Washington Grenache vs. Chateauneuf du Pape

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

Washington GSM v. Gigondas

If I was racing in the Tour de France I would probably be riding in the broom wagon! My updates are trailing the tour by almost two weeks now.  The show must go on...

In the second week of le Tour the racers followed a route through Southern France.  Along the way they passed straight through the Rhone Valley without stopping to enjoy the wine.  Such a pity!

To compensate for the Tour's lack of culinary interest, I decided to stop off for a battle royale in Gigondas.  Meanwhile, the tour raced up Mt. Ventoux on Bastille day where lots of crazy ensued.

2014 Rotie Cellars Southern Blend v. Arnout & Fils Gigondas 2012 Vieux Clocher

Washington GSM Blend v. Chateauneuf du Pape

The Pro Cyclists just completed Paris-Nice, also known as the The Race to the Sun.  This traditional early season race starts in Paris and heads South to Nice.  The finish is in the coastal town of Nice (Duh! It is right there in the name of the race).

The final stage of the race was won by Arthur Vichot, the French National Champion.  A great finish that is sure to give a boost to French national pride.

The race touched down near Chateauneuf du Pape for the start of the sixth stage of the race.  That seems like a good enough reason to feature a Washington Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blend taking on a Chateauneuf du Pape challenger.

2008 Rotie Cellars Southern Blend v. 2010 Domaine du Pere Pape CdP la Crau de Ma Mere