Wine and food pairing is always an art and rarely a science. Hot spice, acid (citrus, vinegar) and alcohol content are strange tablemates. I decided to pair grilled lamb kebabs with a Domaine de la Jaufrette red wine blend from Gigondas. The meal was a success, the recipe is easy, …

Wine seems to have become a topic that easily provokes insecurity, doubt and confusion. Sommeliers of all persuasions wax poetical, wine critics keep inventing more and more convoluted wine rating schemes. And the more these well-meaning professionals offer advice, the more wine lovers (not wine collectors with sophisticated cellars and …

Sometimes in life, you just need to hit the “easy” button and lean towards relaxed entertaining. There is nothing complicated about an evening of wine, cheese and charcuterie. And, this seemed like the perfect moment. It was the eve of a minor surgical procedure that was to keep me off …

By David Scott Allen for Provence WineZine Wine Club Surprises I joined The Wall Street Journal Wine Club to access some off-the-beaten-track wines. No, I am not advocating that you join, nor is this post about the club. It’s about the fact that every quarter I get a really nice …

By David Scott Allen: White Wine Pairing As you may recall from my reviews over time, I have become a big fan of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. It is one of those wines that says “special occasion” to me. Thus, I decided to treat myself for my birthday and get a bottle. …

There is no need to explain that the 4th of July is a big holiday in the United States. Even for non-US residents, social media is awash in red-white-and-blue recipes well in advance of the celebration. This holiday is often a day when friends and family gather for lovely meals …

Wine Cheese and Chocolate Even Santa and his elves would have a tough time creating this magical wine pairing experience at Domaine de Palerme. Book your Christmas holiday stay at this private home near Isle sur la Sorgue and enjoy a complimentary evening of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting. The evening includes …

Anniversaries are always worth celebrating, and in our house, that means a meal to suit the special day. However, the dilemma was what to serve with a Commanderie de Peyrassol rosé (2016)? Wine pairings are always a bit of a gamble. Will the wine stand-up to the food or overpower …

By David Scott Allen for Provence WineZine Côte-Rôtie Red Wine It’s grilling season. And I have to say that Rhône Valley wines are pretty perfect for pairing with grilled meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Why is that, I wonder? I don’t want to get into the science side of …

Today’s tasting may be the most unusual I have done. It is a wine that, if blindfolded when tasted, would not have said “rosé” to me, although it wouldn’t have said red or white. It has no traditional red fruits associated with rosé nor its distinct floral aromas. On the …