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.
By Caroline Tanner on 21/06/2023
We’re diving into the Lea & Sandeman cellars to find the perfect wines for your glass this summer. Talk to a sommelier, or a member of the wine trade, and it’s likely that they’re happy to wax lyrical about Riesling.
By Caroline Tanner on 25/05/2023
Last week Lea & Sandeman took over the 6th floor of the flagship Foyles bookshop, to host our ‘Celebration of Spring’ tasting. Alongside a selection of standout spring wines, the event also presented the first opportunity to taste through our recently-bolstered range of ‘grower’ Champagnes, with 15 different Champagne growers on show and over 70 different cuvées being poured.
By Caroline Tanner on 17/03/2023
For over 18 years, Lea & Sandeman has been the proud supporter of the NSPCC City Fine Wine Challenge - an evening that tests tastebuds and wine knowledge, whilst raising vital funds for a very important cause.