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With bartenders from all over the US flocking to New Orleans for the 1Oth annual Tales of the Cocktail this July, we figured we’d raise a glass of something native to the Crescent City.  Sure, you’ve heard of the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.  But have you ever tried... Read More

As anyone who has spent much time in Europe can attest, drinking on the Continent just isn’t the same as cocktailing in the US.  In Italy, for example, if you order a “dry martini” at the bar, you’ll wind up with a glass of dry Martini & Rossi vermouth.  Sure,... Read More

The Languedoc seems to me a land of opposing extremes: ancient and ultramodern, enormous yet unimposing, placidly rural despite a roiled history. One finds rustic wines from obscure traditional grapes alongside state-of-the-art, high-tech, Parker-pleasing products of international varieties. The Languedoc was one of the earliest wine-producing regions in France: visited... Read More

MAUREEN RUBINOCO-OWNER of CENTRAL BOTTLE WINE & PROVISIONS, CAMBRIDGE      Central Square and neighboring Kendall Square in Cambridge have become burgeoning biology and technology hubs, with MIT-spawned start-ups and notable companies like Google and Novartis setting up shop.  Not the only ones to miss the opportunity to be part of an... Read More

This year the Boston Wine Expo made a concerted effort to address wine producers’ goal to connect directly with the Boston trade. As a part of that program, Davis Bynum presented a “Pinot Noir Clone Seminar”. In 2OO7, Tom Klein, a California farmer, purchased the Davis Bynum brand from founder... Read More

A harmless compound blocks intoxication, hangovers and addiction to alcohol? I am suspicious of things too good to be true, but we are presented with compelling data that cannot be ignored from a reputable institution. This is an old story. An ancient folk remedy, in this case Chinese, is found... Read More

When I began writing about wine in the 197Os, few and odd were Argentine wines in this market. In recent years, however, Argentina, riding on the shoulders of Malbec, has become a world wine power. Many of its wines are very good, especially with famed Argentine or other beef, yet,... Read More

It’s amazing how unknown the wines of Alsace remain throughout the United States.  Of all of France’s classic districts, these cool climate northern wines are among the most consistent in quality, especially in the context of their compatibility with seafood.  They’re also remarkably easy to understand because, unlike most French... Read More

MICHAEL GILLEN63 • Wine Buyer/Wine DirectorBusa Wine & Spirits, Salem THERE’S A PATTERN, a ring to this series of once-well-known restaurants for Greater Boston wine-lovers.  Michael Gillen, the man behind that name, is still a hardworking, forthright, practical guy.  Passionate about wine.  Devoted Francophile, now with family connections.  Funny, quick,... Read More