Lay & Wheeler Blog

Soleras, Jamón and heartburn

Published on 29/01/2016 / By Micah Dougall

Our host was of course referring to that (in normal circumstances) irresistible, flavoursome, chilled glass of fino. However, feeling somewhat delicate after a convivial welcome to the delightful city of Jerez the night before, we'd hoped for a...

A variety of vinous watering holes

Published on 07/01/2016 / By Adrian Heaven

We began with Champagne and English sparkling in a modern country kitchen before moving to a sharp. clean-lined kitchen for a pure, taut Loire Chenin Blanc and then to an oak kitchen for, surprise surprise, an oaked Chardonnay. (I admit we may...

“A nation of French Wine Shop-keepers”

Published on 14/12/2015 / By Robbie Toothill

An integral part of the French modus vivendi, wine is as fundamental to the national identity as conceptions of liberalité, fraternité and egalité. However, such an interaction between wine and culture is by no means exclusive to France. All the...

British Game Week and all things partridge was the name of the game.

Published on 02/12/2015 / By Denise Hawes

All things partridge was the name of the game, and this was a test to the max. A delicate little bird that would need all the culinary skills acquired in their previous masterclass session, combined with a great sense of precision and timing...

The L&W boys can chop, mash, sauté and sear………

Published on 23/11/2015 / By Sarah McCleery

These culinary skills came to light during the first of our visits to The Bistro on the Quay where chef, Anthony Brooks had invited us for a mini masterclass with regards to all things venison leaving it to us to select two wines that we felt...

Blind Tasting – You either love it or you hate it?

Published on 13/11/2015 / By Robbie Toothill

This is sort of how I feel about blind tasting. Blind tasting, the practice of tasting an unknown wine with the goal of determining its identity can be really fun. For those of a competitive nature, an excuse to challenge, to impress, to show off...

Roaming around the Rhone and eating a little too much.

Published on 09/11/2015 / By Paula Hunter

Travelling South from Lyon there were steep terraced vineyards amidst windy roads that spiralled around pointed mountain cliff tops. As we journeyed further South the landscape started to flatten out and became more rolling hills and Mediterranean...

The Harvest: looking forward to En Primeur

Published on 29/10/2015 / By Nick Connell

In Burgundy, and Chablis in particular, hail can affect the vineyards. This year (2015) the top Chablis Grand Cru site Les Clos was hit, and over 10% of the vineyard area affected. This has a terrific impact on the next vintage and means reduced...

South African Wine - South Africa and the White Wine Pioneers

Published on 26/10/2015 / By Ludovic Surina

Over 11 years of very regular tastings however, it is possible to feel a little erosion of one's enthusiasm, as yet another Cabernet, Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc is poured for you. Over time only the truly special, particularly fine or very...

Italian wine - If Piedmont is the new Burgundy then Barbaresco would be…

Published on 21/10/2015 / By Nick Dagley

Lying north east of Barolo, the town of Alba separates the two wine-producing areas. This region was conquered by the Romans in 89 BC, many of the locals fled to the woods which were named Barbaresco meaning woods of the barbarians. It is milder...

We’re still looking for new talent!

Published on 20/10/2015 / By Lay & Wheeler

Do you fancy coming on a journey with one of the top ten fine wine merchants in the UK? I'm looking for some talented, motivated and enthusiastic people to help look after hundreds of brilliant new customers. Our customers must be looked after...

2015 Bordeaux Harvest – Optimism and positivity not felt since 2010

Published on 12/10/2015 / By Nick Dagley

We tasted just fermented Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Merlot, semi-fermented Cabernet Franc and lots of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. By the end of this week the left bank will be as good as finished, there are a few parcels in St Emilion (not sure...