My wife's brother-in-law is in many ways not your typical Italian.
He wears hiking boots rather than loafers, favours tweed over cashmere and is not particularly fond of olive oil or garlic. However, when wine appears at the table, his old cultural traditions kick in.
Blessed with a very good enoteca just a few minutes' walk from the apartment, on visits there I eagerly hunt out interesting bottles to try; and like most Kiwis am always happy to have a glass (or two) before dinner.
Giovanni invariably springs into action and rustles up some prosciutto, cheese, grissini etc to go with the wine.
In his culture, wine and food are inseparably interlinked.
Across Italy, France and Spain, a glass of wine is an essential ingredient in a meal.
The wine itself is unlikely to be anything profound: family meals matched with simple wines; the vin ordinaire of France or vino d'tavola of Italy often purchased in bulk.
Drunk by themselves, these types of wines can be shrill or rustic but that would be missing the point: food and conversation can soften their rough edges into something with a little more charm.
Food traditions in NZ are still developing but the Sunday roast remains an institution in many households.
NZ Roast Day (an initiative by Selaks Wines) is set for Sunday, August 2.
In the grip of winter, the aromas of roast meat (or lentil bake for the vegetarians among us) and veges in the oven can be hard to beat.
Pair the chicken (or lentil bake) with chardonnay or pinot noir, the pork with riesling or chenin blanc and the beef or lamb with heartier reds and you are on to a winner.
Invite friends or family and let the meal become the occasion.
Price: $16.99
Rating: Very good
Plums, leaf, a hint of tobacco and cassis. Sweet fruit with a brambly note. A burst of freshness on the palate with plum and raspberry. Juicy, medium weight wine that is nicely balanced. Some tannic grip here that is not obtrusive and a nice finish. Very appealing wine this, that would be perfect with roast lamb.
Price: $22.99
Rating: Good
Savoury and spice notes with some charry oak. Relatively full bodied: well-rounded and integrated. Not distinctly varietal (I could have guessed Merlot) nor complex but very appealing with its generous richness and supple mouthfeel. Can I call a wine cuddly; it seems I just have.
Price: $17.99
Rating: Good
Sweet berryfruit, fruit jubes, confectionery and a touch of vanilla. Supple entry with quite sweet fruit and then noticeable charry oak. A medium weight, crowd-pleasing style that is rounded and raring to go. The back label suggests cellaring potential for several years: I disagree. Enjoy this in a year or two.
