AND TO DRINK...
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests drinks matches for these dishes.
Chinese-style Green Beans and Pork
The south of France is home to some of the best viognier, and the Mont Rocher Vieilles Vignes IGP Pays d’oc Viognier 2016 ($18.99) is a ridiculously affordable example. Spicy apricot and florals, refreshing acidity, pretty perfume and a plush texture make it perfection here. For stockists, email liz@bdwine.co.nz.
Steak with Burrata and Mustard Dressing
You’ll want to serve this steak with the Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2015 ($57). Incredibly pure and elegantly spicy, the palate is dusted with cocoa and violets and buoyant on the finish. Delicious.
Buy from vinofino.co.nz.
Lamb Cutlets, Chimichurri and Quinoa Salad
Maturing magically, the Lime Rock Kota Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2010 ($23) is lithe and fragrant, perfumed with sandalwood and wild raspberries, has a bright acid line, fine tannins and an almost chalky texture derived from limestone soils, making it luscious with lamb. Buy from limerock.co.nz.
Poached Chicken and Avocado Salad
“We’ve been keeping this wine at the winery and drinking it ourselves!” says winemaker Lars Jensen of the Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2016 ($22). It’s rich, tropical, toasty, textural and frisky, and fantastic with this chicken.
Buy from temaniawines.co.nz.
Fish with Eggplant Salad
Created by Jake Dromgool, one of New Zealand’s young star viticulturists, the 144 Islands Northland Pinot Gris 2017 ($22) possesses ripe nashi, quince, and roast peach flavours and a lengthy dry finish. It’s named after the tiny islands scattered throughout the Bay of Islands and it’s gorgeous with this dish. Buy from 144islands.co.nz.
Baked Fennel and Salami Risotto
Snappy, dry and scented with raspberry and pink peppercorn on the nose, the Bertaine Et Fils Vallee De L’aude Rosé 2015 ($21.50) is made from 100% syrah. Hints of pomegranate and watermelon boost the crisp citrus characters and make it seriously flash with these flavours. For stockists, email mike@rmwp.co.nz.
Beetroot Kofta Bowls
Master of Ceremonies MC Gisborne Rosé 2017 ($21) is a perfectly poised little pinky, actually made (would you believe) from merlot and a tiny splash of pinot gris which injects some plump, pipfruit on to the palate. Cherry, raspberry, peach and a squeak of blood orange makes it bonza with beetroot. Buy from drink-mc.co.nz.
Easy Warm Chocolate Brownie, Berries and Cream
The Quinta Da Romaneira 10 Year Old Tawny Port ($64.90) is russet-coloured, perfumed with caramelised raisin, roasted, nutty notes, dried fruit and mixed peel, with a long, succulent finish – it’s amazing with gooey, berryish brownie. Buy from winecircle.co.nz.