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They’re intense, passionate, romantic and proud; their melodious language embodies different accents from region to region, as do their culinary specialties and wines. Italians love to talk, to eat and to linger at the table, as if time didn’t matter, because this moment reunites two very important values for them: pleasure and family.

Italy has created a wealth of aperitivo and amaro, bitter liqueurs based on special blends of herbs, spices, roots, citrus peel, and other secret ingredients. Here’s how to use some of the most famous ones.

The Champagne fame is such that eyes light up at the mere mention of its name. Whether enjoyed by a discoverer or a connoisseur, this French appellation embodies classicism, pleasure and happiness every time. It brings excitement to moments big and small and can be served both as an aperitif or paired to a fine meal.

Spontaneous meet-ups are often the best. Surprise your friends with a delicious veggie barbecue meal — even those who are carnivorous will love it!

Housed in one of Granby’s historic buildings, La Chaufferie microdistillery is masterfully led by a very small team of passionate artisans who painstakingly craft their spirits, from grain to glass.

From theatre to cinema to the small screen, Marc Messier took on numerous memorable roles in the 80s and 90s. The actor has a thirst for celebrating and an appetite for good food, both of which he indulges in while filming!

On the cusp of a new millennium, all the stars were aligned for a shift to occur in the world of gastronomy. Martin Picard played a big part in this transformation with his Au Pied de Cochon restaurant.

Michel Leblanc has been working at the SAQ Cap-aux-Meules store for 42 years. Nothing gets by the store manager — one of 15 employees with the most seniority in the Crown corporation network.

To say that the SAQ is a part of the Zarife family would be an understatement. If you were to ask Emilia Zarife, she would say that the distribution centre on Tellier Street in Montréal’s east end is her second home.

As the Quiet Revolution was unfolding, a revolution in consumption habits seemed to be on the horizon, and the Régie des alcools had every intention of being a part of it.

A look at the trends that have marked this past year and those to come.

From new Beaujolais to exclusive Bordeaux and Port, wine was taking up more and more space at the SAQ, at a time when culture and the wine market all over the world were undergoing a complete transformation.