What's New at Chateau Morrisette Winery: New Wines, Wine Club and Appalachian French Fusion Cuisine

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May 04, 2016, 08:56 ET

FLOYD, Va., May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia's Chateau Morrisette Winery announces its newest wines, including the release of its first-ever Petit Manseng (2015), made from a rare French grape that's thriving in Virginia wine-making country. As well, this spring is a time of renaissance for the winery, which announces its new Founders Club wine club, latest award-winning wines, and The Restaurant at Chateau Morrisette's innovative new cuisine - Appalachian French Fusion - a gourmand's delight.

Chateau Morrisette's Enologist and Winemaker Brian Smyth's extensive knowledge of regional wines paired with his technical prowess made a Petit Manseng (2015) a natural evolution for the winery, which is known for its light sweet wines. Also, four new vintages debut this spring: Cabernet Sauvignon (2013), Vidal Blanc (2015), Viognier (2015) and Vin Gris (2015).

"We continue to improve the caliber of our wines, which are performing well in prestigious international competitions, even against much pricier vintages," commented Smyth. At the most recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Virginia Governor's Cup, and Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, the winery received a total of 16 awards for its wines, including for Our Dog Blue (2015), Chardonnay Reserve (2013), and its debut Petit Manseng, which won a Silver at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Via the winery's new website, visitors can sign up for the new Founders Club wine club to receive four bottles or a case of wine every quarter at a discount. Wine can be shipped to members' homes, or they can attend a quarterly pick up party at the winery, enjoying a convivial event with free wine tastings and special foods prepared for the occasion. "Members of the Founders Club can choose to follow a 'founder' of Chateau Morrisette, and receive sweet wines, classic wines, vintage reds or mix and match on their own," remarked Smyth.

Under Chef Cooper Brunk, the Restaurant at Chateau Morrisette has evolved its signature menu to reflect what he calls Appalachian French Fusion. The elegance of traditional French fare is recast with regional flavors and made with fresh, local produce, meats and cheeses. "As part of our seasonally-changing menu, we now offer unique wine pairings for each entrée, which enhance the flavor of the meal," said Brunk.

Located at Milepost 171.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, V.A., Chateau Morrisette welcomes visitors year round for wine tastings, including private Elite Tastings, and special events such as Mountain Adventure Weekend (June 3 to 5), and Sunday Sounds, free live music in the courtyard from June through October.

About Chateau Morrisette
Chateau Morrisette is a picturesque day trip from Roanoke, Charlottesville, Blacksburg, Christiansburg or the Piedmont Triad or a great weekend away from Washington, D.C., Richmond, Hampton Roads, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, Knoxville or Charleston, W.V. Wine tastings start at $8 per person. For more information, visit www.thedogs.com, call (540) 593-2865 or follow us on Facebook.