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Chilly nights are the perfect time to cozy up to the French classic, coq au vin, chicken braised in red wine. Christian Touche, general manager and co-owner of the stylish Aka Bistro in Lincoln, where French and Japanese cuisines are both featured, has a splendid pour to accompany the hearty stew. It comes from the same southern French region where Touche spent his childhood and it’s a 2012 Chateau du Trignon Cotes du Rhone. The restaurateur says the red’s trio of grapes — grenache, syrah, and mourvedre — complements the comforting dish of poultry handily. The wine, he says, “has great deep flavor. There’s red currant, but it’s also earthy and balanced.” The red (typically $8 a glass, $40 a bottle), is part of a special promotion called “Coq au Vin a la Folie,” which translates to “chicken stew madness.” “Coq au Vin a la Folie” ($29) includes salad or soup and a glass of the Cotes du Rhone, available Monday through Thursday. Madness indeed — but only if you miss out. Aka Bistro, 145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, 781-259-9920, www.akabistrolincoln.com
ELLEN BHANG
