The French Cultural Center Offers a Guided Tasting of the Finest Wines
Join the French Cultural Center as they kick off their 2018-2019 season of tastings with panache! For this event, they’re turning their gallery into a stylish tasting lounge, in a first of its kind setup that promises to be the beginning of a new series of tasting events. Sommelier Alexandre Sojfer will lead guide you in comparing five delicious champagnes on their sweetness, domains, and balance of Chardonnay versus Pinot.
Guests will also enjoy a special tasting of Crémant de Limoux, Domaine Collin, sparkling wine produced in Languedoc Roussillon.
Wines will be accompanied with light hors d’oeuvres and bites.
The tasting will start no later than 7:10. Thank you for your understanding.
WHAT YOU WILL BE TASTING
Jacquesson – Cuvée 740 – Extra Brut
The NV Cuvée 740, based on the 2012 vintage, is superb. Rich, ample and creamy, yet with striking translucence, the 740 has it all. A classic Jacquesson Champagne, done in the house’s contemporary style.
Bollinger Brut – Special Cuvée
A blend of current vintage stock with reserve wines aged in magnums, Bollinger’s Special Cuvée is consistently one of the top multi-vintage blends from Champagne.
Le Mesnil Grand Cru – Blanc de Blancs
Le Mesnil is the name of perhaps the best Growers Cooperative Champagne House in all of Champagne. Beginning in 1937, they now draw on the resources of 553 different growers, all of whom have their vineyards in Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, one of just 17 Grand Cru Vineyard (out of 318 vineyards in the region).
Billecart-Salmon – Brut Rosé
Billecart-Salmon believes that an early harvest yields more elegant, delicate champagnes.
Moët & Chandon – Nectar Impérial Demi-Sec
Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of success and glamour since 1743. Renowned for their achievements and legendary pioneering spirit, Moët & Chandon is synonymous with both cherished traditions and modern pleasures and has helped celebrate life’s most triumphant moments for more than 270 years.
ABOUT ALEXANDRE SOJFER
A Paris native, Alexandre is passionate about wine. He became an expert on the subject while working and studying across the globe—from France and England to Hong Kong and, of course, the USA. His dedication to the study of wines granted him immediate success and he became a Certified Sommelier in 2016.
Discover all that the French Cultural Center has to offer.
C’est la rentrée! The French Cultural Center invites all French speakers, Francophiles and French-at-heart to join them for their annual Open House. Get a taste of their exciting offerings and take a sneak peek at the fall season. Sip on French wine and savor tasty treats. Come in, mingle, and discover a little piece of France right in the heart of Boston!
Attendees who register for class at the Open House receive an exclusive discount!
This event is free. No prior experience with French is necessary. An RSVP is recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
About this Event
IN THE LIBRARY
Check out the latest arrivals, learn more about upcoming library programs and discover Culturethèque, the online platform available for free to members that contains hundreds of magazines, eBooks, comic books, and children’s picture books.
IN THE EDUCATION CORNER
Take a placement test and register for a fall class. Attendees will enjoy discounts on French courses if they register during the Open House. Interested in getting a taste for a class before registering? We’ll be offering 30 minute crash courses for B1 Coffee talk at 5:30 and for A1 Beginner French Core Language at 6.
Please RSVP at info@frenchculturalcenter.org if you want to attend a crash course. There is a limit of 10 students per class so act fast!
BECOME A MEMBER
Join or renew your membership. All those who join at the event will receive a free giveaway!
UPCOMING CULTURAL EVENTS
Learn about our fall line-up! With a variety of lively events featuring local and international artists, creative thinkers, innovators, and performers, our monthly programs include art exhibits, film screenings, debates, hands-on workshops, cooking classes and wine tastings, social evenings and holiday celebrations.
A never before seen pizza showdown is coming your way!
This fall at Eataly, some of New England’s most decorated athletes will trade their jerseys for pizzaioli (pizza maker) aprons and step up to our authentic Neapolitan wood-fired ovens. Pizza-making skills will be put to the test as each athlete competes for the title of “Best Pizzaiolo Pro.”
On October 24, athletes Rob Ninkovich and Jarvis Green of the New England Patriots will trade their jerseys for pizzaioli (pizza maker) aprons and step up to our authentic Neapolitan wood-fired ovens. Two of New England’s most decorated athletes will put their pizza-making skills to the test and compete for the title of “Best Pizzaioli Pro!” At the end of the night, guests can taste and vote for their favorite pizza as well as meet and have their photo taken with the guest athletes.
And the best part of all? Portions of proceeds from tickets and pizza sales will go to each athlete’s charity of choice. Jarvis Green’s charity of choice is the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation (dedicated to finding a treatment and eventual cure for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome) and Rob Ninkovich’s charity of choice is The Light Foundation (helps youth achieve their highest potential by providing them with unique outdoor learning experiences).
Can’t make it to the event? Don’t worry! For the rest of the month, each athlete’s pizza will be featured on La Pizza & La Pasta’s menu for you to come by and try.
Free, festive holiday fun for the whole family.
Stop by the Center for some fun holiday activities for ages 1-17. This is a great opportunity to learn more about us, sample our children’s classes, and celebrate the season with cookie decorating, story time, French language workshops for teens, and more!
All activities are FREE and open to the public. Walk-ins welcome, but activity registration is required as space is limited.
Schedule of Activities
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Holiday themed arts & crafts (ages 3 – 5)
RSVP here for the 9:30 AM workshop
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cooking Workshop (ages 7 – 12)
RSVP here for the 10:00 AM cooking workshop
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Holiday themed arts & crafts (ages 3 – 5)
RSVP here for the 10:30 AM acitivites
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Holiday themed arts & crafts (ages 6 – 8)
RSVP here for the 11:30 AM acitivites for children 6 to 8
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cooking Workshop (for teens)
RSVP here for the cooking workshop for teens
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Holiday Story Time (ages 1 – 4)
RSVP here the storytime
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Pronunciation Workshop (for teens)
RSVP here for the pronunciation workshop for teens
Join the French Cultural Center for a series of cooking and wellness workshops for women.
Is living healthy at the top of your resolutions this year? Join physician and Certified Health and Wellness Coach Martine Vounatsos for a series of three cooking workshops. We will discuss ways to incorporate wellness into every aspect of a woman’s mental and physical health, from exercise and supplements to sleep habits and cooking methods.
Participants will craft and enjoy a traditional and healthy French meal with Martine in a convivial environment.
Each workshop will begin promptly at 11:10 AM. Aprons, ingredients, and will be kitchenware provided.
Please note, this event is intended for women only and in English.
About the Workshops
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Come learn about nutrients, water intake, and dietary habits, then enjoy preparing soupe de poireaux et pommes de terre avec une salade en vinaigrette (potato leek soup and salad with homemade vinaigrette).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
In this discussion, we will learn about sleeping better and exercising—how and when? For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare velouté d’asperges et salade de carottes râpées (asparagus soup and homemade carrot salad).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
For our last discussion, we will learn about vitamins, supplements, and meditation. For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare soupe et crème de champignons et salade frisée au vinaigre balsamique (mushroom soup and frisée salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette).
The Center is proud to host the show French Eyes on Boston, a collection of portraits and landscapes painted by Marguerite Wibaux, who moved to Boston from France in 2017.
Marguerite’s landscapes marry the Renaissance perspective tradition with an American expressionist approach. The paintings engage with the artist’s perceptions of various points of view in Boston. From a pictorial standpoint, the landscape series explores various mediums and techniques, mixing oil and spray paint with acrylic and collage.
But what is a city without its people? The second component of Marguerite’s work explores Boston’s youth through portraiture.
These paintings aim to pay tribute to a rich diversity of styles, personalities, genres, origins, and cultures in a visually thriving and energizing series.
The gallery opening will include a presentation of Marguerite’s work and a reception with light refreshments. Registration required.
Join the French Cultural Center for a series of cooking and wellness workshops for women.
Is living healthy at the top of your resolutions this year? Join physician and Certified Health and Wellness Coach Martine Vounatsos for a series of three cooking workshops. We will discuss ways to incorporate wellness into every aspect of a woman’s mental and physical health, from exercise and supplements to sleep habits and cooking methods.
Participants will craft and enjoy a traditional and healthy French meal with Martine in a convivial environment.
Each workshop will begin promptly at 11:10 AM. Aprons, ingredients, and will be kitchenware provided.
Please note, this event is intended for women only and in English.
About the Workshops
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Come learn about nutrients, water intake, and dietary habits, then enjoy preparing soupe de poireaux et pommes de terre avec une salade en vinaigrette (potato leek soup and salad with homemade vinaigrette).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
In this discussion, we will learn about sleeping better and exercising—how and when? For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare velouté d’asperges et salade de carottes râpées (asparagus soup and homemade carrot salad).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
For our last discussion, we will learn about vitamins, supplements, and meditation. For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare soupe et crème de champignons et salade frisée au vinaigre balsamique (mushroom soup and frisée salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette).
Eataly’s 2nd annual Wine and Cheese Festival will make you say “what New Year’s resolution?”
Guests at this tasting festival will receive an all-access pass to wander through the entire store and taste a variety of artisanal cheeses and 20+ premium wines. At each station, you’ll learn about the characteristics and stories behind each cheese you’re enjoying and every wine you’re sipping directly from passionate experts. Experience an evening as the best of both Italy and New England come together with cheeses and wine sourced from top local and Italian producers.
Don’t miss this indulgent trip to Italy—without ever leaving Boston—for a Winter Wine and Cheese Fest designed by some of the best cheesemongers and sommeliers in the business!
All-Access Bracelets are $60
Ticket includes food sampling and tastings of 15+ cheeses/salumi and 20+ wines.
Due to the nature of the event, Eataly is unable to make menu substitutions to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions.
All guests planning to consume alcohol must be able to produce valid government-issue identification to prove they are 21 or older.
Join the French Cultural Center for a series of cooking and wellness workshops for women.
Is living healthy at the top of your resolutions this year? Join physician and Certified Health and Wellness Coach Martine Vounatsos for a series of three cooking workshops. We will discuss ways to incorporate wellness into every aspect of a woman’s mental and physical health, from exercise and supplements to sleep habits and cooking methods.
Participants will craft and enjoy a traditional and healthy French meal with Martine in a convivial environment.
Each workshop will begin promptly at 11:10 AM. Aprons, ingredients, and will be kitchenware provided.
Please note, this event is intended for women only and in English.
About the Workshops
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Come learn about nutrients, water intake, and dietary habits, then enjoy preparing soupe de poireaux et pommes de terre avec une salade en vinaigrette (potato leek soup and salad with homemade vinaigrette).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
In this discussion, we will learn about sleeping better and exercising—how and when? For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare velouté d’asperges et salade de carottes râpées (asparagus soup and homemade carrot salad).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
For our last discussion, we will learn about vitamins, supplements, and meditation. For the cooking workshop, attendees will prepare soupe et crème de champignons et salade frisée au vinaigre balsamique (mushroom soup and frisée salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette).
As the French Cultural Center clears room for a new year of tastings, you have one last chance to taste some of their favorite bottles.
Over the past seven decades the French Cultural Center has had the opportunity to partner with an abundance of fine institutions, vintners, and wine collectors.
And now, it is time again to make room for a new year of tastings. Join them for this fun evening of fine wine, featuring a broad selection of vintners that we know and love. This exceptional tasting will feature six wines, from various domains, regions, and even countries!
This tasting will be led by Certified Sommelier Alexandre Sojfer, resident Sommelier at La Voile Boston.
The event will start no later than 7:10 PM.
ON THE MENU
L’Ameillaud – Vin de Pays de Vaucluse – 2012 – Vaucluse, France
Smoky black and blue fruit scents are complicated by suggestions of licorice and cracked pepper. Focused and chewy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black currant flavors and a hint of cured meat.
Tinhorn Creek – Merlot – 2010 – South Okanaga, Canada
Established by the Shaunessy and Oldfield families on the South Okanagan’s legendary Golden Mile Bench in 1993, Tinhorn Creek is a very special winegrowing project, comprising 150 acres of spectacular vineyards in two distinct areas, one on either side of the valley.
Domaine Isle Saint Pierre – Cabernet – 2010 – France
Isle Saint-Pierre is a small island in the middle of the Rhone River, just 25km south of Arles and 15km from the sea. The vineyards, planted at the very heart of the Camargue region, stretch over 170 hectares around the island.
Jackson Triggs – Sauvignon Blanc – 2013 – Niagara Estate, Canada
Pale straw colour with a lively nose of gooseberry and lemon; fruit character is replayed on the palate; crisp and dry, with light / medium body.
Réserve Durand – Sauvignon Blanc – 2015 – Sancerre, France
From a small producer in France’s Loire Valley comes this dazzling white wine, rich with grapefruit and gooseberry aromas. The estate boast mature 25-30 year old vines and a mix of chalky, silicious soils.
Château Roc de Ségur – Bordeaux – 2011 – Bordeaux, France
This ripe, smoky, wood-aged wine shows ample fruit as well as solid tannins. The wine has richness and spice, the wood well balanced by black plum and final juiciness.
