By Edward Richardson on 21/10/2018
[caption id="attachment_29768" width="600" align="alignright"] L'Aumônerie, Gevrey Chambertin[/caption] During the 11th century, Abbot Halinard instructed for cellars to be built in Gevrey Chambertin as a store for the Abbey of Saint Benigné in Dijon. Nine hundred or so vintages on, the very same vaults shelter the latest batch of exulted offerings from Domaine Dugat-Py.
By David Porter on 15/10/2018
It was a year for the very best vineyards and the very best producers to shine. Skilled and dedicated winemakers farming the best sites of Barbaresco have pulled it out of the bag. And none more so than the brilliant Andrea Sottimano.
By Edward Richardson on 11/09/2018
We have just spent a week careering around the Tuscan countryside like crazed cinghiale, sniffing out truffle and guzzling Chianti Classico. Everywhere we went, friendly black roosters tempted us in like slightly tipsy Sirens. The problem is, all roosters are not created equal. That's unsurprising given that Chianti Classico's rippling landscape covers nearly 72,000 hectares.
By Toby Jamieson on 17/08/2018
Whilst on holiday in Northern Italy this August, I had the pleasure of visiting our Franciacorta producer, Corteaura. We were treated to a in-depth guided tour by Federico, the estate owner, who explained how he had jumped ship from the accounting world to immerse himself in the world of sparkling wine.
By David Porter on 24/05/2018
The last full 'declaration' by the leading Port houses was for the very fine 2011 Vintage. 2015 came painfully close, and we were hugely impressed by the 'Single Quinta' releases last year. How good must 2016 be to have trumped those superb 2015s? 2016: The Wines There has therefore been a palpable sense of excitement in anticipation of this new Vintage.
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 Charles Lea on 26/01/2018
Following our 2016 Burgundy tasting, this week's Country Life wine column by Harry Eyres picks up on the story of the small harvest as a result of frost, but also says: "at its best this is a very good vintage indeed, with especially elegant wines.
By Edward Richardson on 05/01/2018
2016 Lea & Sandeman White Burgundy Burgundy en primeur season kicks off next week and most of the talk will be about the frost and the tiny volumes produced in some areas. Don't be put off by the gloom! The fruit that survived has produced some wonderfully pure, classically-shaped Burgundy - right down to village level.
By David Porter on 25/11/2017
2014 was undoubtedly a challenging vintage across Italy - and Bolgheri was no different with uncharacteristic rain, cool temperatures and a constant lack of sun adversely affecting the harvest like rarely before. This was a vintage that required understanding, hard work and unstinting commitment. Only in the right hands at the right estates was glory possible.
By Toby Jamieson on 10/11/2017
[caption id="attachment_28973" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The main house of Gosset in Epernay[/caption] Trip to Gosset Champagne: Monday 6th - Tuesday 7th November 2017 What a treat it was to visit the Gosset estate and vineyards in early November. The trip comprised a diverse range of eager folk all involved in different areas of the wine trade.
By Ed H-B on 02/11/2017
'Manni Nössing is one of Italy’s most talented winemakers. In fact, all his wines are so good that it’s virtually impossible to pick the best of the lot, or even a favourite.' Ian d'Agata, www.
By Edward Richardson on 20/10/2017
[caption id="attachment_28311" align="aligncenter" width="508"] Cantine Dei with the town of Montepulciano perched on the hill beyond[/caption] Hot on the heels of last year's success with their 2013 vintage, Cantine Dei has just been awarded the top Italian Wine Award 'Tre Bicchiere' for its stellar Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2014, the estate is quite rightly in the spotlight once again - what an amazing achievement! The Estate - in the heart of Montepulciano is located right in the middle of Tuscany's beautiful Montepulciano region just on the eastern slopes of this 'picture-perfect' hilltop town.