James Lewis

When we started creating our cellar and wine list, we envisioned a selection both inspiring and welcoming. This month Planque is turning one and we talk about wine with someone whose role has played an integral part in bringing this vision to reality, our restaurant manager and head sommelier James Lewis.

We admire James’ knowledge and thoughtfulness, from sourcing the wines to curating engaging tastings, all the while making sure that everything runs smoothly in the dining room.

Read on to discover more about the wines James has been enjoying lately.

1. You're handed a wine list, what do you do?

I look through familiar regions and see which winemakers are represented. This helps give me and idea on what sort of list we’re looking at. Next bit is the hard bit, do we stick with our old favourites or try something new?

2. How do you know the wine you're drinking is good?

I try not to be too academic about this, and always look for things I like about a wine. Though keeping an open mind can be easier said than done. I guess more often the question is, is this the right wine for now?

3. What is something fascinating you’ve been told over lunch?

The difficulty in responding to this question is making me think I should reassess who I have lunch with. Or perhaps I need to go out for lunch more often?

4. In whose company do you most enjoy drinking wine?

My partner, Fanny. She has a great palate and gives great, candid feedback on the wines we drink together which I find really interesting. Only thing is that she is often opposed to the second bottle at dinner, but maybe I’ll be thanking her for that later down the line.

5. Can you describe your ideal combination of wine, music, and setting?

A friend of mine owns a beautiful bed and breakfast in Auxey-Duresses, France. There’s an old bakery building, converted into a beautiful little cottage, which backs onto a swimming pool and pool house. Evenings spent there with a bottle. and some good jazz records are pretty hard to beat.

6. What sort of food would you add to the equation?

A Chris Santini BBQ

7. What is the most memorable bottle of wine you’ve drank?

François Rousset Martin, Terres Blanches

8. Where did you drink it?

Savant bar in Stockholm. It was during the latter stages of the first wave of the pandemic. I had recently moved to Stockholm to be with Fanny. Despite Sweden not having any lockdown, I found myself pretty much following UK rules. After avoiding restaurants and bars for a long time, I decided to take myself for a solo drink. Savant had been a regular spot, with plenty of wonderful memories. It felt great to be out again, to look forward and feel optimistic. All whilst enjoying a great bottle and a plate of Swedish cheese.

9. Is there a characteristic you look for in a wine and in a friend?

James, male, early thirties, London based. Looking for wine/ friend that can be enjoyed now, but also in a few years, should the conditions be kept right. Too much?

10. What is your approach to drinking?

Have fun, enjoy it.

11. Do you apply this approach in other aspects of life?

I do my best…

12. What shall we open next?

Tomato pasta tonight, so something to go with that..

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