Washington Tempranillo v. Rioja

This year's edition of the Volta a Catalunya did not stay within the confines of the Catalunya region.  Instead, it traced a route through most of Spain that skirted the Rioja region on the third and fourth stages of the week long race.

Spending two days in the vicinity of Rioja certainly provided a great opportunity for the pro racers to enjoy some excellent wines.  In addition to the cycling action, Rioja is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Ultimately, the general classification was won by Jonas Vingegaard in his early season built up to an attempt at winning his third Tour de France in July.

This edition of the Lucha Vino challenge pits the 2012 Idilico Tempranillo against the 2016 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza.

Washington Syrah v. Australia Clare Valley Shiraz

One of the first stage races of the road racing calendar is the Tour Down Under.  This year's edition provided plenty of action.  Especially in the final stage when a Kangaroo attempted to take down the race leader with a surprise attack similar to a luchador leaping off the top rope!

The race winner, Jay Vine, had this to say about the incident "Everyone asks me what's the most dangerous thing in Australia and I always tell them it’s kangaroos,” Vine told ABC Australia. “They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can’t stop and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today."

This Lucha Vino matchup features an Australian Shiraz leaping from the bushes in an attempt to take down a Washington Syrah.

2022 Vibe Cellars Stillwater Creek Syrah v. 2020 Knappstein Clare Valley The Mayor's Vineyard Shiraz