Les Dames d’Escoffier (British Columbia Chapter) is an invitational organization of female leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, scholarship and philanthropy.
Les Dames launched a fundraising project in 2015, producing various wines, made by Dames president Mireille Sauve.
To date, a Dames white, red, rosé and sparkling wine have been released.
"Personally, I am almost at a loss to explain how much this project has meant to me. I set out to raise money for a good cause while doing something that I enjoy, the benefits that I have reaped from this initiative have been far greater than I could ever have imagined, Sauve shares.
All the hours and money that I invested in this project returned to me a wealth of knowledge.
I have been very fortunate to work with some truly remarkable women in the production of these wines, each of whom taught me a great deal."
While the Dames Wine label will conclude with the 2017 sparkling wine initiative, #drinkforacause will carry on.
Sauve has developed a label known as "The Wine Umbrella", with a Loire-Valley-inspired red blend “70/40”. This wine is also a fundraiser, financing educational scholarships for BC’s food and beverage professionals through Les Dames d’Escoffier’s scholarship fund.
The aim is to continue making one wine every year to continue supporting educational assistance for the cherished industry.
The Wine Umbrella "70/40"
- 70% Cabernet Franc
- 30% Pinot Noir
- 10% Loire Valley Inspiration
Grapes sourced from the Naramata Bench and Oliver, BC
Sauve's tasting notes:
"Lighter in body, this wine appears light crimson with a distinct purple hue. Distant blackberry aromas pair with bay leaf, strawberry and capsicum pepper on the nose. Fresh blackberry and strawberry notes introduce a complex mouthful of flavors, with floral and earthy notes, bell pepper and star anise balancing throughout.
A long finish lingers with soft toasted notes, a touch of acidity and well-integrated tannins. This is an ideal wine to accompany typical French bistro fares such as duck confit and cassoulet or served slightly chilled alongside charcuterie or cheese plates".
Dames Brut 2017
- 70% Riesling
- 30% Pinot Blanc
- 100% organic fruit sourced from Sperling vineyard in Kelowna, BC
Sauve's tasting notes:
"Fine bubbles introduce this Traditional Method Extra Brut sparkling wine. A bread-dough aroma allures with ripe Golden Delicious apples in the wine’s bouquet.
Bright citrus flavors include lime zest, grapefruit pith, and kumquat. Mouthfeel is rich and creamy with apples and a hint of brioche on the palate. Orange blossoms and bitter apricot linger with a dry finish.
An excellent celebration sparkler, or paired with canapés such as smoked salmon crostinis, fresh oysters, virtually any fish… and, well… hot tubs."
To find out more about Les Dames d'Escoffier or to inquire about ordering wine visit their website.
