Robert Skalli 2006 Pinot Noir South of France Reserve ($20). I recently tasted a variety of wines from this veteran French wine producer and his newly launched Skalli Family Wines Americas. There are wines from the Languedoc, the Rhone Valley and Corsica, and I thought this Pinot Noir was the surprise of the bunch. With appealing, food-friendly balance, black cherry and berry aromas and flavors, and touches of anise, mocha and herbal notes that linger on the firm finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Pairing: Throw some kabobs on the grill — make it beef, lamb, chicken, your choice! Then serve with the Pinot and this easy, addictively flavorful couscous salad:

Recipe: Grains: Turkish Couscous Salad
1 box of couscous, prepared according to package directions.

Mix in with a fork:
Finely chopped red onion
Chopped green onion
A handful of raisins or currants, presoaked in hot water to plump and soften
Toasted slivered almonds
A handful of dried apricots, chopped
Juice of about half a lemon – or more, to taste
Minced parsley and/or cilantro
Small pinches of ground cardamom, cinnamon, and crushed black pepper
A good pinch of kosher salt

And finally, add a healthy drizzling of extra virgin olive oil – about 3 Tablespoons or so – so it’s not so crumbly you need a spoon to eat it! Serve with kabobs.