10/03/11

Permalink 09:45:14 am by faccsf, Categories: 1. Special events

Wine legs

The very thought of legs in the context of wine conjures up the image of swirling glasses in a sea of tuxedo clad men. Oohs and Ahs fill the air as everyone examines the wine legs, those droplets on the glass that the French so poetically dub “wine tears".
Using terms such as “body", “glycerin", “circles around the august body” everyone agrees that ,based on the prophecy of the wine legs alone, this is indeed a fine wine.
The scene is a compelling one, indicative of upper class and privilege. While even the most ardent anti- wine snob tries to conceal it, there is more often than not a shimmer of exclusivity while engaging in the passion of wine tasting.
It is for this reason more than any other that the myth of “wine legs” as an indicator of wine quality continues to exist. It is further aggravated by the greater myth that the legs are linked to the amount of glycerin in the wine. It is not uncommon for those who teach about wine to propagate this myth.  Many believe it is true, but a few offend the wine world as they know better but are simply too lazy to correct the misconception.
Legs are the result of the simple fact that the alcohol (ethanol) in wine evaporates faster than water. This is called the Marangoni effect. The alcohol crawls up the glass as it evaporates, but the film of water remains on top and pushes up the alcohol in an arch. Eventually gravity wins and the water’ surface tension is broken, and the droplets run down in tears.
The greater the alcohol content, the greater the leg. While this would seem to be a handy indicator in a blind tasting, in fact the percentage of alcohol needed to notice a difference is so great that it would be the difference between a table wine and a fortified wine. It is unlikely that legs would be necessary to help you tell these two types of wines apart.
As to the glycerin, first and foremost there is no glycerin in wine. Glycerin is a syrup that one buys at the drug store. Glycerol is the correct term and it is alcohol. The amount of alcohol in wine is very small, and while it contributes to sweetness, it does not contribute to the body.
Whereas the imagery and poetry of the wine tears is overwhelming, it is in fact no true test of body nor is it due to glycerin or glycerol. While legs are an indicator of the alcohol level, it is a redundant observation and in no way useful in evaluating true wine quality.
A votre bonne sante!

09/09/11

Permalink 12:23:02 pm by faccsf, Categories: 1. Special events

 

Dear members, dear all

As you all know, Carole Granade has left for France and I have been appointed new Director of the FAACSF. I will do my best to focus on and develop the FACCSF missions : fostering the relationships between the French and American business communities, helping the newcomers to the Bay Area and answering your business and networking needs as well as possible. I would be very happy to hear about your experience with the Chamber, your expectations and wishes, in order to make sure we work in line with the French business community.

I hope to have the pleasure to meet and work closely with you very soon. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us, and participate to the events that are coming up.

Brynhild Dumas

 

08/10/11

Permalink 01:45:50 pm by faccsf, Categories: 1. Special events

 

THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!

The Association « The French Will Never Forget » (TFWNF) was created in 2003 in reaction to the anti French sentiments which prevailed in a large portion of the American population, following the diverging analysis of France on the situation in Iraq and her ensuing refusal to commit troops to operation “Desert Storm”. A standard cliché regularly returning in several American media, and hammered by various pundits and

political figures was that France did not remember what the United States had done for her during the First and the Second World War , and was just ungrateful. Read more about the Association “The French Will Never Forget”

The 2011 Memorial Project : The key idea is to erect, on September 11 2011, a scaled reproduction of both World Trade Center Towers, in front of the Palais de Chaillot esplanade. These will be built by erecting scaffolding which will be covered on each of the four sides by a white tarpaulin. Each of the towers will measure approximately 30 meters in height (or the equivalent of a 10-story building) and will be 4 meters wide. The technical aspects of the project have been validated by the firm OGER INTERNATIONAL, and the LAYHER Company will be tasked with the actual construction of these scaffolding. These two companies are world-renowned in their respective field. Click here for a detailled explaination of the operation.

For more information or to make a donation contact Paul Bensabat or click here.

PowerPoint Presentation explaining the event, and sponsorship information

 

Permalink 01:42:28 pm by faccsf, Categories: 1. Special events

 

RealChange

From November 8 to 12, the French-Californian company RealChange will conduct its fall Learning Expedition:

Innovation/Digital/Green to boost your company. RealChange offers five days to:

- Accelerate your company’s capacity for innovation and gain an understanding of why Innovation, Digital, and Green are the keys to the success of the best companies in Silicon Valley.Identify the most innovative practices to differentiate yourself from your competitors and trully integrate social medias.

- Create a new vision of the sustainable success of your company.

For more information, please check the program here or contact Christian Forthomme at christian@realchange.com or Maryline Daviaud Lewett at maryline@realchange.com

 

 

LIGNE ROSET SAN FRANCISCO

Ligne Roset

will be hosting an event with paintings by MICAH CRANDALL-BEAR

The opening reception will be from 6PM to 8PM on Thursday, August 11th

Show ends on October 30th!

More Info

Facebook

 

Permalink 01:33:34 pm by faccsf, Categories: 1. Special events

 

 

The Basque Cultural Center was at its best Saturday evening the 9th of July for the “Bal Populaire” célébration of ” Bastille Day". About 180 people, mostly French, were in attendance for the dinner and dance to the music of Ron Borelli.

The President of the “Comité Officiel” reminded everyone of the spirit of the 1789 revolution: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité “. The Consul General’s address followed, then a presentation from the representative of the Mayor of San Francisco, after which dinner was served. The menu was as follows:

-Potage a la Parisienne (leek and potato soup)

-Coquilles St. Jacques a la Basquaise (scallops - this is absolutely delicious; if you go for dinner, it is a must)

-Filet mignon ou poulet rôti (most chose the filet, others the chicken and we had 3 vegetarians). -The meat was cook to order, the assortment of fresh vegetables was excellent and so were the “frites"!

-Salade et fromages.

-Baba au Rhum de la Martinique.For wines we enjoyed the following:

-Macon Lugny les Genevrieres” 2009 which comes from a special designated vineyard. The very high quality ressembles more a Chassagne Montrachet than the average white burgundy. It went very well with the scallops.

-Pinot Noir “Louis Latour” 2008. This select burgundy went very well with the beef. Not too heavy but enough tannin to please the palate.

Then we had café arrosé, with either Cognac or Anisette.During the dinner, the accordion player went around the tables, serenading attendees. The opening of the ball started with a traditional waltz, followed by the tango, Paso dobles, rock and roll and more. A large group of young people between 30 and 40 closed the place.

It was a beautiful evening with love and harmony.

Happy Bastille Day to all!!!Basque Cultural Center

599 Railroad Avenue

South San Francisco, CA 94080

(650) 583-8091

Directions

 

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