Renowned Sommelier Hristo Zisovski On

The French Institute Alliance Fran�aise (FIAF), New York's premiere French cultural center, in collaboration with AOC Fine Wines, is thrilled to present an exciting new season of its signature wine tasting series A Wine Tour de France. For 2012, FIAF has re-imagined the popular series as an opportunity for wine lovers of all levels to enhance their palate, beginning with a focus on France's classic wine regions, and then exploring current trends for curious wine enthusiasts. Led by some of New York's most influential sommeliers, each tasting will feature six wines carefully selected by AOC Fine Wines, a network of wine boutiques specializing in high-quality, artisanal, and organic wines.

A Wine Tour de France begins with Classic French Wines, a journey through France's key terroirs: Burgundy, the Rhone Valley, and Bordeaux. Exploring well-known appellations and rare producers, each tasting will offer an overview of the region's unique crus, while highlighting a specific skill in connoisseurship, including tasting, serving, pairing, and understanding classification and labels. The second part of the series, Beyond the Bottle, offers practical knowledge on recent developments in wine appreciation. Topics include building a personal wine portfolio; understanding the distinctions between organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines; and savoring champagne and its sparkling alternatives.

The featured sommeliers will include John Ragan, Wine Director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group; Joe Campanale, Beverage Director/Partner at dell'anima, L'Artusi, and Anfora; Levi Dalton, Sommelier at Boulud Sud; Hristo Zisovski, Beverage Director at Ai Fiori; Pascaline Lepeltier, Wine Director at Rouge Tomate; and Alex LaPratt, Head Sommelier at DB Bistro Moderne.

Once again, FIAF offers a special opportunity for wine aficionados to further deepen their appreciation of great wines, as those who purchase the complete six-part series will receive a complimentary Wine & Chocolate Tasting at Alain Ducasse's Bistro Benoit led by Chef Sommelier Andr� Compeyre that will explore the pairings of wine with artisanal chocolates provided by Chocolats Richart.

FIAF is thrilled to announce the continuation of FIAF's Wine Club, presented by AOC Fine Wine, which offers Club members the opportunity to continue their Wine Tour de France at home with carefully selected bottles and tasting notes delivered monthly.

The 2012 series A Wine Tour de France will feature:

Classic French Wines

Burgundy-Monday, January 30 at 7pm
With John Ragan, Wine Director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group
Ever wonder why Burgundy's wines, though harvested from adjoining fields, exhibit dramatic differences in color, taste, and longevity? Sip and savor Burgundy's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays and learn about terroirs, the interaction of the soil, climate, and appellation, which give each wine its unique characteristics.

Rh�ne Valley-Monday, March 5 at 7pm
With Joe Campanale, Beverage Director/Partner at dell'anima, L'Artusi, and Anfora
Discover Rh�ne Valley's extraordinary diversity, from the North's robust Syrah to the South's fruitier Grenache-dominated wines. During this tasting, learn serving and pairing tips to better showcase each wine.

Bordeaux-Monday, March 19 at 7pm
With Levi Dalton, Sommelier at Boulud Sud
Enjoy the elegance and power of Bordeaux, known to produce the finest Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons in the world. This unique tasting of delicious wines reveals information hidden on wine labels to better discern quality, value, and price.

Beyond the Bottle

Buyers & Cellars: Starting your Personal Collection-Monday, April 9 at 7pm
With Hristo Zisovs