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Chateau Morrisette Sign-- We arrived! |
After we arrived, we browsed the shop for a few minutes waiting for the next wine tour to start. I was excited to see the wine making process in action.
The large stainless steel tanks that held the wine during the fermentation process
It was very cool to see the size of the tanks during the tour.
Chateau Morrisette has a signature stamp of a paw print they they place on all of the wooden barrels.
The rows of barrels that wine is placed in for an extended period of time to age before bottling.
This machine is used to bottle the wine. Wine filters through the suction mechanism and is then placed in the individual bottles.
The tour lasted about a half hour. It was really cool to see a lot of the topics we talked about in class occur in the winery. There were a lot of bottles stacked up, in storage before they are shipped to the distributors.
After the tour, we had the opportunity to taste 10 wines made on site. Each of the wines had unique and very intriguing properties. I enjoyed having the opportunity to sample them. For $8 we got to try 10 wines and take home a complimentary Chateau Morrisette glass.
2010 Chardonnay:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- Green apples, citrus, and melon aromas infused with mild vanilla and fig float from this opulent wine. Tasting reveals citrus, pear, passion fruit and honey augmented by rich nuances of caramel and toast. Silky and creamy in texture, this wine features a toasty, but smooth butterscotch finish. Slow barrel fermentation and subsequent aging sur lies (on the yeast) for 8 months resulted in a well-balanced and complex wine. Our Chardonnay pairs well with crab, lobster, and other rich seafood, especially cream sauces; roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, and sharp cheese.
My take: This Chardonnay was very fruity. I detected hints of melon on the nose, like honeydew melon. I tasted citrus flavors. There was hardly any oak in this Chardonnay
Independence:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- 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 take: This wine had a floral aroma. It was dry and crisp with a lingering finish. It had a tart taste, like green apple.
2010 Chambourcin:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- Aromas of plums and berries lift from this dark violet, augmented by gentle notes of black tea. Tasting 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, revealing glimmers of black pepper. Chambourin is an exceptionally smooth and food-friendly wine. Enjoy it with grilled meats, sausages, roasted poultry, and dishes with mushrooms. Try with chocolate!
My take: This was my favorite wine of the tasting. It was a dark purple-ish red color. It had dynamic rich fruit components. It smelled like spices, and had light tannins.
2010 Cabernet Franc:
Chateau Morrisette- Dark berry and delicate cedar aromas illuminate the juicy plum and black cherry flavors in this mid-weight, mouth-watering wine. The velvet tannic structure, augmented by a small amount of Petit Verdot, slowly fades into a warm, lingering finish with cheeses. Try it with dark chocolate!
My take: This wine was very light bodied. It had tannin up front, and then a smooth finish. It had some spice, which lingered for a little bit.
2008 Petit Verdot:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- Our 2008 Petit Verdot invites with traces of vanilla emerging from rich, dark fruit aromas. Wild berry and raisin flavors mingle with savory nuances of black pepper and taost, all wrapped in robust, velvety tannins. Mocha joins the berry character through the long finish. Try our Petit Verdot with juicy grilled steaks or sharp cheeses.
My take: This wine had soft tannins and a low level of acidity. It had a raisin-y taste to it, which I agree with the tasting notes. It was a very dynamic wine.
2010 Vidal Blanc:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- Refreshing flavors of citrus and apples are augmented by grapefruit, melon and floral aromas. Medium-bodied and smooth, this vintage features a lengthy, aromatic finish. Very food-friendly; pairs well with a wide variety of grilled or roasted poultry and seafood
My take: This wine only has 1% residual sugar. It was lighter bodied, and very refreshing. I tasted crisp hints of citrus.
Blushing Dog:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- A refreshing semi-sweet blush wine made from a distinctive blend of Vidal Blanc and Traminette, with a touch of Chambourcin for depth as well as the inviting blush color. Lush aromas of flowers and fruit are balanced by crisp acidity. Excellent on its own or with a summer picnic.
My take: This wine was very sweet, smooth and fruity. It would pair well with spicy food. I tasted flavors of citrus.
Sweet Mountain Laurel:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- A unique and refreshingly sweet dessert style wine made from Native American grape varieties. Firm acidity balances the sweetness, producing a crisp 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 take: This wine was made from Niagra grapes. The pourer described it as "white grape juice on steroids." As soon as I smelled at tasted it, I definitely agreed with that statement. It had the distinctive taste of Welch's white grape juice.
2010 Frosty Dog:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- 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 an aperitif.
My notes: This wine was made like German ice wine, so it was very concentrated. It had 11% residual sugar. It is made to take the place of dessert. It was very sweet, so I would see it satisfying someone's sweet tooth craving.
Blackberry Wine:
Chateau Morrisette Notes- Sweet and smooth, our Blackberry Wine is packed with the vibrant fruitiness of succulent, sun drenched berries. Try it lightly chilled with most any grilled or spicy food.
My notes: This wine was a very light pinkish red with some specs of pulp. It was very smooth and tasted like blackberries. It would pair well with fresh fruit dessert.
I really enjoyed being able to experience the wines at their place of origin. I had a great time with my roommates. I would love to go back and eat at the restaurant -- the food sounded amazing, and I have heard a lot of good things about it from other friends.
