On Friday, Thymen Arensman of Team Ineos outlasted Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard to take the stage win. He began his attack with 13 kms remaining on the final ascent to La Plagne, during a stage that was reduced from 130 kms to 95 due to a viral outbreak affecting local cattle.

Florian Lipowitz finished third, fending off a challenge from fourth-place Oscar Onley. Tomorrow’s race might not decide the yellow jersey, but it may count for something in the competition for best young rider and/or the final place on the podium in Paris.

What’s to Come on Stage 20

Saturday’s race will be a challenge: while not classified as a mountain stage, it does include four categorized climbs, which will further exhaust tired legs. And the weather is always a factor: we’ve already seen torrential rain, hail, and strong winds wreak havoc on the peloton. While the top two GC places seem assured, nothing is guaranteed in a grand tour.

Tour de France by the Glass Recommendation: 2022 Denis et Didier Berthollier IGP Vin des Allobroges “Cuvée de Théâtre” ($32; 14% abv)

A hedonistic dry white wine that’s a blend of Roussanne (50%); Jacquère (40%); and Altesse (10%). According to the winery, Cuvée de Théâtre is a celebration of the potent sunlight that brings their vines to life.

The property’s Jacquère has been certified AB since the 2021 harvest, Altesse since the 2022 harvest, and Roussanne since the 2023 harvest. Plots lie on slopes of limestone scree with a south/southwest aspect, and glacial moraines facing southwest, ensuring full and consistent ripeness.

Grapes are harvested by hand and pressed in whole clusters. Fermentation is via native yeasts; 60% in vat, 30% in barrel, and 10% in amphorae. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, and racking/bottling occur according to the phases of the moon. Sulfur is used minimally at bottling, usually less than 40 mg per liter.

The estate has been run by brothers Denis and Didier Berthollier since the 1990s. However, their family’s winemaking history dates to 1850, on a mixed crop/livestock farm, with fewer than 2 hectares of vines. Over time, viticulture became the sole focus; now they farm 25 hectares, all certified organic/biodynamic.

Tasting Notes

Color: Medium gold with glints of green near the pale rim.

Nose: Almost savory at first, with a creamy, oatmeal note. Aromas of ripe yellow apple and peach follow, along with white grapefruit, almond, white flowers, and buttercream.

Palate: Leaning toward full-bodied but with a refreshing, tangy acidity. The palate reflects the nose, with ripe stone fruit (peach, apricot) and a dried lemon/orange peel note that lingers on the finish. Will be amazing with food!

Pairing: I imagine this wine would be delicious with many types of cuisine. Gabe and I enjoyed it with a weeknight dinner of chicken thighs roasted with garlic, lemon, olives, and rosemary. But I’d love to sip this al fresco, alongside a toasted goat cheese salad.

Let’s raise a glass of liquid Savoie sunlight to the peloton – and the penultimate stage of the 2025 Tour de France. Check back tomorrow for a special bottle to pop as we head into Paris!