The days just get longer and more difficult as the first week of La Vuelta comes to a close: Friday’s race route has more in common with an Olympic Grand Slalom event than a cycling grand tour! But persevere, we must . . .

First, here’s a recap of Stage 6, which brought a fresh face to the winner’s circle and a newcomer to the Maillot Rosa:

As you’ve just learned, the dual leadership strategy of UAE-Team Emirates has gone up in flames, with Juan Ayuso falling off the pace quite early in the day. His teammate/rival João Almeida, on the other hand, acquitted himself well, ending the stage in sixth place overall (just behind Jonas Vingegaard.)

Friday offers no rest for the weary, with four categorized climbs and a mountain-top finish:

Team Visma seemed content to relinquish the red jersey Thursday, at least for now. But they will keep a careful eye on the peloton, especially the other GC contenders’ teams. I expect them to race conservatively, only chasing down riders who pose a long-term threat to Vingegaard. Perhaps it’s a chance for someone like Norway’s Torstein Traeen, who distanced himself from the peloton on Thursday, and secured the red jersey?

Vuelta Vaso de Vino Recommendation: 2022 Viña Zorzal Graciano ($15.99; 13.5% abv)

Brothers Xabi, Iñaki and Mikel Sanz created Viña Zorzal in 2007, taking advantage of their family’s long history of winemaking in Navarra. Their vineyards lie atop rocky and stony soils with variegated clays, limestone, and composite soils, which are more permeable and resistant to erosion than those at lower elevations in the Ebro Basin.

Viña Zorzal comprises 40 hectares, 25 of which are planted to organically farmed, bush vines of Garnacha, many over 100 years of age. The remaining parcels are planted with Graciano, Tempranillo, Garnacha Blanca and Chardonnay. Building on their family’s winemaking traditions, the brothers take a holistic approach to agriculture, making artisanal wines from specific parcels in Fitero, a subzone of the Navarra DO.

Here’s how they describe their winemaking philosophy:

“We practice low intervention, environmentally friendly viticulture; we do not till the vineyards, and all processes are carried out manually. We use selected native plants for ground cover, fertilizing with compost to improve the vine’s resistance to disease. This philosophy is carried through to the winery, where our wines ferment spontaneously. We avoid racking, and don’t filter or clarify. No additives are used, only a sufficient, moderate amount of sulphur.”

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby all the way to the rim. On the nose there are ripe raspberry and cherry aromas, as well as a hint of dirt – like a freshly tilled garden. The palate is a tangy mix of red and black fruit (cherry, berry, currant, pomegranate) with soft tannins. Acidity is moderately high, keeping this wine super-fresh and enjoyable. The finish is crisp, with a saline/mineral note. What a delightful wine for the price! It’s been a while since I tasted a wine from Navarra, and this one from Viña Zorzal has put me on notice.

Pairing

An easy-breezy weeknight meal of chicken breasts marinated in lemon, honey, miso, and soy sauce was the perfect partner for this wine. I’d put this wine in my Chillable Reds category, which will be in rotation until Thanksgiving (at least!)

Ciao for now! See you tomorrow for another Vuelta Vaso de Vino recommendation.