It was all the rage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to pair wines with specific ailments. So sparkling 'Burgundy' - hugely popular at that time in Australia - was often recommended for invalids to help with recuperation. Something to do with the generous black fruit flavours, soothing touch of sweetness and restorative bubbles, perhaps. These days, I find a similar soothing effect can be attained from a plate of roast duck pancakes. Especially at Sunday yum cha after an indulgent Saturday night. And in a happy coincidence, the best accompaniment for roast duck pancakes is a glass or two of slightly sweet sparkling red (as it's now correctly known). Try one that's a blend of shiraz (for richness, to match the succulent duck) and grapes such as cabernet, which give the wine complexity, dryness and a herbal, spicy lift to match the green onion pancakes. - MAX ALLEN
It’s a case of two restoratives making a right. What could be better than soothing red bubbles with succulent roast duck?