Dames Wine Releases Dames Brut And Donates $20,000 to Les Dames d’Escoffier

Winemaker Mireille Sauve launched the Dames Wine  with a 2013 vintage, donating profits to benefit of Les Dames d’Escoffier British Columbia Chapter’s Scholarship Fund. On November 25th Sauve, the Dames 2019 president, presented a $20,000 cheque to the organization at the Annual General Meeting, bringing the running total of the donation from the Dames Wine to $37,000. Funds will go to scholarships to women in the wine industry, and we are so very thankful! More on the first release here.

Following the first vintage of 2013 Dames Red, a 2015 Dames White and a 2016 Dames Rosé, the very last Dames Wine has just been released: 2017 Dames Brut; 19 months sur-lie, zero dosage, a certified organic blend of Okanagan Valley Pinot Blanc and Riesling. As with all Dames Wines, 100% of the profits from the sales of this wine will be donated to the Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter’s scholarship fund. Going forward the label will change to reflect a sustainable structure which will continue to benefit our local food & beverage community – henceforth, wines released will be branded as The Wine Umbrella Wines. 

Dames Brut 2017 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 flavours 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.

The Wine Umbrella Wines, replacing the Dames Wine, will raise money for BC women’s wine education, setting aside $2,000 per year for contribution to  Les Dames’ scholarships. Winemaker Mireille Sauvé will continue to craft one fundraising wine every year, under  ‘The Wine Umbrella’ label. The latest release, 70/40, is a red blend of Okanagan Valley grapes: 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Pinot Noir (and 10% Loire Valley inspiration).

The Wine Umbrella 70/40 Red 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 flavours, 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 fare such as duck confit and cassoulet or served slightly chilled alongside charcuterie or cheese plates.

“Personally, I am almost at a loss to explain how much this project has meant to me. While I set out to raise money for a good cause whilst doing something that I enjoy, the benefits that I have reaped from this initiative have been far greater that I could ever have imagined. All the hours and money that I invested into 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: Ann Sperling with her vast knowledge of viticulture, winemaking
and passions for natural wines… Penelope Roche ‘The Vine Whisperer’ with her five generations of winegrowing in Bordeaux and deep understanding of our terroir… Christine Moulson with her absolutely inspired design and branding skills… Janice Meyer with her sharp pencil and accounting skills… Marjorie King with her years of vast experience and inside knowledge of our local industry. ”And, I’ve gotta say too that many men rallied to back this cause in support of women’s education. I’ve learned so much from Jak Meyer, Chris Carson, Rickard Branby, Dylan Roche, Lanny Martiniuk, Rod King and Norman Cole – all have gone above and beyond to show me the ropes around making wine in this
valley in support of our cause.

“More than anything, this journey has transformed my passion for wine to a previously unimaginable level – 13 years into running my wine industry consulting business, I made the very significant decision to stop working with imported wines as my clientele, in order to focus my efforts exclusively on domestic wines. I’ve relocated my family to the Okanagan Valley and am thrilled to devote all my professional energies to being a part of the movement that will realize the true potential of our local wine regions.

“The Dames Wine project, and all the experience that I have gained through it, are responsible for my vinicultural epiphany: The future is here – RIGHT HERE in our soils. I am immeasurably grateful to everyone who has played a part in the success of the Dames Wine brand: consumers, trade and media alike. It has taken a village to raise these wines.”

Les Dames d’Escoffier British Columbia Chapter is an invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, scholarship and philanthropy. www.lesdames.ca