Perfect match: Fine wine is all about good taste without pretension

A friend took me to task last week for subscribing to the priciest wine magazine on the planet. "What are you subscribing to The World of Fine Wine for when you hardly ever drink fine wine?" he asked.

It's true I rarely drink first growth Bordeaux claret, aged port or grand cru white burgundy but I do drink fine wine.

Fine wine today comes in all guises - from Awatere sauvignon blanc, Australian dry riesling or vermentino to Sicilian nero d'avola, great red burgundy and barolo. The finest thing about The World of Fine Wine is its lack of pretension. "Fine" is just another word for great taste, no matter where a wine is from, what it's called or how much it costs.

Speaking of fine wine, I've been drinking champagne every day this week, to find the best - so watch this space.

2008 Triplebank Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc $20
Lovely fresh herby, intense sauvignon blanc. This is a perfect partner for scallops.

2008 Stoneleigh Marlborough Rapaura Series Pinot Noir $24
Fresh, fruity cherry flavours and a savoury finish make this Marlborough pinot noir way too drinkable.

2007 Seresin Estate Raupo Marlborough Pinot Noir $40
Raupo is a treasured native New Zealand flax, appropriate as this is something of a treasure, too. Big on body, flavour and character, this is best decanted before drinking and tastes even better the next day.