The 107th edition of the Tour de France is set to start in just a few days. After a nearly two month delay, the tour will get underway in Nice on Sunday, which seems fitting since one of the last pre-Covid races to be completed on the normal calendar was Paris-Nice.
Even though Paris-Nice was run, it still was not exempt from the challenges of the pandemic. The race was shortened by one day, removing the traditional stage in Nice.
When I think of Nice, I think of Southern France. And when I think of southern France, I think of rose'!
The latest Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington Rose' taking on a Rose' from Provence to celebrate the return of the grand tours.
2018 T2 Cellars Rose' of Counoise vs. 2019 Miraval Rose' from Provence
Tale of the Tape
T2 Cellars 2018 Rose' of Counoise
Direct press rose' made intentionally with Counoise grapes sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA.
Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $18.
Rose of Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle & Syrah
All from estate vineyards. The first three grapes were picked and pressed specifically for this Rose, while the Syrah was added via the saignee method.
Purchased at Total Wines for $20.97.
Round 1. First opening
This is a battle featuring a well known, popular star from France and a little known challenger from Washington state. You might think of this as the battle between Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault in their classic cycling battles from the 80s.
T2 Cellars is circling the ring and looking for an opening to strike. The nose features rustic notes of huckleberry, hints of melon and light floral overtones. The palate shows dried rose petals and light tart strawberries with a mean streak of acidity.
Miraval counters with a light nose of straw and stone fruit. The palate is equally subtle with notes of light straw, melon, unripened peach and a touch of herbal pepper.
Round one goes to T2 Cellars with a slightly bolder attack, looking for weaknesses to topple the French rose'
Round 2. One hour after opening
Both wines were left un-chilled for an hour.
T2 Cellars is warming up and getting confident after taking the first round. The nose is featuring more herbal notes of strawberry and melon with light straw and floral character. The palate is developing interesting flavors of tart strawberry and huckleberry on a slightly sultry acidic backbone.
Miraval is sticking to its tried and true formula (what else would expect from a French champion?). The nose is showing herbal stone fruit along with light strawberry and melon. In a shocking surprise, the palate is evolving with the herbal pepper notes moving to the front, followed by stone fruit and dried strawberries. The acidity is also becoming more prevalent, taking the T2 cellars challenger by surprise with a powerful headlock maneuver.
Miraval wins the second round with an unexpected show of force. There was a reason that Bernard Hinault earned the nick name "The Badger" and this French Rose' seems to be rising to the occasion in a similar fashion.
Round 3. One day after opening
After returning to the refrigerator for the evening, these two wines emerge for the final battle.
T2 Cellars advance with anger, just like Greg Lemond threatening "Hinault will pay!" The nose continues to show herbal notes of strawberry and melon while taking on a slightly bolder attitude. The palate is building with tart strawberry and sweet watermelon backed by that mean streak of acidity.
Miraval seems unsure of what to make of this challenger from Washington State. The nose remains subdued and light with notes of herbal stone fruit, melon and hints of strawberry. The palate continues to be driven by herbal strawberry and melon notes, while the pepper notes have abandoned ship.
To the French Champion's horror, the young upstart from Washington wins the third round and the match!
Wrap up and overall observations
Both of these rose's offer an excellent pairing for warm sunny days. With price points in the $20 neighborhood, the cost is slightly higher than typical rose'.
I would recommend seeking out both of these wines. The higher price is also reflected in the quality of the wine and the intentional approach to making a rose'. The few extra dollars are well spent on both of these wines.
:)
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