Washington Grenache v. Gigondas

Lucha Vino is showing some respect for Grenache on International Grenache Day.  Grenache thrives in many wine regions world wide.  In this matchup we will focus on the Yakima Valley in Washington state and Gigondas in the Rhone Valley of France.

The Gigondas and Rhone Valley are frequent hosts of the Tour de France and other professional cycling races held in France.  Le Tour did not visit Southern France in 2023, but that will not deter this challenge!

2017 Kevin White Winery Pionnier v. 2014 Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades

Washington Syrah vs. Gigondas

As the Tour de France headed South after visiting Burgundy they passed by the Northern Rhone.  Stage 8 departed Macon and finished in St. Etienne.  Thomas De Gendt won the stage covering 200 km and seven categorized climbs for nearly 4,000 metres of elevation gain.

This was also the day that Julian Alaphilipe regained the overall race leader's yellow jersey.

In honor of De Gendt's long range attack, this final installment of the Tour de France challenge features a Washington Syrah taking on Gigondas.

2017 Succession Syrah vs. 2016 Domaine la Bouissiere Gigondas

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