AND TO DRINK…
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. LEEK RISOTTO WITH TOASTED WALNUTS, SAGE BROWN BUTTER AND CREAMY BRIE The Mount Edward Central Otago Grüner Veltliner 2019 ($29) is a caramelised, nutty, toasty, multi-layered, melon- and mineral-infused sip that’s magic with dishes like this. mountedward.com 2. BISTRO CHICKEN WITH BACON, TARRAGON AND CRÈME FRAICHE Fresh, soothing and edged with citrus, the Wairiki Estate The Matriarch Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020 ($29) roars with tarragon chicken. wairiki.co.nz 3. SALMON, POTATO, GREEN OLIVE AND FENNEL TRAY BAKE This dish sings with the Carrick Central Otago Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($25). With lemongrass, nettle and soft, nutty notes cloaking the lime and lemon layers, it complements the salmon sensationally. carrick.co.nz 4. SPICED COCONUT RICE AND CHICKEN Pair the exotic spices with the lusciously local Sawmill Homegrown Lager 4.0% (330ml x 6pk $19.99). sawmillbrewery.co.nz 5. STICKY STIR-FRIED BEEF WITH GREENS AND NOODLES Grown in the iron-rich soils of the Bridge
Pa Triangle, Abbey Estate Obsession Hawke’s Bay Petit Verdot 2019 ($25) is ultrafloral, glossy, earth-edged and heaving with dried herbs, blackberry and wild and woolly textures. abbeycellars.com 6. PIZZA WITH SPICY NDUJA AND TOMATO Counter the spicy topping with the bright, aromatic Misty Cove Wines 'Waihopai' Limited Release Marlborough White Blend 2020 ($29). mistycovewines.com 7. BAKED GNOCCHI WITH ROASTED PUMPKIN AND MOZZARELLA My favourite thing in the world to sip with roast pumpkin anything, is pinot gris. The Crown Range Cellar Moon Rock Waitaki
Valley Pinot Gris 2018 ($49) glows, glosses and slinks its way around the glass. The label replicates the imperfections of the moon’s surface. Luxurious, yet dry and beautifully balanced, it’s divine with this cheesy gnocchi. crownrangecellar.com 8. HONEY ROASTED PARSNIPS AND BULGHUR WHEAT SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE Those sticky-sweet chunks of parsnip paired with the creamy, saltiness of the blue cheese simply roar out for the Scoundrels and Rogues Morally Bankrupt Pear Cider 6.9% (330ml $6.50). scoundrelsandrogues.com