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 Tempranillo vs. Rioja

Alejandro Valverde finally won the UCI World Championships this year after finishing in the top 3 in six previous editions of the World Championship road race.  He added the Gold Medal, on a hilly course in Innsbruck Austria, to go with his four bronze and two silver medals.

Even though Valverde has been implicated in past blood doping scandals, he has never failed a doping test.  This has lead to him being a polarizing figure in the pro cycling peloton.  Say what you will, but Valverde is the only racer to achieve success after emerging from the "doping era."  Most of his cycling peers that were implicated in doping schemes retired or never returned to anything representing their doping fueled form.

To recognize Valverde's world championship success and celebrate International Tempranillo day, this edition of the Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington Tempranillo taking on a challenger from Rioja.

2012 Idilico Tempranillo vs. 2010 Rioja La Tercera Reserva

Washington Monastrell v. Jumilla

The racing action is heating up in Southern Spain - in the Murcia area to be exact.  This is where you will find the Jumilla DO, which is dominated by the Monastrell grape.

Two one day races took place this past weekend in the area surrounding Jumilla.  The Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia and the Classica de Almeria.  Both races provide high energy racing and a good opportunity for the sprinters to stretch their legs.  And that is exactly what Mark Cavendish did at the Classica de Almeria.  He racked up his 124th career victory sprinting over the finish line after avoiding a late race crash.

This week's matchup features a Washington Monastrell taking on Jumilla.

2011 Idilico Monastrell vs. 2012 Juan Gil Monastrell

Washington Graciano v. Navarra

This challenge began when I met Javier Alfonso at Taste WA.  He is the wine maker (and Janitor) at Pomum Cellars.  Idilico is his second label. Don't let that lead you to believe the Idilico wines are second rate.  Far from it. These wines are well put together and uniquely focused on Spanish varietals grown and raised in Washington.

Javier was pouring the Idilico Graciano from under the table at Taste WA.  He challenged me to find a 100% single varietal Spanish Graciano.  I took him up on the challenge and found the Zorzal conveniently resting in my cellar.  Game on!

The timing was perfect with the Vuelta Cicliste al Pais Vasco happening this past week in Northern Spain.  This is a unique race through the Basque country in Spain.  One of the unique features is the  stylish hat awarded to the stage winners as a prize.

Navarra v Washington in a battle of Grande Graciano Grapplers.

2007 Zorzal Graciano v. 2010 Idilico Graciano

Washington Tempranillo v. Ribera Del Duero

The Vuelta a Espana wrapped up this weekend in Madrid.  The race was going along smoothly for Joaquim Rodriguez who was able to maintain his overall lead through the Stage 13 Individual Time Trial (hills are his forte' not turning a big gear).  Maybe Rodriguez got over confident.  Or maybe Alberto Contador was just waiting for the right moment.  No matter the reason, Alberto Contador launched a massive attack, and took control of the race, on stage17 to Fuente De.

Rodriguez lost over two minutes to Contador, along with the race lead, on the way to the Fuente De mountain top finish.  Alberto Contador grabbed hold of the race lead and never let go leading the race all the way in to Madrid (his home town).  You could say that Contador stormed the race like a bull storming a matador.  And that would be fitting for the racer from Madrid where bull fighting is still on Spain's entertainment menu.

This week's matchup honors a bull that defied the odds.  The name of that bull is Idilico.

2009 Idilico Tempranillo v. 2010 Frontaura y Victoria Nexus Cosecho

Washington Garnacha v. Spain

There is a lot of early season racing in Spain as the pro peloton tries to stay dry and warm.  An interesting early season race series takes place in Mallorca.  There are 5 one day races that are run like a race series, yet no overall winner is declared by the race organizers.

Searching for some warm weather the Lucha Vino challenge opened a bottle of Garnacha from Monsant throwing down a big challenge to Washington state.  Idilico Garnacha stepped up to the challenge.  Let's see how this match turns out.

2008 Vespres v. 2009 Idilico Garnacha

Tale of the Tape

2008 Vespres

80% Garnacha and 20% Samso' (Carignan)

Aged for 8 - 10 months in French Oak Barrels

Purchased for $20 at Bottle House during tasting with Classical Wines.

2009 Idilico

100% Garnacha from Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain

Aged for 12 months in neutral French oak barrels. 

Purchased for $18.99 from Full Pull Wines.










Round 1.  First Opening

The Vespres jumps into the ring with a nose of rich red fruit, currant, savory toasty spices and hints of leather.  The palate shows tart red berries, leather and light spices with a dry finish.

Idilico starts out with a subtle attack featuring a nose of strawberries and some light toasty character.  The palate is showing slightly tart red berries with some hints of pepper and a bit of hazelnut on the finish.

Vespres wasted little time taking the fight to Idilico and earning the points for the first round.

Round 2.  One hour after Opening

Vespres isn't slowing down with a nose of rich dark fruit, leather and floral notes.  The palate is dark fruit. cedar spices and a long tart spiced and slightly nutty finish.

Idilico is trying a myriad of styles to counter attack the Vespres.  This round Idilico is showing a nose of toasted red fruits and dark Asian spices.  The palate is dark currant, spices and a tart toffee, espresso bean and clove finish.

Idilico takes round two bobbing and weaving and stealing points when Vespres isn't looking.

Round 3. One day later

Vespres continues to step up its game with a nose of savory licorice, spices and cocoa.  The palate is also showing dark fruti, chocolate and spices that linger on to the toffee infused finish.

The legendary bull, Idilico,  may have defied the odds by surviving the bull fighting ring in Spain, but suffers a less glamorous fate in the final round of our match.  Showing a nose of barnyard, earth, red fruit and Asian spices with a palate of medium red fruit, clove and a finish of light nutty cedar. 

Idilico continues to put up an attack of varied and interesting styles, but has no retort for the power displayed by Vespres.

Wrap up and over all observations

Two great Luchador warriors entered the ring in this match.  Both displayed skill and stamina, building from one round to the next with the Vespres from Montsant taking the final round and the victory.

I give each of these wines a solid 89 for longevity and character.