Friday, March 21, 2014

Washington GSM Blend v. Chateauneuf du Pape

The Pro Cyclists just completed Paris-Nice, also known as the The Race to the Sun.  This traditional early season race starts in Paris and heads South to Nice.  The finish is in the coastal town of Nice (Duh! It is right there in the name of the race).

The final stage of the race was won by Arthur Vichot, the French National Champion.  A great finish that is sure to give a boost to French national pride.

The race touched down near Chateauneuf du Pape for the start of the sixth stage of the race.  That seems like a good enough reason to feature a Washington Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blend taking on a Chateauneuf du Pape challenger.

2008 Rotie Cellars Southern Blend v. 2010 Domaine du Pere Pape CdP la Crau de Ma Mere

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Washington Sangiovese v. Chianti Classico

In the immortal words of George Castanza... "I'm back baby!"  I have been on a bit of a hiatus from wine writing the past 6 months.  Now that I have completed my Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University it is time to get back to the wine business.

March is a great time to return too.  It is Washington Wine Month AND one of the most stylish one day races takes place in Tuscany during the first weeks of March.  The Strade Bianche covers nearly 200 kilometers that include 10 sections of white dirt and gravel roads.  The strade bianche cover 54 of the 200 kilometers and make for some interesting racing.

This week's Lucha Vino matchup honors Italian bike racing flare with a classic Yakima Valley Sangiovese from Eight Bells winery taking on an old Chianti Classico from Tuscany.

2010 Eight Bells Sangiovese v. 2009 Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico