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 Charles Lea 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.
By Charles Lea on 20/10/2021
An interesting report given that there seems to be a 'blanket' view that 2021 is a disaster in France. In Burgundy the quantity of white is certainly disastrously low, but there will as usual be some nicer surprises.
By Derek Robertson on 17/03/2021
It does it for me. I’m seduced by the exotic charm of Viognier, thrilled by its seductive appeal and constantly in awe of its many guises.
By David Porter on 23/12/2019
It’s the busiest moment of the year for our team as we try to help everyone get the right wines into their glasses as well as the perfect presents into people's stockings for Christmas.
By Peter Ogilvy-Wedderburn on 25/11/2019
2018 was a very hot vintage – the growing season only beaten by 2003 for overall heat. However the wines are very different from 2003, for even where they are ripe there is much more freshness than one could have dreamed possible.
By Angus Barcroft on 25/05/2018
Mondays can be tough however when a work trip to Portugal beckons, to say that we were all excited was an understatement. Working for L&S, we have been told many great things about this estate. Yes, we all know the wines are wonderful and pictures can only go so far.
By Ed H-B on 27/02/2018
2018 Lea & Sandeman Italian Tasting This year we are holding our Italian tasting in the upper room at Foyles Bookshop. This is a great opportunity to explore our award-winning Italian range, meet our producers and taste some brilliant new releases - including the latest Brunello vintages from Fuligni, Collematoni & Giodo.
By David Porter on 03/10/2017
We are constantly looking to expand our Italian selection and although we already have two excellent Chiantis on our list, we couldn't resist the brilliant ‘Le Fioraie’ wines from Piemaggio, hidden away in the Tuscan hills. Le Fioraie is a specific tract of land in the high ground of Castellina in Chianti – right at the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
By Angus Barcroft on 25/07/2017
Five years ago, I visited Croatia for the first time for a music festival. It was in a small town called Tisno in between Zadar and Split. A lovely place, right on the beach. Crystal clear sea, beautiful food and amazing weather. A great place for a holiday.
By David Porter on 19/10/2016
With the emergence of new wine regions in the southern hemisphere came the freedom to grow what you wanted in terms of what grape variety you planted and what you called your wine. Things changed slowly as ‘Chablis’ from Australia was clobbered by the wine authorities and you can no longer grow ‘Sauternes’ in Livermore County, California.
By Andrew Hooper on 05/10/2016
Late September is a good time to head to Portugal for a couple of days - you get some welcome sunshine before the Christmas run in begins and, as the harvest is coming in, there’s plenty to see.