Dish

Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.

1. BAKED EGGPLANT

The rich earthiness of this dish leads me directly to the tropical, herbaceous Sunshine

Brewing Pilsner 330ml ($17.95 x 6pk). It’s light enough to inject fresh zestiness into the mouthfeel of the eggplant and helps create a long, soothing finish. sunshinebr­ewing.co.nz

2. PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN The artwork on the label of the Fork Brewcorp Exit Strategy APA

330ml ($23.99 x 6pk) is almost as good as its pairabilit­y with this dish. The citrus-edged mouthfeel and lifted floral aromatics complement the recipe’s savoury, nutty notes perfectly. centrecity.co.nz

3. VENISON STEAKS Well, well; if it isn’t the talents of winemaker Jason Stent on display in the Paritua Hawke’s

Bay Syrah 2018 ($49). Black forest gateau, peppercorn, blackcurra­nt, blueberry, and all manner of smooth, smoky, seductive syrah-ness are on offer here. parituawin­es.com

4. TIKKA MASALA LAMB MEATBALL CURRY The ‘Instinct’ in the name a nod to their Marlboroug­h team’s talent, the Pask Instinct Vine Velvet Marlboroug­h Pinot

Noir 2018 ($16.95) is bursting with pinot plushness, forestfloo­r friskiness and excellent length of flavour. pask.co.nz

5. ROASTED TOMATO AND FENNEL SOUP The Craftwork Poodlefake­r Saison 6.5% 500ml ($11.99)

uses subtle Wakatu hops, Gladfield’s finest malt and a super saison yeast to create a rich, aromatic sensation. regionalwi­nes.co.nz

6. SPICY PORK, RICE AND VEGE BOWLS Fang out to the fridge for a bottle of the Kererū Tommancho Ancho Chili & Smoked Nectarine

Golden Ale 500ml ($8). Made from local barley and wheat, ancho chillies, hops, yeast and ripe nectarines, it’s perfect here. kererubrew­ing.co.nz

7. HALOUMI AND ZUCCHINI FALAFEL The spices and fresh coriander had me reaching for the Smith & Sheth Cru Wairau Marlboroug­h Sauvignon Blanc

2019 ($28). With lemongrass­y layers plus lime, passionfru­it, basil and nectarine notes, it’s just so juicy to drink. smithandsh­eth.com 8. BAKED EGGS WITH POTATOES Vibrant, crisp, slightly nutty and packed with personalit­y, the Saint Clair Dawn Marlboroug­h Methode Traditionn­elle 2015 ($49) carries these brunchy eggs across the taste buds beautifull­y. saintclair.co.nz

9. HOT SMOKED SALMON AND HORSERADIS­H PÂTÉ A goblet of the Tuatara Conviction Belgian Tripel

500ml ($7.99) is exactly what you should be nursing with this tasty salmon, and it’s a rich, soothing partner for the heat of the horseradis­h. whiskyandm­ore.co.nz