Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. CUMIN, CORIANDER
LAMB STIR-FRY The complex spices in this tender lamb dish have me leaning toward a luscious, juicy red like the Spade Oak Gisborne St Laurent 2016 ($20). Pinot noir fans will love this cherry and spice-driven red. So supple and plush. spadeoak.co.nz
2. SMOKY CHIPOTLE PORK RIBS My pick with smoky pork is cider, and I’m loving Paynter’s The Alchemist Medium-dry
Cider 330ml ($3.99); it’s bright, fruit-driven, seriously appley and shows pineapple and guava plus a hint of feijoa and gooseberry. To buy email paul@paynterscider.co.nz
3. BAKED SNAPPER
PARCELS All the sticky, rich textures and gingerlaced spices here cry out for a fresh, snappy sav. The Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($17.99) hits that sweet spot between passionfruit, lime, lemon and green capsicum. A refreshing burst of brilliance. invivostore.com 4. CRUNCHY CAULIFLOWER BURGERS This vege dish with vavoom needs a wine to complement the heat and citrus of the jalapeño and lime. The Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2018 ($19) is heaving with baked pear, spiced apple and ultra-tangy textures, making it a perfect match. vidal.co.nz
5. STICKY GARLIC AND CHILLI EGGPLANT Ensure you have a goblet of Duncan’s Brewing Yum Yum
Yuzu Dry Lager 500ml ($9.40) to go with this dangerously good dish. Golden, foamy and infused with our favourite Japanese citrus fruit, it boasts fresh mandarin, lemon, and biscuity, malty magic on the palate. beerjerk.co.nz
6. STEAK TACOS Keep things on the lighter side with a crisp, cleansing ale-like the Sprig & Fern Tasman
Reserve Lager 500ml ($7.99). Champion brewer Tracy Banner has blended no less than five different hops to create a big, bold, yet smooth brew that works so well with these tacos. sprigandfern.co.nz 7. CHICKEN PANZANELLA Pair all those fresh, crunchy textures with a tall, chilled glass of Fork Brewcorp Golden Handshake Pilsner 500ml ($8.31). It’s a clean, lemon-led, frisky brew that works a treat with cherry toms, eggplant and all that oregano and thyme. beercellar.co.nz 8. STRAWBERRY, PLUM AND SALTED COCONUT ICE CREAM CAKE The Te Muna Valley Autumn Harvest Martinborough Pinot Gris 2014 ($32.50) is fantastic with this dish. With its musky florals, baked pear and soft nashi juice notes, this wine wraps itself around the salted coconut like the tastiest of cardigans. temunavalley.co.nz