Merlot… The Blackbird Grape

Merlot… The Blackbird Grape

By Bob Lipinski “Drinking the right wine at the right time is an art.” (Horace A. Vachell, 1861-1955, English writer) Some believe the name Merlot was given to this black grape variety because blackbirds (known in French as merle, or merlau in the local Occitan...
Wine & Spirit Holiday Stocking Stuffers

Wine & Spirit Holiday Stocking Stuffers

By Bob Lipinski I am absolutely the best holiday shopper, and everyone loves my gifts! My secret… I do all my shopping in a liquor store (wine shop if you prefer), and it takes less than one hour. Forget those long lines, crowded malls, and roads that resemble parking...
Six Exciting Wines for Thanksgiving…

Six Exciting Wines for Thanksgiving…

By Bob Lipinski Thanksgiving is always so special; from watching the Macy’s Day parade on television, to prepping and cooking the turkey, helping make vegetable courses, and creating my favorite… cranberry ice. Although I have favorite wines and producers that over...
The Ageability Of Beaujolais

The Ageability Of Beaujolais

By Bob Lipinski Many years ago, as a young journalist, I often heard that Beaujolais was intended to be drunk while still very young, and if over a year old, lost its appeal and charm and is best forgotten. Older journalists jokingly referred to Beaujolais Nouveau as...
Exploring the Wines of the Côtes du Rhône

Exploring the Wines of the Côtes du Rhône

By Bob Lipinski Côtes du Rhône, the largest appellation in Southern Rhône, produces red, white, and rosé wines from anywhere in the Rhône Valley, although most of the wines are from the south. The term côte refers to wines made from grapes grown on the banks of the...
Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

By Bob Lipinski This pasta dish is a specialty of Rome. Although there are many stories as to the origin of this dish, the first mention in writing was after World War II. Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ½ pound guanciale...

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