[page currently under reconstruction]


Friday, January 12, 2007

Chateau Morrisette

Chateau Morrisette is one of Virginia's largest wineries, and it is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 171.5). My husband and I stopped at the winery on our honeymoon. When we go to visit my family, we pass within 5 miles of this hidden gem. For those who know me well, the last thing you'd expect me to support would be a winery. However, don't worry! I'm not here to promote their wine. I'm here to recommend that everyone try their vinegars!
The first vinegar we bought from Chateau Morrisette (during our honeymoon) was their Late Harvest Reisling Vinegar. This is a sweeter vinegar that we most often simply used by itself to dress spinach salads with mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. I am not a fan of white or cider vinegar (at least, not by itself), but I loved the Reisling vinegar!
This December, five years later, we returned to Chateau Morrisette to get some more of the Reisling. Much to our surprise (and delight), they had expanded their offerings of flavored vinegars! [They also have flavored oils, pesto, and mustards that are also delicious.] I would highly recommend that you try them. How, do you ask? Luckily for you, they sell their products online, too! You can also find out more information about the winery and the events they have throughout the year. They currently offer Blood Orange, D'Anjou Pear, Blueberry, Spicy Pecan, and Strawberry Champagne vinegars in addition to the Reisling. If you visit the winery, you can sample the vinegars before purchasing. We ended up leaving with the Blood Orange, D'Anjou Pear, and Reisling. Like the Reisling, we just sprinkle some over a salad to enjoy. Personally, I think the Blood Orange is better than the D'Anjou Pear, but my husband disagrees. Either way, they're both delicious.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pam, I think the picture of the winery is beautiful. I wouldn't go there for the wines either. I'm wondering if the vinegars all have wine of some type in them (seeing as they are made at the winery)? I have no idea but worth my checking out.

Also, I went in Oil & Vinegar, a cute little shop in Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville just before Christmas. So many neat vinegars and samples...and ideas for gifts. Very classy shop and a little on the pricey side, but very interesting.

Thank you for the informative post. :)

Anonymous said...

Deb,
The vinegars list white wine vinegar as an ingredient, but that's it. (It's not the primary ingredient except in the Reisling). I don't think they taste 'wine-y'.
Sounds like a cute shop! If I ever make it back to C'ville, I'll check it out!