What’s cooking: Tracey Poole

Tracey Poole. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Tracey Poole tastes almost 4000 wines a year. So you can trust that she knows her stuff. Poole, 27, has been a wine buyer and taster for Auckland's Fine Wine Delivery Company for seven years.

What's your favourite wine?

I enjoy such a wide variety of wines, both red and white, but must say I have a soft spot for champagne and riesling.

Favourite wine and food match?

I find the simplest matches are the best. A selection of fresh salmon, scallops, prawns and calamari with a glass or two of champagne - I'm in heaven.

What works best with a snarler on the barbecue?

I love pinot noir and enjoy it with just about anything. When I'm being a bit more budget conscious there are some super value Spanish reds around, like Torres Coronas or Chivite Gran Feudo. They are generous flavour-packed reds and ideal around the barbecue.

Your favourite restaurant?

I love Vinnies as well as The Grove.

Your favourite bar?

I enjoy the Wine Loft, or, for a night out dancing, Lenin or Coast.

What advice would you give someone who doesn't know much about wine?

Keep trying new wine styles - it's the only way to find out what you really like. Don't be swayed by wine snobs who tell you what you should and shouldn't like. Go to regular wine tastings - they are the perfect way to try new things you might otherwise not buy.

What about those wanting to get serious about wine and get a cellar together?

Try to buy a wider range of styles. Buy wines from New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Spain, France, Argentina. (Riesling is compulsory in my book.) Buy wines for medium and long-term cellaring, you need some rewarding experiences early on, without waiting 10 years.

Your favourite new wine?

Mesh Riesling, made by Jeffrey Grosset and Robert Hill Smith, who have teamed up to make a stunning riesling. It is a gorgeous wine now but really it is for those who have the patience to cellar for at least 10 years. My other discovery was 1996 La Strada Reserve Malbec. I drink anything of Fromm La Strada, they are outstanding.

Where is the best new wine coming from?

Hats off to New Zealand pinot noir. Pinot noir from the good producers is worth every penny. A lot more quality pinot noir is becoming available around $20-$25 as well.

Where do you stand on screw caps?

I am a firm believer that wine ages better under screw cap.