This month our spotlight falls on Kirsty Cook who has recently joined our Fine Wine Sales Team in London.

 

Q) Tell us a bit about you and your role at Corney & Barrow?

I currently work a blended sales role within the Fine Wine Team. Predominantly I assist with wines, and Retailers. Whilst also expanding my knowledge and account handling towards the Private consumer side.

Q) What types of customers do you look after and where are they based?

I am fortunate enough to work with some of the country’s top retailers as well as Wine Merchants both in the UK and worldwide. My Private Customers are primarily based in England. Based in the UK, across Europe and further overseas.

Q) How did you end up working in wine? Did you always have a passion for wine?

On both sides of my family there has always been an avid love for wine. Being fortunate enough to have a family home in the Loire Valley. We were always surrounded by beautiful vineyards and visited many local producers. Trying to squeeze as many cases as possible into the car to bring home for everyone was always an important task of every visit!

After starting out my career in hospitality management, I was sponsored by our wine merchant to complete the Level 2 WSET. Once understanding just how much thought is put into every step of the process, it becomes very easy to appreciate each glass of wine on a whole new level.

One New Year the team and I were gifted a Magnum of Chateau-Lynch Bages 1985, and a bottle of Chateau Branaire-Ducru 1989 by a customer. This was my first experience of Fine Wine so to speak and a real motivation for me to explore further. I have been fortunate enough to attend some wonderful tastings both previously and even more so now that I am working in the trade.

Q) What has been your favourite wine experience so far and why?

A very recent experience was attending a women’s trade tasting. We had a wonderful afternoon speaking with Ornellaia’s Female winemaker Olga Fusari and tasting her “Poggio alle Gazze” from 2016 to 2020. The vast difference in every vintage continued to impress me. Hearing the winemaker’s story alongside tasting the wines, gave a real insight as to how intense each year was, and made every flavour feel that extra bit more special. It was also encouraging as a new female in the industry to be surrounded by many influential ladies.

Q) What styles of wine do you tend to drink and why?

White Burgundy is always an easy go to for me, I love the depth and complexity… although saying that Chardonnay as a grape continues to impress me with its versatility from country to country.

Q) When you are not selling or tasting wine what might we find you doing?

I have a great love for cooking, it’s always fun to be adventurous with new recipes- plus a great dish will always go hand in hand with a great glass of wine (or two!..)

I also enjoy going to the gym, and spending time with friends in the local village pub.