AND TO DRINK…
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1.PORK SAUSAGES
AND SALSA VERDE I love the twang of apple sorbet, lime zest, lemonade and honeysuckle in the Tinpot Hut Turner Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2015 ($25). A hint of natural sweetness hits the spot and hugs the fattiness of the sausages. tinpothut.co.nz
2. GRAIN BOWLS WITH GREENS AND SOFT EGGS
This crunchy salad sings out for something equally lifted such as the Epic Brewing GINIPA 500ml 7.62% ($9). I love the whack of anise, juniper and scent of sarsaparilla as it merges with lemony notes, herbaceous hops and bags of refreshing bitterness on the finish. beercellar.co.nz
3. COCKLES WITH WHITE BEANS, GREENS AND HARISSA
This dish screams out for great sav blanc and the Seifried Aotea Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($29) is ideal. Capsicum, basil, tarragon, lime, passionfruit and white pepper are present in this bottle of niceness. seifried.co.nz
4. BUTTERFLIED LEG OF LAMB
The Brodie Estate Reserve Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 ($65) has that lovely aroma of a dusty carpenter’s workshop combined with baked cherry and tamarillo compote, a lick of leather and a long, fleshy finish. brodieestate.co.nz
5. STIR-FRIED VENISON, CHILLI AND MIXED PEAS
If there’s such a thing as a cherry-tobacco tea flavour, it’s in the Ataahua Waipara Pinot Noir 2013 ($37). The earthy deliciousness pairs well with the gaminess of this dish. ataahuawine.co.nz
6. SHIITAKE MISO BROTH WITH EGGPLANT NOODLES AND MARKET FISH
You don’t want this light broth to be overwhelmed by other flavours, so pair it with the Amstel Premium Pilsner 300ml ($21.99 doz). It’s so light and lemony, and the base of biscuity malt works well with the delicate fish texture. bigbarrel.co.nz
7. BEEF SKEWERS WITH ROASTED CAPSICUM AND ALMOND SALSA
This calls for something rich, dark and meaty and I nominate the Brave Brewing Neighbourhood Brown Ale 500ml 5.7% ($8.99). The hop component also injects a lacy, citrus edge that rocks with the salsa. finewinedelivery.co.nz
8. CHOCOLATE AND NUT BUTTER MOUSSE POTS
Reach for a glass of Muddy Water Sugar Daddy Riesling 375ml ($38.90) to sip with this indulgent dish. Lots of toffee and caramelised citrus characters, candied mandarin and peach layers merge in a silky, sexy thing. muddywater.co.nz