Cocoa and Lavender

November 7, 2020 5

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Be Still, Mon Coeur

When it comes down to it, it isn’t the wine that is getting us through “this,” it’s the sharing of the wine. Whether from 15 feet apart in the back garden, or online via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, we still thrive by sharing a glass with friends over a meal, an appetizer, or even a bowl of popcorn. It doesn’t matter how we do it... [...]

October 30, 2020 1

Cook, Drink & Learn: A Special Event

Escape the COVID doldrums with "Cook, Drink and Learn with Acquiesce," our inaugural (virtual) food and wine tasting on Sunday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. EST.

Please join Susan Tipton, Winemaker and Co-Owner of Acquiesce Winery, David Scott Allen, Editor of Cocoa & Lavender and wine and food writer for Provence WineZine, and me for an hour of food and wine fun (and a few facts!).

Beginning with a cook-along with David, we will make Mini Croques... [...]

September 5, 2020 1

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
As Summer Fades…

The construct of time is odd these days. Having been indoors (for the most part) since early March, it has been difficult to conceptualize the change of seasons. Calendars don’t seem to make a difference, and clocks and watches don’t really mean much now, either. The thermostat is at a constant and perfect 76°F; is it summer? Winter? I just ... [...]

May 2, 2020 3

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Praemonitus, Praemunitus

Praemonitus, praemunitus. How is your Latin? Not so good? Don’t worry — neither is mine. But this 15th century Latin proverb, when translated, will be very familiar. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” A little insider knowledge can make a big difference, as it helps us to be... [...]

April 4, 2020 5

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
The Governor

Big. Bold. Luscious.

Those are the first three words I used to describe my first taste of Gourverneur Saint-Auban Rouge from Domaine de la Citadelle. We had it last week paired with Seared Lamb Medallions with a Tamari-Ginger Glaze. To see the recipe... [...]

October 5, 2019 0

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Birthday Wines Never Go Bad

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.

The only problem is that my birthday—more than one month ago—got busy, and this specially-purchased bottle of Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc rested untouched in my wine rack. How on earth did I forgot that?... [...]

August 3, 2019 4

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Regroup(er)ing

I know you. You spend significant time planning your menus and your wine pairings. Maybe not every day, but at least for special occasions. I certainly do, and this weekend was no exception.

I was planning an anniversary dinner for us. I bought a nice rosé... [...]

June 1, 2019 4

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Heeding the Signs

When I was trying to think what I should make to pair with today’s wine - an un-oaked Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Château des Fines Roches - I looked at a list of suggested foods and nothing felt right. Pork. Chicken. Seafood. Blah... [...]

May 4, 2019 2

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
A Comfortable Pour

I live in the deep Southwest of the United States. Just minutes from the Mexican border, we are so fortunate enjoy the cultural and culinary celebrations of our beloved neighbors. For those of you who see the news that this is the Wild, Wild West, rife with vigilantes and gun-toting grannies... [...]

April 6, 2019 0

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food
Vin with Versatility

You know, from reading my posts, that I truly enjoy when a pairing is so perfect that it brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes, though, I find that there are wines that have no one perfect pairing, but have a versatility to go with many foods.

Today’s wine is such a wine. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn... [...]

« 1 2 3 4 »