Most of the Tour de France stages feature an intermediate sprint to keep things interesting for the sprinters, especially on mountain stages where they are certain to finish way behind the stage winner.
Stage 16 of this year's le Tour featured an intermediate sprint in the town of Chateauneuf du Pape AND a mountain top finish on the famous Mount Ventoux!
In honor of the sprinters, this Lucha Vino matchup features a Washington Grenache taking on a challenger from Chateauneuf du Pape.
2016 Rotie Cellars Little G vs. 2010 Vignobles Mayard Domaine du Pere Pape
Tale of the Tape
100 Percent Grenache from the Devil's Gate Vineyard
Current vintage is available from Rotie Cellars at $65
60% Grenache
20% Syrah
10% Mourvedre
10% Cinsault
Aged in large neutral oak barrels known as Foudres. The use of foudres is a traditional method for aging in the Chateauneuf du Pape region. These "barrels" typically hold 1200 gallons (equivalent to twenty 60 gallon barrels!)
General length of aging in barrel is 12 to 18 months.
Round 1. First Opening
This match up is reminiscent of Wrestlemania 3 when Hulk Hogan took on Andre the Giant. In this Lucha Vino Match Up Rotie Cellars personifies Hulk Hogan with the challenger from Chateauneuf du Pape taking on the role of Andre the Giant.
Little G enters the ring with a display of agility and speed. The nose shows notes of raspberry, under ripe strawberry, pomegranate and earthy herbal brambles with a touch of salinity. The palate follows up with raspberry, white pepper and light tannins.
The CDP giant is showing some bulk and strength. The nose has character of logan berry and black berry, brambles, violet floral notes with hints of thyme. The palate also shows logan berry along with dark cherry, cracked pepper and chewy tannins that include hints of cocoa powder.
Little G is tormenting the Pere Pape with it's speed and agility. Round 1 goes to Rotie Cellars.
Round 2. One Hour After Opening
Rotie Cellars' Little G is showing stamina and consistency. The nose continues to show notes of raspberry joined by olive tapenade and rose petals. The palate doubles down on raspberries, white pepper and a silky tannin finish.
The Domaine du Pere Pape challenger attempts to bring some finesse to its game with a nose evolving to show dark berries, herbal floral notes, baking spice and white pepper. The palate is powering up with dark berries, cracked pepper and bold tannins.
Little G shoots in for a take down and shakes the ring as the Pere Pape giant hits the mat! With that move, Little G takes round 2 and heads into the final round with a big advantage.
Round 3. One Day After Opening
Round 3 and it is all or nothing for our challenger from France. Will the strength of Pere Pape overwhelm the more agile Little G, or will Washington take the victory?
The Pere Pape is building strength on strength with a nose of blueberry, blackberry, light cured meats, olive brine and violets. The palate doubles down with blue and black fruit, cracked pepper and a fine tannin finish reminiscent of blueberry compote.
But here comes Little G off the top rope! The nose is flashing raspberry, logan berry, cedar bramble spices and light olive loaf notes. The palate is levitating on notes of raspberry, logan berry and white pepper with crushed rose petals on the finish.
That's it. The match is over with the Rotie Cellars' Little G taking all three rounds!
Wrap Up and Overall Observations
This was a fun match up comparing a 100 percent Washington Grenache to a French Grenache dominant Chateauneuf du Pape blend. The Syrah and Mourvedre in the CDP blend definitely boosted the strength of the French Challenger.
Both competitors are highly recommended!
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