, brisk acidity with notes of peach and Asian pear. The palate offers green apple with a crisp finish showing gentle hints of apple pie and tropical fruit.


My Review: I can really taste the oak flavor in this wine, but it is not overpowering. You can smell the apple and pear flavoring. Out of all the Chardonnays that I have every had this has to be my favorite so far, I really think it has to do with the French oak aging. I would recommend this Chardonnay to anyone looking for one.

Don Rodolf

Name: Don Rodolf
Variety: Torrontes
Region:  Cafayate Valley
Country: Argentina
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Light yellow-gold color with hues of green. A very fruity, floral nose with white peach and hints of citrus. Good volume in the mouth with complexity and balance, and an excellent fresh finish.


My Review: Definitely a good smell to it, very fruity. I can really taste the peach and citrus flavors. I would recommend this wine to anyone that wants a 'non-mainstream' wine.

Innocent Bystander

Name: Innocent Bystander
Variety: Moscato
Region: Victoria
Country: Australia
Year: 2001
Price: $15.95

Winery Review: The focus of Innocent Bystander is to produce quality, flavour-driven wines from carefully selected vineyards in the Yarra Valley and beyond. Over time Steve Flamsteed and his team have increased that level of complexity and texture in the Innocent Bystander wines with greater used of wild fermentation and restrained oak handling.

My Review: I find the color very appealing, that the moscato is made from black muscat grapes, giving it the pink coloring. When I tasted it, it is very sweet. Definitely a desert wine and would go great with desert. I still prefer regular moscato wine over sparkling wines.

Sivas Sonoma

Name:Sivas Sonoma
Variety: Cabernet
Region:  Sonoma County
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: Fruit driven, with a nice combination of blackberry, red currant, and a background of dark chocolate and cocoa. A hint of brightness in the fruit aromas, together with the classic Cabernet depth, signals this wine's Sonoma County roots. On the palate, dark chocolate-covered cherry flavors meet hints of mocha, and the dark fruit profile carries all the way though the lively mid-palate The mouthfeel is soft and silky, with mouthfilling, velvety tannins that give the wine finesse and marry well with the wine's light acidity. In addition, the mixture of French and American oak aging lends light touches of vanilla and cinnamon to this wine's background complexity. This wine's focused fruit profile and depth, finishing with a long raspberry not.

My Review: The fruity smell really comes though. When I tasted the wine I noticed a bitter taste towards the end. But when I tasted it for the second time I really noticed the coco flavoring was well a some of the fruit flavors. I believe that this wine would go great with desert foods or food made with a hint of coco.

Frisk

Name: Frisk
Variety: Prickly Reisling
Region: Alpine Valley
Country: Australia
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: Leave to the Aussies to come up with a tasty value wine with a sassy descriptive name. Frisk is a frisky Riesling with a pleasing level of prickly spritz lifting in the ample fruity flavors. It has a pale straw color lively bubbles, loads of tropical fruit and jasmine aromas, off-dry fruity flavors, a refreshing 8.9% alcohol and a sweet/tart finish; and all that Australian goodness. [Also contains 11% moscato grapes]


My Review: The first thing I noticed about this wine was the smell. It was very fruity. When tasting it, it is very sweet. The wine was very fruity and easy to drink. I believe that this wine will go really well with desert.

Allamand

Name: Allamand
Variety: Cuvee St. Jeanette
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $11.95

Shop Review: From the winery formerly known as Finca El Reposo comes this blend of 90+ year old Chardonnay and the almost extinct grape Saint Jeannet. Seaint Jeannet originated in the South of France, but is now thought to exist only at the one vineyard in Argentina. Made from naturally from organically farmed grapes with almost nothing added later, wild yeast fermentation and no oak.

My Review: I did not like this wine personally. I knew that Chardonnay wines are usually dry but when I tasted this I was surprised on how bitter and dry the wine was. Although I did get a hint of fruit in the drink.

Leese Fitch

Name: Leese Fitch
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $10.95

Winery Review: A lovely Sauvignon Blanc, dry, crisply acidic and clean, with complex citrus, flower and mineral flavors. A great value for the money.

My Review: When I smelled it the flower and citrus aromas really came through. When I tasted it I got a hint of dry towards the end. But overall I enjoyed the taste of it and I think that it would go really well with a meal.