Oyster pan roast is an uniquely American culinary creation. It's a rich, delicious and simple dish that is mainly served on both coasts of the US - because that's where the country's oysters are raised and harvested. It's made by simmering handfuls of freshly shucked oysters with rich cream and spicy tomato sauce, and it's simple enough so anybody can make their own version of it. The cream and tomato enhance the oysters' richness and alters their texture. The best wines to drink with this dish need to be fresh and fruity to provide balance and to cleanse the mouth for the next bite. Freeman Pinot Noir 2006, Russian River Valley, California This wine is produced in northern California's Sonoma county, which is home to some of the state's juiciest pinot noirs. Compared to Oregon, the Russian River Valley pinots are rich, silky and warm, while those of their northern neighbours tend to be more direct and austere in taste. This delicious and extremely complex Freeman pinot goes well with oyster pan roast and crusty bread. The juicy, cherry fruit compliments the richness of the tomato paste, while the iodine-y sea water released from the oysters highlights the complex elements in the wine. Available for HK$470 from Golden Gate Wine (tel: 2891 8121) Fabre Montmayou Phebus Torrentes 2007, Mendoza, Argentina This Argentinian torrentes is a miniature version of a much more statuesque New Zealand sauvignon blanc. The torrentes grape is always unoaked, and is often filled with gentle perfumes, apples, white flowers and some citrus fruit freshness. It is uncomplicated and immediately refreshing and tasty. At a fraction of the price of many New Zealand sauvignon blancs, it provides stunning value and is delicious with all seafood. It's another great wine to pair with an oyster pan roast dish as its freshness brings balance to the rich meal. The wine's light-bodied texture plays with the egg yolk-like texture of the oysters, while its refreshing acidity rounds out the combination. Available for HK$90 from Merit Wine Boutique (tel: 2528 5025) Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa Sherry, Jerez, Spain This Manzanilla is one of the lighter styles of sherry: it's pale, with lovely, complex flavours that are so different to the sweet sherry your grandmother might have sipped with her trifle. This one is all about freshness and tightness of flavours. It goes superbly with oyster pan roast, a combination I tasted first at the Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco. This Manzanilla adds a sea-breeze freshness to the oysters, which, in turn, saturates the cooking broth when added to the mix. Available for HK$140 from Fine Vintage (tel: 2896 6108)