AND TO DRINK…
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. BRAISED PORK WITH BABY POTATOES
Step away from the red wine and look for something rich and white to go with this pork. I’m suggesting The Hunting Lodge Gisborne Viognier
Marsanne 2017 ($28), with its rich, tasty floral-fest on the nose, it immediately leapt onto my 'must have it' list. I just love its apricot and jasmine notes and mandarin pith and lemony loveliness. Zesty acidity, incredible texture and deliciously pure white fruits make it rather gorgeous. thehuntinglodge.com
2. CHICKEN WITH GRAPES AND ROSEMARY
Let your fingers do the walking and get that keyboard searching for the Domain Road Central Otago Defiance
Chardonnay 2018 ($28). With its juicy white peach, hints of honeysuckle, biscotti and brioche, and its generous, mouth-filling style, it’s a superb sip to shimmy on up to these tender chicken thighs. Toasty, creamy and chockful of tropical goodness – it’s stunning. domainroad.co.nz
3. LEMON RISOTTO WITH PEA AND ROCKET PURÉE
No joke. THE best match on the planet for this risotto is a ripe and rumpty sauvignon blanc. The Richmond Plains Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($18) fits the bill perfectly. Taut and tropical and showing great tension (excellent wine word there, folks; remember it), this floral, lemongrassy explosion from the certifiedorganic stable of Richmond Plains will bring on the grins for any sauvignon lover. richmondplains.co.nz
4. PAN-FRIED FISH WITH ROASTED CAPSICUM AND CAPER DRESSING The John Forrest Collection The White Multi Regional
Blend 2010 ($45) has the glorious complexity to counter this pure and simple fish dish – but over-chill this wine at your peril. Letting it warm up a little will unveil layers of flavour with each mouthful. Using viognier from Hawke’s Bay's Gimblett Gravels, pinot gris from the limestone soils of North Otago, and sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, chenin blanc and gewürztraminer from Marlborough, John Forrest’s blend always varies. Nine years in the bottle has created a lime- and mandarincentric series of characters, succulent, crisp, greengage and peach notes, toasty layers and excellent length of flavour. forrest.co.nz
5. DARK CHOCOLATE, AMARETTI AND MARSALA FLAN
Pour yourself a teensy glass of the outrageously gorgeous Tohu Raiha Reserve Noble Marlborough Riesling 2016 ($25) to savour with this indulgent dish. Candied fruit, fairy floss, toffee and mānuka honey – they all work wickedly with dark chocolate and amaretti. tohuwines.com