Marks & Spencer, in brief(s)

Most UK shoppers have a soft spot for the long-established high street department store Marks & Spencer, or M&S as it now styles itself. From sausage rolls to sofa beds, they are synonymous with reliable, trustworthy, well-made goods. They have the largest UK market share in pre-packed sandwiches and women's underwear. Such areas of expertise, however, are perhaps not entirely congruent with fine wine.

Yet M&S have a diverse and respectable range in their aisles, most of which are blended by their own team of winemakers in conjunction with producers around the world. In this way they are different to...