Chardonnay

Probably originating in Burgundy, Chardonnay has since taken over the World. Its ability to grow almost anywhere and produce pretty much any style of wine, from sweet to dry, with bubbles or without, has seen it grown in all wine regions everywhere. Widely castigated by the ABC brigade (people who will drink “Anything but Chardonnay”, so often opt for a White Burgundy instead) but responsible for the finest white wines on the planet in the shape of the great Montachets and Meursaults of the Côte de Beaune. With one or two odd exceptions, all White Burgundy is made from Chardonnay; it, also, features in most Champagne cuvées and, consequently, in sparkling cuvées across the globe; and is the staple of the varietal range no matter where from.

Harvest Lamy

2021 Burgundy harvest reports | Côte de Beaune

By on 19/11/2021

[caption id="attachment_33650" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Harvest at Domaine Hubert Lamy[/caption] Domaine Rémi Jobard - Meursault Remi Jobard told us:- ‘It was the shortest harvest ever – even my father had never seen anything like it. 1/3 of the normal harvest, and short in red as well as white. I picked late – starting as most people finished.

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2019 Burgundy EP square

In the field – Tasting the 2019 Burgundy Vintage – Part II

By on 15/10/2020

Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Our second day began with a longer journey, from our digs in Beaune (which we had settled into the night before after driving down from Chablis) straight south to Pouilly-Fuissé. In the tiny commune of Pierreclos, we drew up to a maze of buildings and were greeted, then ushered down some steps to the tiny cave of Frantz Chagnoleau.

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2019 Burgundy EP part 1

In the field – Tasting the 2019 Burgundy Vintage – Part I

By on 11/10/2020

We've touched down in Burgundy and have an intense, covid-safe programme of visits that will see us covering the length and breadth of Burgundy starting from Chablis in the north – to the south in the Mâconnais and not missing anything out in between! An early start for Day 1, after our 10 hour journey from London - the following day, is something easily met when you know that your day will be packed full of Chablis tasting - helped even more by the first Domaine being just down the road.

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Virtual dinner party

The Virtual Dinner Party – with Virtually Perfect Wine Pairings

By on 15/04/2020

Is there anything that beats a good Dinner Party? Coming together to share delicious food, exciting wines, and lively conversation with friends now seems more essential than ever before – but how to have that experience now? In recent weeks, technology has really stepped up to the plate, changing the way we work, play, and socialise.

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Thanksgiving 2019 wine

Best wines for Thanksgiving

By on 25/11/2019

It may be surprising to know that most of the states of the US produce wine. But, of course, most of the American wines that hit these shores are from California. From the earliest days of Spanish settlers, through waves of various European migrants, surviving the vicissitudes of Prohibition, to the modern internationally recognised industry of today, wine has always been part of the Californian scene.

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Nyetimber at Hurlingham

Nyetimber – 2013 Tillington Vineyard – Limited New Release

By on 08/08/2018

2018 marks an important anniversary for Lea & Sandeman as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, but also for Nyetimber, probably England's most famous producer of Sparkling Wine. In 1988, as Charles and Patrick were busy setting up L&S in London, the Nyetimber vines were being planted here in West Sussex.

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Californian Wines

Understanding Californian Wines – Our New Kids on the Block

By on 25/11/2016

For many, Californian Wine means one thing – the big, rich, bold style – fruit-laden whoppers embodied most often by the wines from the Napa valley – but after 10 days hard study and exploration along the dramatic coastline of this beautiful state, we have learnt lots and there is great variety for those looking for more.

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