Red Mountain Rivalry

Have you ever witnessed an internal struggle for control of a team?  There have been many famous instances of in-fighting in the pro peloton.  Young Turk v. Old Veteran, American v. French etc. etc.

Two of the more famous battles in the Tour de France included the same protagonists: Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault.

In 1985 Hinault played some wicked tricks on Lemond in order to win le Tour. After winning, he promised to support Lemond's bid for victory in 1986.  That promise did not last long, but Hinault's lack of integrity did not pay off with a French victory.  In fact, it was Lemond that pulled through with the victory despite Hinault's efforts to win the Grand Boucle himself.

Another classic internal team battle raged in 2009 between Lance Armstrong and Alberto Cantador, both riding for Astana and both demanding to be the Astana team leader.

With just a little over two weeks to go until the start of the 2012 Tour de France the Lucha Vino challenge reflects on internal rivalries featuring a Battle Royale between two Laurelhurst Cabernet Sauvignons from Red Mountain.

2008 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon v. 2008 Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon  Both from Laurelhurst Cellars.

These wines are made from grapes grown on Red Mountain.  The only thing that separates the two vineyards is a dirt road.  These two Luchadors are ready to throw down in a battle to see who will own the road and claim the family's Red Mountain supremacy.

Washington Sangiovese v. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Once the Giro d' Italia hit Italy the racing got more interesting.  For me, one of the most exciting things is seeing North American riders spending more days in the Maglia Rosa than any other continent.  First Taylor Phinney of the USA and then Ryder Hesjedal from Canada have spent multiple days in the race leader's pink jersey.  Hesjedal is the first Canadian to ever wear the leader's jersey in the Giro and is a prime contender to win the overall when the race finishes up in Milan in another two weeks.

The route has been heading South along the Eastern edge of Italy.  The riders have raced through Emilia Romagna, Marches, Abruzzo and Molise wine regions.

This week the Lucha Vino challenge features a Montpulciano d'Abruzzo battling with a Washington State Sangiovese.  Celebrating Ryder Hesjedal, the first Canadian to wear the Maglia Rosa, this week's matchup is the first to pit two different grape varieties against one another.

2004 Kiona Reserve Sangiovese v. 2008 Nicodemi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo