Odd couples delicious. DRINKS

These drink and food pairings from Mike Bennie are left-of-centre but undeniably good.

Eastern Peake Pinot Tache Rosé 2018, $28

Yum cha is a great excuse to have a drink before midday but it must span everything from dumplings to roast pork – for that, rosé is your friend. This is a stellar example.

Stony Creek Farm Distillery North of Eden Classic Gin, $75

This is a superb dry gin that works a treat in an “RSL daiquiri” as I call it – gin with lemon squash and bitters over ice. Awesome with a schnitzel or a parmy.

Frankland Estate Rocky Gully Riesling 2019, $19

Riesling is one of the most refreshing grape varieties. It’s much maligned for being sweet, but dry, crisp styles, like this one, are a stunning match for a wealth of food – my favourite is smoked sausages.

Sailors Grave Brewing Sou’East Draught Beer, $6

Most people reach for sake or dry white wines when chowing down on sashimi, but I reckon Sailors Grave nails the brief with this sessionable, lightly bitter beer.

Mada Wines Prosecco 2019, $24

Prosecco is one of the fastest-growing wine categories, and Australia is showing Italy just how well we do it. This version is one of the best local examples. Drink it with a big fry-up breakfast.