This paper first describes a large-eddy simulation approach, and then verifies it with respect to single-turbine wind tunnel experiments. Various aspects of the numerical approach are considered, to try to reduce its need for tuning, improve its accuracy and limit its computational cost. Simulation results are compared to measurements, including rotor and wake quantities. The study includes normal operating conditions, as well as wake manipulation by derating, yaw misalignment and cyclic pitching of the blades. Results indicate a good overall matching of simulations with experiments. Low turbulence test cases appear to be more challenging than moderate and high turbulence ones, due to the need for denser grids to limit numerical diffusion and accurately resolve tip-shed vortices in the near wake region.