In case you missed Thursday’s action, here’s a recap of what happened:

It was a strange day, supposedly one for the sprinters. However, things don’t always go as planned, especially on cycling’s grand tours! The GC teams pushed the pace throughout the stage, stranding many of the fast men toward the back of the peloton. It was exciting to watch Alec Segaert of Bahrain-Victorious sneak up the sideline, catapulting past Team Vizma in an all-out sprint to the finish. Well done!

My favorite things about Stage 12? Watching Afonso Eulalio (still in the maglia rosa) snatch the Red Bull bonus seconds ahead of his rivals – with a huge smile on his face! He’ll keep the overall leader’s jersey for another day – maybe more.

And my MVP of the day is the region of Liguria, which offered stunning backdrops at every turn. Ancient castles and military fortifications; beautiful beaches whose aquamarine waters complemented the emerald-green mountain slopes just behind. Bravissimo!

Alessandria to Verbania; 189 km; mostly flat, 2 categorized climbs

Friday’s race provides a brief respite for the peloton before a gruesome mountain stage on Saturday. That said, it won’t be a walk in the park. The sprint points will not be awarded until 155 kms into the race, followed immediately by the first climb. Then comes the Red Bull checkpoint, where bonus seconds will go to the first four riders to cross the line. The road goes up again just after that, with the final climb and a descent to the finish. It’s hard to predict how the race might unfold, but I can’t imagine the GC contenders will want to tire out their support riders just ahead of a monster stage with five (!) categorized climbs. It’ll be fun to watch, whatever happens.

Wine Recommendation: 2020 Proprietà Sperino Bramaterra ($85; 13.5% abv)

Winemaking is a long tradition at Proprietà Sperino: Dott De Marchi began farming his eight hectares of vines in the sub-alpine region of Ori, 100 years ago. Today, his descendants Paolo and Luca continue the work, having recently replanted the vineyards and renovated the winery. Vines are farmed organically.

Bramaterra is a blend of Nebbiolo, with small percentages of Vespolina and Croatina from a single hectare of old vines in the historic Madonna Degli Angeli vineyard. Soils here consist of decomposed granite and quartz, resulting in a darker, more structured expression of Nebbiolo. Grapes were destemmed and pressed softly to enhance Nebbiolo’s aromatic qualities which, in an excellent vintage like 2020, are intense and pronounced. The finished wine aged for thirty-two months in barrels of various sizes and use, and then aged in bottle until release.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Deep raspberry color at the core, slightly paler at the rim. A swirl of the glass releases intense floral aromas of rose and violet; strawberry, and black cherry. As it opens, there are hints of licorice, dried thyme, and green figs. I literally sat and pondered the aromas for a few moments before writing my notes. The first word I jotted down was “Magnificent!”

The palate is just as complex, with high acidity and grippy tannins. It’s a study in contrast and balance: the fruit (reflecting the nose) is lush yet still fresh, with ripe berry-cherry flavors accented by dried orange peel, a hint of vanilla, and a savory, almost smoky element that reminded me of walking through a forest in winter. Bramaterra is drinking well right now but has a long life ahead of it. I’d love to try it again in 5-10 years. Doubt I can wait that long.

One of my favorite wines in a while . . .

We paired the Bramaterra with a beautiful strip steak from Lobel’s NYC, a treat we enjoy a few times a year, usually to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday. After savoring this food and wine combo, I’d say that the dinner itself was the occasion.

I hope you enjoy the action on Stage 13. See you again tomorrow with a preview of Saturday’s (monster) stage and a nice wine to sip while you watch!