Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. BRUSCHETTAS A banging bubbles is just what you need with these bonza bruschettas. The Te Muna Valley Mary Ruby Rose Martinborough Methode Traditionelle 2015 ($45) is a heavenly homage to the grandmother of Colin Carruthers QC, Te Muna’s owner. Beautifully fresh with melon and white peach on the nose. temunavalley.co.nz
2. CAJUN FISH ROLLS Unpasteurised and unfiltered, the Sawmill Belgian Strong Ale 2019 500ml ($11.99) has superpowers of the tasty persuasion. It gets its James Brown on and becomes a funky sex machine of citrus, caramelised spice and smoke that’ll get on up with these rolls. thebeerlibrary.co.nz
3. MELON, MOZZARELLA AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD The Spice Girls once wailed “stop right now, thank you very much, I need somebody with a human touch”, but I just need somebody with a bottle of Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 ($24). Dry, spicy and delicious with the melon and salty prosciutto. millsreef.co.nz
4. CHORIZO, PALE ALE AND WHITE BEAN MUSSELS The Kererū Brewing Manuka Sahti 500ml ($50 x 6pk) is a Finnish-style farm ale made using mānuka leaf to create a citrus blossomboosted beer with rich, rye malts and a long, rich-yetcleansing finish. It delivers deliciously with these spicy mussels. kererubrewing.co.nz
5. EASY ROAST CHICKEN WITH GRAINS The Boneline Sharkstone Waipara Chardonnay 2018 ($45) erupts with grapefruity goodness and a lick of apricot and pineapple. It’s sensational with classic roast chicken. theboneline.co.nz
6. CHILLI PORK AND KIMCHI DUMPLINGS Stop, drop and roll a can of South Cider Feijoa & Apple Cider
330ml ($4.49) out of the fridge and in your general direction to devour with these dumplings. Crisp, clean and brewed with Pink Lady and Braeburn apples alongside zesty feijoa, it soothes the spiciness in this dish. southcider.co.nz
7. ARTICHOKE, SAGE AND PARMESAN PIZZAS The moreishness of the artichokes and saltiness of that parmesan pairs perfectly with a snappy, citrus-centric sauvignon blanc. I’m loving the Twin Islands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($12.99) because it ticks all these boxes. winebox.co.nz
8. PORK AND FENNEL SAUSAGE PIZZA The Grandeza Gran Tradición 2012 ($13.99) is 100 per cent tempranillo and structured in a smooth, warming, berrydriven style with soft spices to finish. Dangerously easy to drink with this hearty pizza. blackmarket.co.nz