Celebrate 101 years of
Le Tour in 2014 with a younger tradition – DiscoverVin’s Taste the Tour Pack. DiscoverVin
wines from the Pyrenees, the Rhone and the South West of France matched to
stages through these scenic appellations.
It’s that time of year again; time to enjoy the legendary Tour de
France. Enjoy the sights of the racing and the stunning scenery whilst enjoying
this selection of French wine.
The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in the Pyrenees, the
Rhone and the South West of France - regions that the 2014 Tour passes through
in the second week as the battle for the yellow jersey really hots up! They represent value for money and are a
great introduction to DiscoverVin’s wines. And at a fraction of the price
of a ticket to France!
CLICK HERE TO TASTE THE TOUR
Stage 13: Rhone
Friday July 18 Saint
Etienne: Chamrousse 197.5 km
The ride crosses the Rhone River after a category
three climb of the Col de Croix de Montvieux. It then heads east with a final climb up Chamrousse, an
18.2 km mountain with an average gradient of 7.3%.
From a biodynamic producer
on the Cotes du Rhone a delicious Grenache/Shiraz! Excellent value for money
for the quality of this artisanal wine.
Suggestion: Enjoy this wine with meat dishes like
braised beef with carrots, Navarin lamb or chicken casserole.
Stage 15: Provence
Sunday July 20 Tallard :
Nîmes 222km
A long transition stage across the Provencal
hinterland to round off the second week of the Tour. It appears unlikely that
the sprinters will be thwarted in this majestic finish opposite the Nîmes arena.
Cru Classé rosé from Provence.
Rosé seems to be popping up everywhere these days - see what the fuss is
about! Pale pink, elegant nose
with citrus fruit aromas. Supple,
fruity with a soft and silky "finale".
A great wine to enjoy on any day of the tour to
evoke the French summer as you watch La Tour wrapped in a rug!
Stage 17: Jurancon
Wednesday July 23
Saint-Gaudens: Saint Lary Pla d’Adet 124.5 km
At 125 km, the shortest stage comes just after
the longest. A difficult stage through the mountains of the Pyrenees. Three
category one climbs including the Col de Peyresourde before finishing in the
mountain ski resort town of Saint Lary Pla d’Adet.
A delightful, complex, fruity but dry wine. From
the excellent 2011 vintage, this wine is from one of the most beautiful and
under rated regions in France. 92 points Huon Hooke. A great alternative
to sauvignon blanc. Tropical fruits and citrus on the palette. Crisp dry
finish. Our best selling white.
Suggestion: It
would be a perfect match with seafood and shellfish, but also goes down a treat
with pre-dinner nibbles and dips as you watch the highlights.
Stage 18: Jurançon
Thursday 24 July:
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Pau: Hautacam
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145.5 km
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Today the riders start in Pau the city of Henri IV
- who was baptised with the wine of Jurancon. Pau has welcomed the race in
style, 65 times, which puts it on the podium with Paris and Bordeaux as the
most visited cities of the Tour. Today they climb the Col du Tourmalet, always
a challenge. Next up, the final climb up Hautacam, which has earned a hallowed
place in the history of the Tour. Sit back and enjoy the ride as with one of the famous
wines of Jurançon.
The nose presents notes of honey, apricot and peaches. The palate is fresh, powerful yet
smooth. Petit Manseng at its very
best with fabulous length and balance. This wine, like many from Jurançon, is pleasantly sweet
without a cloying finish. Best
served with one of the classic cheeses of the region or a fruit gateau.
Suggestion:
We have seen a photo of a gorgeous Gabriel Gaté gateau matched to this wine.
Might this be his recommended food and wine match while in Pau for the Taste of
the Tour?
Stage 19: Mandarin
Friday 25 July: Maubourguet Pays du
Val D’Adour: Bergerac 208 km
The tour leaves the mountains of the Pyrenees. Today’s departure is from
Maubourguet Pays du Val D’Adour in the foothills of the Pyrenees. An area of
plains and hills, the Pays du Val D'Adour is at the crossroads of the Béarn,
Bigorre and Gascogne cultures.
Maubourguet, the name of the common was chosen by its inhabitants to
inspire fear to possible invaders. But the “Bad Village” will certainly be far
more hospitable to the riders. This 208 km stage is completely devoid of
any real difficulties and, on paper at least, should smile upon the sprinters. There could be a surprise breakaway.
This is a powerful multi-award winning wine from a well-regarded
producer in the Madiran region. This domaine aims to produce a wine “in a style
that brings out the heart and soul of south-west France. The wines of this
region date back to roman times but were made famous by pilgrims passing
through the region. Made from 70%
Tannat and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful deep purple colour. An
intense and savoury nose with black fruits, vanilla and leather. A concentrated
palate with rich black fruit and peppery spices balanced with great structure,
fine chalky tannins and acid. Intense, powerful but great length and balance.
Suggestion: Perfect with lamb shanks or duck breasts. Keep
an eye on our Facebook page and website for suggested recipes!
Stage 20: Bergerac
Saturday 26 July: Time Trial Bergerac:
Périgueux 54km
What happens in the organisers' dreams? The final
winner is decided in this 54 km time trial.
Bergerac, the second city of the Dordogne area has
only been visited by the tour twice before but has a long history of wine
making.
The Bergerac region is picturesque
and historic with bastides (walled towns) medieval cities, chateaux, Romanesque
churches and abbeys and gorgeous stone villages full of character and history
and some exciting wines.
A classy Merlot/Cabernet (60:40) blend from a sought
after biodynamic producer.
This complex beautifully balanced and satisfying red
wine is from one of Bergerac’s renowned producers Luc De Conti.
Suggestion:
It is a superb tasty wine that goes well with game, duck, stews and cheese.
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| Les Vaches du Tour |
CLICK HERE TO TASTE THE TOUR
