By Caroline Tanner on 13/11/2024
If you’ve been following the exploits of Gary Barlow on his wine tour around South Africa (broadcast by ITV), you’ll have seen him stop off at the impossibly picturesque Maanschijn winery, whose wines we are delighted to import. A looming mountain, a saltwater lagoon and beneath, a tiny white farmhouse, nestled amidst the trees.
By Caroline Tanner on 03/10/2024
Victoria is not the largest wine-producing state in Australia (although everything is relative here, it still contains 54,000 acres of vineyard), but many of the 21 regions it contains are familiar names to wine enthusiasts for the quality of the wines. For example: Heathcote, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Rutherglen and Yarra Valley, are all part of Victoria.
By Caroline Tanner on 17/07/2024
Last week, at the prestigious Industry Awards for the International Wine Challenge, we were thrilled to bring home the prizes for the London Regional Retailer of the Year, Small Multiple Site Retailer of the Year and Sparkling Retailer of the Year.
By Caroline Tanner on 03/07/2024
A Guide to Enjoying Chilled Red Wines This Summer When summer rolls around, most of us instinctively reach for crisp whites and rosés to keep cool. But we shouldn’t overlook the array of red wines that are perfect served at that ‘top step of the cellar’ temperature.
By Caroline Tanner on 11/03/2024
A tiny part of the wine market as a whole (as explored in Charles Lea's blog here), grower Champagne has a disproportionate share of characterful, remarkable wines, thanks to the passionate vignerons behind the wines. We're shining a spotlight on our portfolio of grower champagnes this year, each month highlighting a different producer - this month: Marc Hébrart.
By Caroline Tanner on 05/03/2024
The Italian tasting is a moment in the L&S calendar that we all look forward to. This year, on a dull February day, a gang of Italian winemakers descended on Foyles bookshop, bringing a splash of Mediterranean/Alpine sunshine to London.
By Caroline Tanner on 06/02/2024
‘One of the most electrifying discoveries for me (at the L&S Champagne tasting in May) was Champagne Roger Coulon. The very first taste of the first wine on the table set my spine tingling. These are exhilarating, idiosyncratic wines.’ Tamlyn Currin – JancisRobinson.
By Caroline Tanner on 07/12/2023
Wine critics can be creatures of habit and it’s always interesting when a new wine manages to break the mould and gain recognition for new regions or styles.
By Caroline Tanner on 06/12/2023
We all know that our feathery new world friend can emerge from the furnace a touch on the bland side. The old bird's silver lining is a free rein when it comes to wine pairing. Whites or reds make excellent matches, particularly those that are packed with flavour.
By Caroline Tanner on 18/10/2023
With a crisp chill in the morning air and fallen leaves underfoot, it's time to retreat from the garden for the comforting flavours of autumn in the kitchen. Squash, mushrooms, beetroot, celeriac, blackberries, apples and pears are all coming into season – beautiful earthy flavours that invite long, slow cooking and deep, satisfying red wine pairings.
By Caroline Tanner on 10/08/2023
Our day’s trip to visit Albert Jané, winemaker on the northeast coast of Spain, comprised a whistlestop tour of his four different projects: Acústic in Montsant, Ritme in Priorat and Autòcton and Mas Vilella, both based around his family home in Tarragona.
By Caroline Tanner on 05/07/2023
We’re diving into the Lea & Sandeman cellars to find the perfect wines for your glass this summer. Chances are, if you’re thinking about buying Bordeaux at the moment, you’re probably planning to open it in 5-10 years’ time.