WINE+FOOD MATCH

Green Tomato and Mussel Pasta Visit mindfood.com/tomato-mussel-pasta

THE DROP

Any recipe that includes green tomatoes, let alone fried green tomatoes, always sparks my interest. Do you remember the Fried Green Tomatoes movie from 1991? Growing up, I thought all tomatoes were red when ready to eat ... so what wine could possibly pair with a green tomato? Turns out quite a few, but when steamed mussels and green pasta coated in garlic, extra virgin olive oil and basil are layered in, this would seem to be quite a challenge. Green tomatoes, herbs and fresh mussels have an affinity with sauvignon blanc and

HOT & SWEET

One of the more fun classes I’ve taught at university is liqueur making. I provided a neutral spirit and liquid sugar; students had to bring the flavour(s) combo. Orange peel, candy or some exotic flavours were the most popular. One combo worthy of repeat was the mint and chilli. Next time you’re in Australia, pick up a bottle of Dubliner. Dubliner Irish Whiskey has a new addition: the Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur, a cinnamon and chilli-flavoured whiskey liqueur with aromas and flavours of cinnamon rolls, toffee and candy floss. It’s nice on its own over ice, or you could experiment with a summer cocktail: take a classic like a Manhattan and see what you can enhance or change out with a Dubliner. AU$49.99.

Méthode Traditionnelle or with Champagne. The match for this dish is the 3Sixty2 Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from Marlborough, with its striking bouquet and palate filled with a citrus and herbaceous intensity that matches that of the finished dish. The lees, peach and apple flavours of the wine match and contrast the pasta’s salty sweet intensity with core fruit flavours speaking easily to the green tomato flesh. The satin-smooth texture of the wine equals the food with contrasting acidity and an overall match to the intensity of the dish. RRP from $29. 3sixty2.com