AND TO DRINK…

Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.

1. CHICKEN WITH WHITE BEANS, CHORIZO AND ROSEMARY With its lifted Motueka hop notes and biscuity, creamy finish, the Monteith’s Wayfarer Pilsner 330ml ($25 x 12pk) is ideal with a spicy number like this. moorewilsons.co.nz

2. LEMONGRASS AND GINGER GREEN CHICKEN CURRY Top notes of lychee, white peach, honeysuckle and pear make the Matawhero Gisborne Gewürztraminer 2020 ($23.99) the crispest, juiciest match. matawhero.co.nz

3. STICKY CARAMEL, BLACK PEPPER AND GINGER CHICKEN Counter this dish's sweetness with the hoppy resinosity and herbaceousness of the Kererū Velocihoptor Hazy Pacific IPA 330ml ($4.50). beercellar.co.nz

4. PUTTANESCA CHICKEN The Middle Earth Pinot Meunier Rosé 2020 ($25) sends red apple osmosing through onto the palate and washing across the tonsils, leaving a comet tail of red fruits, crisp acidity and quartzy minerality. middleearthwine.com

5. AROMATIC SPICED CHICKEN AND EGGPLANT Crafted from three breeds of plum, Paynter’s Qyte Plummy Cider 330ml ($88 x 24pk) is taut, textural and deliciously rich and dry. paynterscider.co.nz

6. SPIKED CORN WITH CHIPOTLE MAYO The Riverby Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 ($28) has a pineapple, grapefruit and peachy punch that’s a sexy chum to the smoky chipotle and minty magic. riverbyestate.com

7. EGGS AND HOT SMOKED SALMON ON RYE CRACKERS

Crafted entirely from chardonnay, the O:TU Limited Release Methode Traditionelle Blanc

de Blanc Brut 2018 ($36) is laced with lemon and finishes with a toasty, nutty line. otuwine.com

8. ZESTY CHICKEN WITH CURRANTS The Capital Cider Co. Tokyo Rose Nelson Cider ($8) is the most satisfying sip with this recipe. Crisp, cleansing and fabulously floral. capitalcider.co.nz

9. CHURRASCARIAS LAMB SKEWERS The Jules Taylor OTQ Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 ($43) is inky-dark, cherrysaturated, smoky, saucy and sexy enough to add lushness to this lamb dish. julestaylor.com

10. SZECHUAN PEPPER TOFU BITES Elegant, deliciously dry, yet saturated with crisp nashi notes, the Mahi Marlborough Pinot Gris 2020 ($22) will perk up even the most flaccid of palates. mahiwine.co.nz

11. SNAPPER, PRESERVED LEMON AND CHILLI CEVICHE The new Giesen Uncharted Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ($19.99) has lemongrass, basil and tomato leaf on the nose and a peachy mid-palate and finish. Brilliant with ceviche. giesen.co.nz

12. CHORIZO BOCADILLO Oozing spiced cocoa, blackcurrant and choco-cherry, it’s the vanilla edge of the Taylors Estate Clare Valley Shiraz 2018 ($19) that works so well with this dish. Plus you can use this in the recipe! taylorswines.com.au