Here’s letters O, P, Q & R in the A to Zs of wine

Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of columns about wine terminology from A to Z.

Popular Wine Grapes that start with P

• Palomino Fino: Widely planted white wine grape used to make light Fino sherry, a type of sherry often served before a meal in Spain, especially in the Jerez region;

• Pedro Ximenez: At the other extreme, this wine grape serves at the foundation for Pedro Ximenez, one of the darkest, thickest sherries in Spain, which is often served after a meal;

SOME OF THESE words — especially quinta and quagliano — might not roll off the tongue of even the most hard-core wine fan. (I know I sure had to look them up.) But for every obscure wine word found in the letters O, P, Q and R, there are some of the most familiar and beloved terms like Rhone, riesling and pinot noir. So without further ado, let’s get right to them. Hope you enjoy.

Letter O

• Oenophile: Greekbased word used to describe someone who loves wine;

• Oloroso: A mediumbodied sherry from Spain that’s slightly sweeter than Fino sherry but not as sweet as Pedro Ximenez Sherry, which you can read more about below;

Popular Wine Grapes that start with O

If the letter Q were not on this list, the letter O would easily win the prize for some of the most obscure wine grapes. Since there are no familiar O-named grapes, let’s learn a little more about some of the off-the beaten path ones, thanks to the wine reference book, “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz:

• Odessky Cherny: Red wine grape widely planted in Ukraine. The name means “Black of Odessa,” one of the places in Ukraine where you can find grapes grown to make these wines;

• Oeillade Noire: Red wine grape rarely grown anymore in France’s Provence region, where it was once widely grown. Nowadays, such grapes often make their way into some table wines from Provence; and

• Orangetraube: White wine grape historically grown in Germany, but now only grown by a small number of winemakers just south of Vienna in Austria.

Popular wine regions that start with O

• Ontario: Central Canada province that makes outstanding wines, especially ice wine, riesling for white wines and cabernet franc for red wines. Many of the best Ontario wine producers can be found in Niagara Peninsula on the southern shores of Lake Ontario in between Niagara Falls and Toronto. Trust me. Many of these wines are world class; and

• Oregon: State famous for making earthy pinot noir red wines and complex chardonnay white wines. You can thank the cool, damp weather — especially in the Willamette Valley, which is similar to France’s Burgundy region, where both grapes thrive as well.

Letter P

• Petit Chateau: Wine producer in France’s Bordeaux region that does not have an official classification. This term can be confusing since many top wine producers in Bordeaux make a less expensive second wine with the word “Petit” in front of the name;

• Port: Delicious, dark fortified wine (meaning liquor has been added to the wine) from the Douro region in Portugal. Perfect after a big, hearty meal, the best vintage ports (made with grapes from a specific vineyard and specific vintage) can age well for decades;

• Premier Cru: French wine term that means “first growth” and serves as an official classification for certain wines, especially from France’s Burgundy region. These wines are considered better than village wines but just below Grand Cru wines. Don’t be fooled, though, as many Premier Cru reds and whites from Burgundy can hold their own with many of the top Grand Crus, especially ones from ChambolleMusigny and GevreyChambertin for reds and Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault for whites.

• Petit Verdot: Red wine grape widely used in France’s Bordeaux region often to make blended, dry red wines using a combination of merlot and cabernet sauvignon grapes;

• Picpoul: Sometimes called piquepoul, these grapes come in red and white, although white wine picpoul grapes are much more common in France’s Languedoc region and produce outstanding, affordable, refreshing white wines;

• Pinot Noir: Revered red wine grape famous around the world for making

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club

355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50

1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $200 Special Games

All Games will be $100 with 90 People or More

All Cards are included with Admission

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus

1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM

MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird

6:20pm Start

Min. Entry Package $15

Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5

Valentine’s Day to help maximize revenue while others will rely on “specials” to boost check totals.

A recent innovation has been the promotion of dinners for two “to go.” Such a service can build revenue and spread out the Valentine’s Day workload over four or five days prior to the holiday itself, as the items in finish-at-home packages often can be partially prepared in advance.

Bottled cocktail specialties are a popular (and profitable) with salmon en croute.

More details (and an order link) are available online at delaneyhouse.com/ valentines-dinner-to-go.

Side dishes

• Plano, Texas-based Pizza Hut has reached back into its product archives for its most recent limited-time-only special. The “Big New Yorker,” a thin crusted, 16-inch pie formulated to mimic the authentic New York City pizza experience, returned to the chain’s menu this week.

Sauced with a sweet marinara, topped with extra cheese, and dusted with an orega- facilitate the practice of “folding over.” The reintroduced pie will be available at participating Pizza Hut restaurants for an indefinite period of time.

• On Feb. 18, starting at 6 p.m., the Munich Haus German restaurant in Chicopee will hold its second Wild Game Feast of the 2023 season. Priced at $65, the buffet dinner will feature a considerable line-up of exotic game meats, including wild boar, venison, alligator, bison, and mountain goat as well as an array of compatible “sides.” Tickets may be ordered online at munich haus.com; the restaurant answers at 413-594-8788.

• Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield will present a three-session series, “Wine 201: Wine and Food Pairing.” Black Birch has recruited Alena Douglas, from Provisions, and Laura Bowman, from Blue Door Gatherings, to conduct the programs. Each session will focus on a particular menu category; the first will discuss appetizers, the second, main entrees and the third, desserts. Each class will be built around five representative food-wine pairings add-on enhancement for these celebrations to-go.

• The Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Holyoke Mall at Ingleside will offer a Valentine’s Day cookie decorating party on Feb. 7. The fun will begin at 4 p.m., and kids eat free that evening with the purchase of an adult entree. Reservations are required. Contact the Holyoke Uno Pizzeria at 413534-3000.

The buffet is priced at $25.95 for adults and $9.95 for children age 12 and younger. Reservations are advised and can be made online at villanapoletana.com or by calling 413-732-9300.

Two Western Massachusetts operations that have plenty of experience in promoting “finish and serve at home” options have put together extensive Valentine’s “to go” menus.

The Max Restaurant Group is offering Valentine’s Day three-course dinners for two, with main course options that include surf and turf, baked stuffed lobster, rack of lamb and vegetarian lasagna.

Max Tavern in Springfield is a participating “pick-up” location for this service, and orders can be placed online at maxrestaurantgroup.com/ maxtogo/.

The Delaney House in Holyoke, one of the first venues in the area to produce holiday dinners to go, is offering two different four-course packages, one featuring gorgonzola sirloin and shrimp scampi and a second pairing filet mignon no-grated parmesan spice blend, the Big New Yorker gets “double” pepperoni as its default topping, although customers can opt for topping alternatives or even customize their pizza with multiple garnishes.

The Big New Yorker, which made its debut in 1999, is cut into six oversized wedges that

Sessions will be held on Feb. 9, March 9 and April 6. The series costs $260; individual courses are priced at $80 for appetizer, $125 for the entree session and $80 for the dessert session. A ticket broker’s fee is also charged. Tickets can be ordered online at simpletix. com/e/wine-201-wine-andfood-pairing-a-3-partseries-tickets-123661. Black Birch can be reached at 413247-3300.

• Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow will offer a “Brunch & Bubbly Buffet” on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The restaurant will take its Sunday brunch buffet to a more elaborate level for this annual event, offering handcarved meats, made-to-order omelets and waffles, hot entrees, breakfast classic, appetizers, salads, and, to bring the experience to a suitable conclusion, decadent dessert selections. Adult guests will receive a complimentary split of prosecco to enjoy with their meal.

• Just in time for the “Big Game,” Taco Bell is bringing back chicken wings. Served eight to an order, the crispy chicken wings are coated with a queso seasoning.

Also available for early February enjoyment is the Ultimate Game Day Box, a combo package that includes an order of wings, four crunchy tacos, and a Mexican pizza.

The box, which is designed to forestall the wings and pizza veto (“no, I want wings”) when customers order food to enjoy along with sports events, will be available at participating Taco Bell locations through Feb. 9.

With Table 3

Table 3 has some great options for your Valentine’s celebration.

THE DUCK & AVELLINO ’s talented chefs have crafted some fantastic Valentine’s specials sure to make your Valentine’s celebration a memorable one. Valentine’s specials will be available Tuesday through Saturday, February 14–18. To celebrate with that someone special, please call 508-347-2321 for reservations. We expect to fill up quickly so don’t delay.

CEDAR STREET GRILLE will be open for some amazing Valentine’s specials Tuesday through Sunday, February 14-19. Along with Valentine’s specials, Cedar Street Grille will also be serving up our signature small plates, entrées, and dessert specials. We’ll also be offering a brunch on Sunday from 10am–3pm. Valentine’s is always busy at Cedar Street Grille, so please plan ahead and make your reservation now by calling 508-347-5800.

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6 ethereal, life-altering wines, especially in the northern part of France’s Burgundy region, where nearly all red wines are made exclusively using pinot noir grapes; and

• Pinotage: Red wine grape found almost exclusively in South Africa made using a blend of pinot noir and cinsault grapes.

Popular wine regions that start with P

• Paso Robles: Wine producing in California’s Central Coast just north of Los Angeles, best known for making earthy, robust yet elegant wines using cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel grapes;

• Pauillac: Revered wine-making region on the Left Bank in France’s Bordeaux region that includes some of Bordeaux’s best wineries, including Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite Rothschild;

• Piedmont: Vast wine region in northwestern Italy that includes some of the country’s best wine subregions, including Barolo and Barbaresco, where the nebbiolo grape reigns and produces many outstanding, elegant red wines;

• Pomerol: Another

• On Saturday, Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern at the Deerfield Inn will present another Fancy Nancy Luncheon. Diners young and old are invited to come “dressed fancy” and enjoy lunch ordered from Champney’s regular or children’s menus. A reading of Nancy O’Connor’s young people’s classic “Fancy Nancy” will be part of the experience.

Seating for the 11:30 a.m. event will be limited, and reservations are encouraged. Call 413-774-5587 for details.

• Last month the New York City Council approved a bill that’s designed to reduce the environmental impact of food delivery by prohibiting restaurants and third-party delivery services from including disposables along with orders revered wine-making region on the Right Bank in France’s Bordeaux region that includes some of Bordeaux’s best wineries, including Chateau Petrus and Chateau Cheval Blanc;

• Portugal: Not really a wine region, but since other countries have been included in other previous A to Z columns, it’s only fair that this European country gets its time in the sun, thanks to its wide range of outstanding, affordable red and white wines; and

• Provence: Southern French region best known for its dry rose wines and beautiful lavender-covered hills and sandy Mediterranean beaches filled with rich middle-aged Americas and Brits “finding themselves.” But seriously, if you love wine, don’t skip this often overlooked French wine region, which also makes many great, affordable red and white wines and you can learn more about in my five-part series about Provence wines.

LETTER Q

• Quinta: Portuguese term for the name of a wine estate. That’s it. That’s all I have for Q.

Popular Wine Grapes That Start

With Q

The 1,242-page-long “Wine Grapes” book has just one page devoted to two grapes that for off-site consumption.

Similar to a law recently enacted in Los Angeles, the “Skip the Stuff Bill” would prohibit the inclusion of single-use items like cutlery, paper plates, and condiments in takeout meals unless a customer specifically requests them.

Restaurant industry buy-in for these new regulations has been secured by reports of the cost reductions that could potentially result. Since the Los Angeles law took effect, restaurants in that city have reported savings on disposables of as much as $12,000 per year.

Starting this month those enrolled in Starbucks’ loyalty program are finding it going to take more love on their part to earn a free beverage.

In January program participants received a brief email from the chain informing them of the rewards program reset. The new rewards structure start with the letter Q. Here they are:

• Quagliano: Red wine grape found only in Italy’s Piedmont region used to make lighter red wines; and

• Quebranta: Red-skinned grape from Peru used mainly to make pisco, a popular (and delicious) distilled drink widely consumed in Peru and Chile. Popular wine regions that start with Q

• Quebec: A province in Canada just north of New England that has been making wine since the 1600s.

LETTER R

• Reserva: Spanish term which can only be used for wines that have been aged for at least a specific amount of time — three years for red wines and 18 months for white wines;

• Reserve: Meaningless word that often gets slapped onto wine labels and which is supposed to mean that the wine’s better because it’s made with the best, reserved grapes. Outside of Spain, any winemaker can put the word “reserve” on their wine for any reason;

• Ripasso: Excellent, relatively affordable red wine made in Italy using the grapes first used to make Amarone wine, which are some of the doubles the amount of “stars” (points) that must be earned to qualify for a free hot coffee, and there were similar boosts in the award thresholds for espresso drinks, salads, and sandwiches.

The company justified the program modifications as part of an effort “to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Starbucks Rewards program and to meet the changing needs of our members.” best (and most expensive) dry red wines made in Italy; and

Awards requirements for a few items, such as packaged coffee and iced coffee beverages, were reduced by the program reset.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

• Rouge: French word for red wine.

Popular wine grapes that start with R

• Rolle: Sometimes called ugni blanc in France or vermentino in Italy, rolle is a white wine grape often used to make white and rose wines in France’s Provence region and dry white wines in Italy’s Tuscany region;

• Riesling: Popular white wine grape grown in Germany, especially in the Mosel region, that’s been used to make great wines there since the 1400s. Great riesling wines can also be found in Australia, Hungary, Washington and France’s Alsace region; and

• Roussanne: White wine grape often blended with the marsanne grape to make dry

Nightclubs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E3

MONDAY

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

TUESDAY

The Drake: Joe Magnarelli and Noho Jazz Workshop. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst white wines in France’s northern Rhone region.

Popular Wine Regions that start with R

• Rhone: Third-largest French wine growing region (Bordeaux’s the biggest, followed by the Loire Valley) best known for making affordable, dry, complex, earthy yet elegant red wines, especially in the southern Rhone region. But don’t overlook Rhone white wines, which can be just as dry and complex and delicious; and

• Romania: Fifth-largest European wine producing country that has been making a wide range of red and white wines for more than 6,000 years.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

WEDNESDAY

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent

Thursday

Build with Lego: Thu., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Chicopee Main Library, Freeform building time for ages 6 and up. No registration required. 449 Front St., Chicopee, 413-5941800.

MGM Casino: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, featuring retail stores, restaurants, Regal Cinemas and more. For more information, visit mgmspringfield.com. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

“Native Gardens”: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m., Majestic Theater through Feb. 12. Tickets start at $29. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-7477797 or majestictheater.com

Square Dance Classes: Thu., 6:30 p.m., American Legion 0239. First two classes free, further classes $5. For more information, contact Gloria at 413-467-3352 or email ladicaller@gogtt.ent. 66 State St., Belchertown.

Friday

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

MGM Roar Comedy Club: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., MGM Springfield presents Joe Machi in the Armory. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/ artist/1750491?venueId=9264, $25. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

Rev Tor’s 11th annual Dead of Winter Jam: Fri., 7:30 p.m., The Colonial Theatre. This annual mid-winter celebration honors 58 years of Grateful Dead music and includes a slew of special guests, including Mark Mercier, Jen Durkin, Mark Paradis, Mike “Woody” Wood and Them Bastards (Chris Merenda & Dave Brown), $25. 111 South St., Pittsfield; 413-997-4444 or thecolonialtheatre.org

Virtual Applause Series: Fri., 7 p.m., online. One-woman show about the life of Civil War nurse and Red Cross founder Clara Barton, performed by Sheryl Faye. This is a virtual performance only, broadcast on Agawam Comcast Channel 15 and streamed on agawammedia.tv, free.

SATURDAY

Amherst College Department of Music: Sat., 7 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, two honor theses in music. For up-to-date COVID information, visit amherst.edu/news/covid-19 Free and open to the public.

Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu

Celebrate New Art Works: Sat., 2-3:30 p.m., Forbes Library, featuring new artworks by local and

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, including the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older), $4 grandparents/seniors (60+), military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission, members and infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org regional BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists. 20 West St., Northampton, 413-587-1011 or forbeslibrary.org.

Berkshire Museum: “The Art of Storytelling: Celebrating Illustration and Literature.” Featuring three exhibitions, “Storyland: A Trip through Childhood Favorites,” “Childhood Classics-100 Years of Illustration for the Art Kandy Collection,” and the work of author Ty Allan Jackson. Opening celebration Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to noon, best for ages 3-12 with caregivers. Treats will be served. 39 South St., Pittsfield or berkshiremuseum.org.

Great Barrington Kennel Club

Dog Show: Sat.-Sun., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or thebige.com

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

MGM Roar Comedy Club: See Friday listing

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

SUNDAY

Great Barrington Kennel Club

Dog Show: See Saturday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m., Union Church of Christ. First two dances are free, further classes $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-467-3352.

51 Center St. (Route 21), Ludlow, 413-583-5717.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of larger-than-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded by some of his most beloved characters including Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Lorax and others, free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith

Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. Hands-on making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center. Part of the free family activities.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch: A Car with a History,” through Nov. 1, 2023. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions,” through July 30. Museum a la Carte: Today, 12:15 p.m., “RollsRoyce America, Springfield MA, 1919 – 1931.” $4, free for members. From 1919 through 1931, RollsRoyce America Inc. produced nearly 3,000 cars in Springfield, and are today considered more collectible than their British counterparts. The program will conclude with a visit to the Wood Museum of Springfield History as part of the Museums’ Continuing Conversations program. Presented by Joel Cummings, science docent, Springfield Science Museum and the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C.; informal Educator, NASA Connect & The US National Laboratory.

Springfield Science Museum: “Leonardo’s Lab,” through April 23. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge and assemble an air powered flying ‘copter, making changes to improve the aerodynamics and more. “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May Munford.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required. For reservations, visit springfieldmuseums.org

Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit: Amazing world of learning and play, including the Wiggle and Wash Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures. Children and adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.org

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Historical artifacts. Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “What Might You Do?

Christian Robinson,” through June 4. Bilingual Storytime (English and Spanish), Feb. 26, 2 p.m.

“Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through March 5. “Everyday Art Project,” through March 12. “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum