Yep, you read it correctly. In fact, the first three stages will take place in Piemonte, Italy, with the fourth stage finishing in the French Alps. We don’t step foot in Spain until Stage 5 for the team time trial (remember those?) in Figueres.

Weird? Yes. It’s not as if northwest Italy were virgin territory for top-tier cycling events: it regularly hosts stage races for the world tour and has featured prominently in the Giro d’Italia on multiple occasions.

Not a problem for me (or any other wine lover) though. Piemonte offers a wealth of delicious wine in all colors and styles. I am here for it!

Want a primer on which riders to watch over the next three weeks? Here’s a great intro from GCN:

About Stage 1: Torino-Reggia di Venaria to Novara (183 km; flat)

Sprinters will have bookmarked this stage as one of their few chances for a stage victory over the next three weeks. As a bonus, the winner will don the overall leader’s red jersey on Stage 2. I’d put my money on Jasper Philipsen of Team Alpecin-Deceuninck to seize the day. He looked great in the Tour until a wicked crash took him out of the race:

Vuelta Vaso de Vino Recommendation: 2024 Gianni Doglia Il Rosé Piemonte ($21; 13% abv)

I had a coup de foudre for this wine – and the Freisa grape! Genetically related to Nebbiolo, it is redolent of red fruit (wild strawberry) and has high acidity and grippy tannins. Its structure reminds me a bit of Grignolino (more about that tomorrow!) another local denizen of the Piemonte region.

About Gianni Doglia

Gianni Doglia is one of the leading growers in the region of Monferrato. The organically farmed vineyards, which lie on calcareous soil at an elevation of 320-360 meters, are among the highest in Asti. They include five hectares of Moscato Bianco, with the other five divided among smaller parcels of Barbera, Nebbiolo, Grignolino, and Ruché. Gianni Doglia is an active member of The Green Experience, which encourages growers to adopt sustainable viticultural practices. In 2021, Gianni was awarded “Viticoltore dell’Anno” (“Winegrower of the Year”) by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s prestigious food and wine bible.

About This Wine

This wine is 100% Freisa grown on limestone and clay soils. The grapes were harvested manually and transported to the winery in small crates. After pressing, they macerated on the skins for 5 hours and then fermented at a controlled temperature of approximately 15° C with indigenous yeasts. The wine remained in stainless steel vats until spring, when it was bottled.

Tasting Notes

Bright rosy pink (like a ripe strawberry) with a lively nose of red fruit: wild strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate; sweet mint and a whiff of freshly picked basil; peony flower and white pepper. A sip amplifies the nose, as berry flavors mingle with bright citrus and thyme. High acidity, tannins that tickle the tastebuds, and a long strawberry-filled finish. Savor a sip of this wine as summer dwindles to a close – and maybe keep a bottle on hand to combat the winter doldrums when they arrive!

Pairing

An absolute bang-on match with a fresh strawberry, basil and fresh ricotta salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and thinly sliced Genoa salami. One of my favorite food and wine combos in quite a while.

Adiós, enjoy the race. I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap of Stage 1, a preview of Stage 2, and a delicious local wine to sip as you watch!