Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes
1. BAKED CREAMED CORN AND BACON GNOCCHI
These plump pillows of perfection swimming in a corny, bacony bed of deliciousness require a rich, zesty beverage to bring the boys to the yard. The Boneface Hoptron APA (6x500ml $22) is brewed with American hops that accentuate the citrus and tropical textures. It works brilliantly with the saltiness of the bacon. boneface-brewing.com
2. TARRAGON CHICKEN WITH LEEKS
If you invite people to yours and serve this dish with the Matawhero Irwin Gisborne Chardonnay
2016 ($60), you’ll become known far and wide as a host with impeccable food and wine matching talents. This chardonnay (named after Gisborne wine pioneer Bill Irwin) represents the epitome of what the Matawhero team can achieve in only the absolute best vintages. With aromas of roast stonefruit and spicy, buttered toast and layers of citrus and creamy, nutty nuances, it’s an elegant match for this recipe. matawhero.co.nz
3. BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
Well well well. If it isn’t the Mcleod’s Pioneer Brown Porter 500ml ($8.99) being the moody, broody, best mate for this magical mélange. The rich espresso, dark malt and cocoa tones in this porter pair perfectly with the sweet sauciness of this croissantbased concoction and it’s something you MUST try. whiskyandmore.co.nz
4. LAMB, PUMPKIN AND ROSEMARY PIES
Greg Dryden at Vista Wines is one of Nelson’s sleeping giants, but daylight saving is over and he’s awake, roaring, and ready to unleash some fee-fi-fo-yum. One of those lovelies is the Vista Nelson Pinot Noir 2017 ($23.99). It has a tightly coiled core of wild berries, spice and tannins, with gigantic texture to finish. glengarrywines.co.nz
5. THAI FISH AND PRAWN LAKSA
There’s nothing more lipsmackingly lovely to lurch into while enjoying laksa than a cool, crisp, crunchyfresh pale ale. I’m loving the Bach Brewing All Day XPA
(6x330ml $21.99). Brewed using extra pale barley and a combination of New Zealand and American hops, it’s herbaceous yet rich enough to wrap itself around this creamy, luscious laksa. winecentral.co.nz