Bailliage Of Des Moines
Société Mondiale du Vin
A message from our Echanson
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with anticipation for the upcoming changes and collaborations within our esteemed society.
I am thrilled to announce that our website is undergoing enhancements to provide a more immersive and user-friendly experience for all members. These updates aim to streamline navigation, improve accessibility to resources, and foster greater engagement within our community. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our refreshed website, designed to better serve your needs and enhance your membership experience.
In addition to our website enhancements, I am delighted to share news of an exciting collaboration with our Charge de Presse, Together, we are curating a series of captivating events that promise to delight the senses and celebrate the rich tapestry of culinary and oenological excellence. From exclusive wine tastings to gastronomic soirées, these collaborative events will offer unique opportunities to indulge in the finest epicurean experiences while forging meaningful connections with fellow members.
As we embark on this journey of innovation and collaboration, I invite you to stay informed and engaged with our upcoming announcements and events. Your participation and support are integral to the continued success and vibrancy of our chapter.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and enthusiasm.
Cheers to an exciting year ahead!
Warm regards,
Dan Divine
Vice Echanson,
Société Mondiale Du Vin Des Moines Chapter.
Krause Family Wines at Allora
Former Des Moines Bailli, Michael LaValle, recently hosted Mondiale members at his Cafe Allora, treating guests to a delightful event on Saturday, March 22. Attendees savored a selection of Krause Family wines, including Vietti and Enrico Serafino Wines from Piedmont, Italy, owned by the Krause family of Des Moines. The six wines, all sourced from Okoboji Wines, Iowa's Krause wines distributor, were carefully paired with delectable dishes prepared by Michael and his team. These highly acclaimed wines, each scoring 90 points or more, were expertly presented by Nick, the local Okoboji representative, who offered insights and answered queries throughout the evening.
Chaine Des Moines Dinner at Oak Park Restaurant
On Friday, April 25, members of the Chaine Des Moines convened at Oak Park Restaurant in Des Moines for an exquisite Iowa dinner themed "Spring in Iowa." The menu featured fresh spring vegetables, including asparagus, morel mushrooms, and rhubarb.
Guests who arrived early enjoyed cocktails and engaging conversations while waiting for everyone to be seated. Dinner commenced at 6:15 PM, beginning with a refreshing glass of Chartogne-Taillet to cleanse the palate in preparation for the upcoming five-course meal.
The teamwork at Oak Park was commendable and became evident throughout the evening. This collaboration began long before the Chaine members arrived. The chef meticulously crafted a menu with courses that seamlessly flowed into one another, ensuring the flavor profiles of each dish were perfectly balanced, allowing every component to be savored. This harmony of flavors enabled the wines to be expertly paired.
Wines were selected by Sam Tuttle, Certified Sommelier and Wine Director for Oak Park. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Sam showcased his expertise in choosing delightful wines that complemented each course beautifully.
Kudos to both the chef and the sommelier for their outstanding teamwork. Wines were served before each course, allowing guests to savor them prior to dining, facilitating a smooth transition from one course to the next. Oak Park is establishing a wine team that is unparalleled in Iowa; not only is their Wine Director a Certified Sommelier working towards his Advanced Sommelier certification, but many staff members have also completed the level one Introductory Sommelier Course.
The service was exceptional, with the entire Oak Park staff seemingly dedicated to our section when it came time to serve each course. The Chaine principle of "Prompt Eating and not waiting for others to be served" was unnecessary, as the entire table was served simultaneously.
To conclude the dinner, guests enjoyed a 2014 Château Rieussec, Sauternes paired with a unique dessert: a strawberry rhubarb doughnut with mascarpone, champagne sorbet, and pecans. This delightful treat elegantly tied back to the initial glass of Champagne and echoed the Spring in Iowa theme with the inclusion of rhubarb.
Overall, the evening’s expectations were met or exceeded! The Chaine Bailliage looks forward to future visits.
-Dan