Image courtesy of Chrysalis Vineyards
Tickets are on sale now for a release party on Thursday, Nov. 21 in Middleburg.
Chrysalis Vineyards recently announced the official release of their 2024 Norton Nouveau, the first Beaujolais Nouveau-style wine to be made in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first wine of the 2024 vintage to be released in Virginia.
Chrysalis Vineyards is renowned for having the largest planting of Norton, Virginia's native grape, in the world. "Our passion for showcasing the versatility of Norton inspired us to create this unique take on a popular wine style," the vineyard noted in a press release.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a style of wine most commonly attributed to winemakers in Beaujolais,
Photo courtesy of Chrysalis Vineyards
Chrysalis Vineyards will celebrate their new wine release Thursday, Nov. 21. Tickets are on sale now.
France. It is traditionally made with the Gamay grape, utilizing an old-world technique called carbonic maceration. This process involves whole grape clusters being held in an anaerobic environment, which triggers an enzymatic reaction that converts malic acid into alcohol. The resulting wine is fresh and fruity, and most often enjoyed around the holidays in the same year it is produced.
The vineyard's Norton Nouveau was harvested Oct. 10, 2024 and made using the same technique, and was bottled five weeks later. The wine has notes of red plum, figs, and lavender with flavors of blueberries, morello cherries, with the classic Beaujolais bubblegum character.
Beaujolais Nouveau is typically released on the third Thursday of November (Beaujolais Nouveau day in France) and offers a sensational pairing with traditional holiday favorites. It complements the season’s roasted meats, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin desserts.
The vineyard is holding a release party Thursday, Nov. 21. Savor three expertly crafted appetizers, each designed to pair beautifully with the Norton Nouveau and highlight its unique character. Meet the winemaker, dive into the story behind this wine and gear up for some fantastic prizes. Tickets are $40 each.
Tickets include:
• Admission into the event (*Please note that this event is for adults only. The winery kindly ask that no children or infants attend.)
• One glass of the Norton Nouveau
• A plate of three appetizers
• A bottle of the 2024 Norton Nouveau to take home
Link to purchase tickets for the Norton Nouveau Release Party: https://www.chrysaliswine.com/product/Release-Party-24Nouveau
About the Ag District
Nestled in the Bull Run Mountains, the Ag District spans 412 acres of rich lands and stunning vistas. This working farm, registered as an Agricultural and Forestal District, is home to Chrysalis Vineyards, Locksley Farmstead Cheese Company and the Little River Bakehouse. At its heart is the Ag District Center, a beautiful gathering spot with a tasting room, creamery, kitchen and brick ovens for delicious meals.
The Ag District's journey began in 1998 when Jennifer McCloud bought her first tract of land to grow Norton grapes, aiming to revive this historically significant Virginia native. What started as a passion for viticulture soon blossomed into a deep love for the land and its bounty.
