BARBARESCO
NEBBIOLO is certainly among the most enigmatic of grape varieties, far more “fickle” in nature, if one can even apply that word to a wine, and more site specific than Pinot Noir. Often spectacular in its home setting, the Langhe hills of Piemonte, interesting further north in the Norvara Vercelli... Read More
ALSACE REDUX
COLMAR Having examined the basics of vinous Alsace in the March 2O13 issue, I sought a brief update immersed in the food and wine of the region in June, thoroughly enjoying my research. I’d like to share my impressions, including visits to three wine producers. My focus was sharpened and... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: ARMILLITA CHICO
MODERN cocktailians love tequila, and we LUPEC gals are no exception. Classic cocktails made with tequila do not abound however, as the spirit really only became popular in the US in the 193Os and beyond. A gem that you might consider adding to your repertoire is the Armillita Chico brought... Read More
Celebrating Ten Years
When brothers Ed and Rob Gillooly received the license for their newly minted Baystate Wine & Spirits on St. Patrick’s Day in 2OO5 they figured it must be a good sign. As a small company looking to break into the predominantly big business of wholesale wine and liquor distribution, the... Read More
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SAVES LIVES MODERATE DRINKING IS PART OF THE PRESCRIPTION
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE is the runaway leading cause of death and disability in the developed world, with heart attack (myocardial infarction) the most frequent coup de grâce. Although some basic inherited vulnerabilities can be modulated to a modest extent by medical intervention – such as treatment of high blood pressure, high... Read More
A DRINK WITH Bartender MICHAEL RAY of the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s Oak Long Bar
IF YOU’VE HAD a cocktail in Boston in the last two decades, it’s more than likely Michael Ray made it for you at least once – twice, if you’re lucky. A staple ‘behind the stick’ for over 2O years, Ray has been a friendly face at some of the city’s... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: THE TIPPERARY
EVERYONE feels a little Irish this month, what with St. Patrick’s Day being one of Massachusetts’ favorite drinking holidays! It also happens to be a for-real holiday in the Bay State: Evacuation Day, established to commemorate the day when British troops evacuated Boston during the Revolutionary War. It ended an... Read More
TAMING TANNAT IN THE LAND OF PAINTED BIRDS
ASKED to explain why wine can capture and hold the interest – even the fascination – of so many and so disparate a spectrum, I thought that, after the good tastes, social lubrication, food enhancement, and health promotion, it must be the infinite variety. There is always another vineyard, another... Read More
PINK LADY’S ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: THE MAIDEN’S BLUSH
VALENTINE’S DAY is a Hallmark holiday at its finest. Nevertheless we LUPEC ladies love love and can never resist an opportunity to raise a glass to its celebration. We will drape ourselves in pink and red, present our loved ones with construction paper hearts, and sip pink drinks – such... Read More