The Black Dog Blog

Chateau Morrisette's Vin Gris featured in Savor Virginia Magazine

Read Nisa Cochran's article on line at Savor Virginia Magazine.

Chateau Morrisette in Floyd, Va. is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state, first opening in 1978 and attracting wine and food lovers ever since. The winery produces more than 75,000 cases of quality wine a year, distributes to nine states and overseas and offers an AAA Four Diamond restaurant with scenic views.

Chateau Morrisette’s Vin Gris is a beautiful summer wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Chambourcin. Vin Gris is made through a method known as saignée, which translates in French to “bleeding” as the red wine gets all of its color and most of its flavor from contact with the skins during fermentation. To concentrate flavor, aroma and color in their red wines, Chateau Morrisette increases the amount of skins in their tanks while “bleeding” off the rose-colored juice.

Vin Gris is best served chilled and pairs well with cheese-based dishes, with tasting notes of raspberry, peach and strawberries with a crisp and fruity finish. It’s an enjoyable wine ideal for sipping on during summer days. For a perfect pairing, try the Vin Gris with this Apple Butter, Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe:

Apple Butter, Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 thick slices artisan white bread

2 thin slices Brie cheese, rind cut off

2 slices bacon, cooked

1 tablespoon apple butter

Butter, as needed

Instructions

Cook bacon till crispy, and then set aside.

Butter one side of each slice of bread.

In a large pan, place one slice of bread, butter side down. Top with apple butter, brie cheese and cooked bacon. Then, top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

Over medium heat, cook for about 2½ minutes on each side of the sandwich, until bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve with a glass of Chateau Morrisette Vin Gris Dry Rosé.

 

Washington, DC Commuters Discover Chateau Morrisette

The May/June issue of @Livemore magazine features an article about Chateau Morrisette and why DC and Northern Virginia commuters should visit us here in Southwestern Virginia.  To see the complete article, click here: READ CHATEAU MORRISETTE ARTICLE

Chateau Morrisette is located along the Crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains at milepost 171.5 of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.  Just an hour off I-81 (exit 114), Chateau Morrisette Winery is open daily for cellar tours, wine tastings and shopping.  Wine educators will entertain and educate you about the diverse selection of Chateau Morrisette wines, from dry varietals to sweet blends, along with four very popular fruit wines.  Tastings last about 20 minutes and cost $10 per adult. Cellar tours are offered at specific times throughout the day.

Guests visiting Wednesday through Sunday can enjoy locally sourced, contemporary Appalachian cuisine at the Chateau Morrisette Restaurant, located adjacent to the winery.  Ranked by Open Table as having one of the top 100 restaurant views in America, the Chateau Restaurant offers casual fine dining in a rustically elegant setting.  Terrace dining is available when weather permits, and during the cooler months, there are three wood-burning fireplaces for an even more romantic dining experience.  Executive Chef Mitchell Sheppard changes the menu seasonally to take advantage of the fresh produce grown on the estate and by a local network of farmers.  The current menu consists of grass fed beef, Virginia and North Carolina seafood, poultry, pork and dairy from nearby farms; each course comes with a suggested wine pairing.

Looking for special events and exciting adventures?  Chateau Morrisette is well known for its wine dinners, summer music festivals, outdoor recreation events, and more.  From June through October, there are free concerts every Sunday on the winery courtyard, with a featured jazz band every first Sunday.  Over Memorial Day Weekend, a limited number of guests will enjoy dinner with the winemaker, along with a special menu designed by Chef to showcase the very best Chateau

Morrisette wines.  In July, the Black Dog Summer Music Festival features Americana Music.  Beth McKee delivers fiery-sweet, deep southern grooves, and Austin soul ensemble Mingo Fishtrap heats up the dance field with horn-driven rhythm.  Beach Music comes to the mountains in August for the Black Dog Beach Music Festival.  Steve Owens and Summertime open the festival, with the Dancing Chicken Band at mid-day, and an afternoon performance from Carolina Beach Music legends the Entertainers.    In September, guests have an opportunity to work in the vineyard and make some wine for a half day, spend some time with plein aire painters, or have an early Oktoberfest with the Wine, Beer and Brats festival.  There is always a good time to be had at Chateau Morrisette.

When the summer humidity along the Potomac becomes oppressive, a visit to Chateau Morrisette and Floyd County, Virginia is just the ticket to beat the heat.  While in the area, don’t miss the world famous Friday night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, or stop by and sample some moonshine at Five Mile Mountain Distillery, craft beer at Buffalo Mountain Brewing, cider at Foggy Ridge, or even meade at Black Snake Meadery, all located within minutes of Chateau Morrisette.  Hiking, rafting and other outdoor adventures are available nearby.  Lodging packages are available on the website and include mountain cabins, quaint bed and breakfast inns, hotels, and cottages.  For more information, visit www.thedogs.com.

Sunday Sounds Returns to the Winery Courtyard!

The first Sunday Sounds of 2017 drew a lovely, lively crowd, with guitarist Lew Woodall's jazz ensemble bringing in our live music season season in smooth style. Join us every Sunday June through October, from 1p - 4p on the winery courtyard - admission is free! We recommend bringing seating in case the dance tent is full.

Daytime Blue Ridge previewed the Sunday Sounds season with Chico and the Willies. Check out the full Sunday Sounds performer calendar and savor every drop of the weekend with us!