Mother Grape?

Much-Maligned Mother of Many Beloved Wines
By HENRY FOUNTAIN
Published: January 4, 2010

About a decade ago, researchers had some startling news for wine lovers. Some of their beloved grape varieties, including chardonnay and gamay noir, were the offspring of a third-rate parent, gouais blanc. In fact, the research showed that at least a dozen varieties were a result of crosses, a long time ago, between pinot noir and gouais blanc, which had such a bad reputation that its cultivation was at times outlawed. More

Pictures! Filthy Pictures!

The Andromeda Galaxy More Photos >
By DENNIS OVERBYE
Published: January 4, 2010

In the universe there is always room for another surprise. Or two. Or a trillion. More

Slideshow

Pancakes, Prosperity, Peace

By ROGER COHEN
Published: January 4, 2010

HOI AN, VIETNAM — After the war and failed flight overseas, after her father’s persecution and the knowledge of hunger, it was the miracle of the crispy pancake that changed things for Trinh Diem Vy. More