Its 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.
We are also pleased to partner our friends at Les Vaches du Tour for possibly the social media event of the Tour. Follow Les
Vaches du Tour as they celebrate the unsung heroes of the tour. That's
right, the cows! Enjoy riding our virtual peleton over the pyrenees.
Enjoy the wine and food, the stunning scenery and the magnificent TV
coverage of the Tour.
The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in the
Pyrenees and the South West of France - regions that the 2012 Tour
passes through in the third week as the battle for the yellow jersey
really hots up. They represent great value for money and a great
introduction to the wines of the region. And at a fraction of the price
of a ticket to France!
Here is the list of wines, as matched with this years Tour stages,
with some serving suggestions...more food suggestions and recipes are
included in the tour pack.
In summary:
Domaine de la Croix Irresistable cru classé rosé 2010, 500ml - $19.90
Château Bouissel, Bouissel Classic, 2008, 750ml $19.99
Domaine du Cramplih, Vielles Vigne, 2006, 750ml $28.99
Château Jolys Cuvée Jean 2008, 375ml $22.00
Domaine Bellegarde, Pierre Blanche, Jurançon sec 2006, 750ml $29.99
Château Haut Monplaisir Prestige-AOC Cahors-Rouge 2006, 750ml $29.90
Usually $150.77 if purchased individually, the total price for the Taste of the tour 6 pack is only $140.
Packs include notes on the wine and some serving suggestions and recipes.
Stage 13-Provence
| Saturday 14 July |
Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Le Cap d’Agde |
215 km
|
The tour enters Provence, we crank up the heating, crack open the
nibbles and pop the cork on this classy rosé. Not the sweet rosé of our
youth but something dry, minerally and classy. Imagine that you are
sitting in a café overlooking the Mediteranean Sea, smelling the sea air
and the scent of herbs and local delicacies from the kitchen, as the
peleton whizzes by. Are you starting to get the idea? Its Bastille Day.
Vive la France and Vive le Tour!
Stage 14-Fronton
| Sunday 15 July |
Limoux > Foix |
192 km
|
The tour enters the Pyrenees region for the first time,
just to the north are the wine regions of Gaillac and Fronton. We have
selected an interesting blend of 55% Négrette, 20% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Malbec. A lively nose redolent of flowers, herbs, with
some meaty tones; rich fruit, complex and round. Serve with a plate of
charcuterie such as hams, salami and some cheese. Allez Cadel!
Stage 15- Madiran and St Mont
| Monday 16 July |
Samatan > Pau |
160 km
|
The tour traverses the wine regions of Madiran and Saint-Mont-
ancient wine growing regions undergoing a resurgence. Where classic
south-west wines are produced from ancient terroir, by small passionate
producers using modern wine making techniques-wines being rediscovered
and celebrated by the French, reacting against the "sameness" of
international wines. A region where duck is king of the table.
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. Winemakers of the region can draw
on centuries of cumulated experience to ensure optimal viticulture
practices. Modern techniques have brought out the best from this
wine. 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.
Stage 16 & 17-Jurançon
| Wednesday 18 July |
Pau > Bagnères-de-Luchon |
197 km
|
After a days rest, the peleton departs Pau- the Tour’s most
visited city after Paris and Bordeaux. It is the birthplace of King
Henry IV who was baptised with the sweet wine of Jurançon. The famous
cols of the Pyrenees, Tourmalet, the Aubisque, the Aspin and the
Peyresourde will challenge the riders today. We sit back and enjoy the
ride as we enjoy one of the famous wines of Jurançon.
Wine 4 Château Jolys Cuvée Jean 2008, 375ml The
nose presents notes of honey, apricot and peaches. The palate is fresh,
powerful yet smooth - Petit Manseng at it's very best. Fabulous length
and balance. This wine like many from Jurançon are pleasantly sweet
without a cloying finish. Best served with one of the classic cheeses of
the region or a fruit dessert such as the classical tarte tatin.
| Thursday 19 July |
Bagnères-de-Luchon > Peyragudes |
144 km
|
Another day of high mountains Tour drama. Tonight we celebrate
the dry white wines of the region. The manseng grapes used in the famous
dessert wines are picked at optimal ripeness and made into classy dry
minerally wines. With their lovely fruit and dry finish they seem to
appeal to baoth the chardonnay and the sav blanc "camps". They keep well
for years, and we present here one reaching its optimal drinking age.
To enjoy on its own or with chicken pieces roasted with orange and
thyme.
Wine 5 Domaine Bellegarde Jurançon Sec "La Pierre Blanche" 2006, 750ml $29.99. Selected parcels of petit and gros manseng grapes from 60 year old vines, aged in oak. The
nose is very expressive and complex with spicy and mineral notes. The
palate is long, rounded and complex with spices and complex stone fruit
and citrus flavours. Good acid to give great balance and structure to
the wine.
Stage 18-Cahors
| Friday 20 July |
Blagnac > Brive-la-Gaillarde |
215 km
|
Turning north and racing through
the Fonton and Cahors region, crossing the Dordogne and Lot rivers, this
is a day for the sprinters. We have put together a quick steak recipe
to enjoy with a classic red from Cahors. We have picked a great Malbec
from a top producer. Good value for the quality of this wine which has
won multiple awards including three $$$ from Robert Parker:The World's
Best Wine .
Wine 6 Chateau Haut Monplaisir Prestige-AOC Cahors-Rouge 2006 750ml $29.90 Garnet
red colour. The nose is intense, with notes of red fruit, spices and
blackberry jam. Crisp and even, this wine presents aromas of
blackcurrant and blackberry on the palate, along with a mineral note.
The finish is lengthy and complex, with notes of chocolate and spices,
and with just a hint of woody aromas.
