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ALTHOUGH THE ECONOMY is not exactly in partying mode like it’s 2OO7, you’d never know it by the recent fortunes of Champagne in the US.  Demand for the finest prestige cuvées is high and prices are through the roof.  Despite gloomy economic forecasts and a slight decline in overall volume,... Read More

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US, and for the ladies of LUPEC, you know what that means: pop open the bubbly – we’re making Champagne cocktails!  The Champagne Cocktail, The Seelbach and the French 75 have already been discussed in previous festive editions.  This season, we’re looking to a modern classic... Read More

PROFILE: CYNTHIA HURLEY FRENCH WINES BOB 65 + MARGOT 29 HURLEYCo-ownersCynthia Hurley French Wines • MA and NJ Independent boutique importers have been few in Massachusetts, but their ranks are gradually growing.  One such established team is the Hurley family running Cynthia Hurley French Wines since 1984.  Cynthia and Bob... Read More

KNEŽEVI VINOGRADI, Croatia I try never to waste an opportunity to experience unfamiliar wine, especially in a municipality called “prince’s vineyard”.  I found there’s more to drinking in southeastern Europe than Slivovitz, plum’s leap to immortality. Croatia (Republika Hrvatska to the 4.5 million inhabitants), an area about twice that of... Read More

Despite its relative late start compared to other great brewing nations, America has quickly, over the course of thirty years, become one of the world’s pre-eminent brewing nations.  Mixing a healthy respect for traditional practices with a New World curiosity for experimentation, bundled together with passion for their craft, brewers... Read More

IT’S NOVEMBER. The trees are beginning to shed the last of their leaves and, as the month wears on, it will be more and more challenging to shake the chill from your bones without a good, stiff drink.  We’ll save the Hot Toddies for January and February and discuss a... Read More

Since our founding fathers gathered around a punch bowl to sketch plans for the Revolution, this city has shown a fondness for beverage alcohol.  This fall, Bostonians can raise a glass to our unique and special beverage scene at Thirst Boston, a two-day celebration of all the things Bostonians drink... Read More

The annual holiday pilgrimage to the hearths and homes of loved ones approches – to mix and mingle with the smorgasbord of personalities that comprise family, friends, coworkers, and perhaps a dark stranger or two – make sure your customers are prepared for every gift-giving scenario by stocking gifts for... Read More

Weighing quality, global distribution, economic impact, and prestige, there can be no argument but that cabernet sauvignon is the world’s most important red-wine grape.  Its wines age gracefully and develop elegance and complexity, while expressing their terroir and vintage conditions and the hand of the winemaker.  Many issues, however, remain... Read More