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Today, the most famous Grand Tour race ends in arguably the most famous vineyards in France, Bordeaux. The Bordeaux vineyard encompasses more than just the famous Chateaux. There are many small to medium-sized family-owned vineyards and wineries that sell great wine, but you will only know of them if you talk to your local grocery store wine steward or shop owner. Many delicious wines from the Bordeaux region won’t break the bank. The 2019, 2020, 2021 vintages are good to very good for both white and red wines. You can find everyday drinking wines to very special occasion wines from Bordeaux. I encourage you to talk to your local wine person, they will be happy to show you new wines at your price point. White wines from Bordeaux range from fresh, light, fruity, dry wines to full-bodied, sweet wines. The blends are predominately Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon grape varieties. These white wines are food friendly, but also good by themselves. Bordeaux Blanc wines are great in the summer but also support roasted pork or poultry meals. Both wines pictured here are in the $20-$25 price point. The Chateau Le Roc 2021, is very fresh and fruity. The Chateau Granville Lacoste is fresh and full-bodied.  Bordeaux Blanc wines. by Lisa Kolick Bordeaux red wines are usually Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot dominant blends. Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot are also included in blends; usually aged in oak barrels for 6 to 24 months. The longer the oak aging, the more expensive the wine, typically. Delicious Bordeaux red wines can also be purchased in the $25-30 range. Enjoy these red wines with your favorite steak or stew, including a Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin. Pictured is a Malbec from the Cahors AOC of Bordeaux and Merlot dominant red from St. Emillion AOC, on the right bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Larmande.
THE RACE A classic sprint from MONT-DE-MARSAN to BORDEAUX, 169.9 km of flat roads. This was a day for the sprinters and time trial specialists. The GC riders likely taking somewhat of a rest day. The race was fairly quiet until the last 10km when the teams began to compose themselves to launch their sprinters on the last 1km. The last few kilometers of races like this are very dangerous because the sprinters are drafting, and the speeds jump up (58 mph) and it is all out for the last 100 meters. This sprint did not disappoint; Cavendish jumped with Philipsen on his wheel. Jasper Philipsen wins by about a bike length over Cavendish. This should set up a great sprint for tomorrow. Drink Bordeaux wines and continue watching the race as it moves into the Massif Central, the highland region in south-central France, consisting of mountains and plateaus. We are leaving the major wine regions for a few days. The next wines will be from the Rhone and Burgundy regions. Santé Comments are closed.
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