Washington Intrastate Primitivo Throw Down

The third, and final, Giro d'Italia installment features Primitivo, a grape grown predominantly in Puglia.  The Puglia region (also known as Apulia) is located in "The Heel" of Italy's boot. The 100th edition of the Giro d'Italia begins in Sardinia, then travels to Sicily and finally crosses to the mainland on day 6.  On day 7 the racers will visit Primitivo's homeland

An interesting fact about Primitivo is that it is related to Zinfandel.  Some DNA tests show that the grapes are the same, some tests say they are different.  One thing is certain - you will mostly find Zinfandel in California and Primitivo in Italy.

For this challenge I had a hard time locating a challenger from Italy.  What to do?  What about an intrastate match?  Washington v. Washington with a twist - Washington Winemaker v. Oregon Winemaker, both using Primitivo grown in Washington.  Game on!

2014 Casa Smith Porcospino Primitivo v. 2011 Angel Vine Columbia Valley Primitivo.

Washington Syrah v. Sonoma

Lance Armstrong's sponsors were dropping him faster than a sommelier drops a corked bottle of wine last week.  Not only did he lose his 7 Tour de France victories (the UCI agreed with the USADA lifetime ban and removal of all results from 1996 forward), Lance also lost his sponsor deals with Trek, Nike, Oakley, Anheuser-Busch and others.  He also stepped down as CEO of Livestrong.

The biggest heroes definitely make the biggest thud when they fall.

Personally, I am tired of the whole thing.  I have two hopes for all of this:  Pro Cycling can focus on what is happening now and in the future.  That focus needs to include deterants that will eliminate doping from the cyclists "preparation" and training "programs."  My other hope is that Livestrong can continue to provide resources to people fighting cancer and cancer survivors despite the damage that Lance has done to his personal reputation.

The pro road race season is done.  Cyclocross is the focus for the elite racers from now until February.  So, this is the time of the year where I start exploring other parts of the world.

First up is Major League Baseball's World Series featuring the San Francisco Giants v. the Detroit Tigers.

Now, on to the bay area and this week's battle.

2006 Saint Laurent Estate Syrah v.  2004 Arrowood Russian River Valley Syrah