The Tour de France wrapped up with the usual parade to the Champs-Elyses featuring another day for the sprinters to put their speed on display. Even though this is the final stage of the race, there is an unspoken rule among the racers that the previous day is the last day to attack for the race lead.
Stage 20 of this year's Tour provided plenty of drama. An uphill time trial that would pit each rider against one another - mano a mano! Primoz Roglic came in to the day with a 57 second lead over his Slovanian compatriat Tadej Pogacar. Roglic was expected to protect his lead and ride into Paris in the leader's yellow jersey.
Sadly, fate was not on Rogilic's side. He had a bad day on the bike while Pogacar had an amazing day. The result was a stunning twist of fortune with Pogacar taking the yellow jersey and the overall Tour victory.
Typically, there is lively celebration with Champagne at the end of each stage and the end of le Tour. I don't recall seeing much spraying of Champagne at the end of this year's stages. And with the World Championships taking place the week following the end of the Tour de France, there was not much time to savor the victory.
Lucha Vino is taking time to slow down and celebrate with a matchup of Washington Sparkling wine and French Champagne.
Treveri Cellars 2015 Brut Prestige vs. Copinet Blanc de Blancs
Tale of the Tape
60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay from the Marchant and Upland Vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA
Provided as a sample by the winery.
100% Estate Chardonnay from three vintages
Vines of 30 year average age
Purchased for $51.99 at Esquin Wines.
Round 1. First opening
The Treveri Brut Prestige is living up to its name, strutting in to the ring brimming with confidence! The nose is highlighted by notes of pear, green apple and peaches with a light yeasty undertone. The palate features similar character leading with green apple followed by lighter tropical notes and excellent acidity.
The French challenger from Copinet is not impressed. This luchador from France is more traditional, choosing to lay back and see what this Washington upstart has to offer. The nose has more yeasty character backed by pear, white straw and honeysuckle. The palate is showing dried white flowers and light green apple and also boasts a mean streak of acidity.
The judges are awarding the first round to Copinet based on tradition and reputation of the Champagne region. It appears that the judges are not impressed by Treveri's more flamboyant style.
Round 2. One hour after opening
Let's see how these sparkling luchadors are holding up after a rest.
The Copinet from Champagne is standing up as well. The nose continues to show more yeast notes along with pear and light under ripe peaches. The palate is following suit with plenty of bubbly life.
Copinet barely escaped being pinned by the aggressive moves put on by Treveri resulting in the Washington luchador taking round 2.
Round 3. One Day after opening
Tied at 1 round a piece, round 3 will determine the winner of this very close match! This is going to come down to who has more strength left after chilling between rounds 2 and 3.
Treveri seems to be taking the French luchador by surprise. The luchador from Washington is coming out strong with a nose of pears, apples and light aromas of baked bread. The palate continues to bring green apple and light yeast notes backed by lively acidity and bubbles.
This isn't Copinet's first rodeo. This challenger from Champagne is up to the challenge featuring a nose that leads with yeasty bread notes followed by pears, peaches and light tropical aromas. The palate is equally robust with flavors of pear, stone fruit and rustic bread.
Round 3 was hard to call and in a controversial decision the match is awarded to Treveri! The French crowd is booing and needs to be restrained as both luchadors make a hasty exit from the ring.
Wrap up and overall observations
Washington sparkling wine continues to grow in character and Treveri Cellars is leading the way. The Prestige Brut was a fabulous example of the wines being crafted by the Grieb family. Treveri's wines are readily available and very affordable. Definitely seek these out if you are a sparkling wine fan.
The Copinet brut Blanc de Blanc was an excellent example of Champagne. Sparkling wine from the Champagne region is typically more expensive and Copinet shows why.
I would recommend either of these wines when you are considering a celebration or just want to enjoy an every-day moment with an excellent glass of bubbles!
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