Friday’s the day we’ve been waiting for: the so-called king stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia. A whopper of a race with six categorized climbs and barely a kilometer to rest in between. If any of the GC aspirants hope to dislodge Jonas Vingegaard from the top spot on the podium in Rome, they will have to make big moves tomorrow.

Given the strength he and his team have shown thus far, I think that’s unlikely. But it will be exciting to watch him tear up the peloton on his way to a stage victory. Because, honestly, I can’t think of anyone who can beat him on a route like this one.

Thursday, we watched Paul Magnier reclaim the maglia ciclamino (most sprint points) and Afonso Eulalio fight valiantly to keep a top-five position in the GC and the white jersey for best young rider. I’ll be rooting for him for sure! Jonathan Milan made it to the final few kilometers, finish line in sight, but was pushed to third place by Magnier and Edoardo Zambanini (Bahrain-Victorious).

Here are the highlights:

Wine Recommendation: 2024 Società Agricola Zanotelli Pinot Grigio IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti ($21; 12.5% abv)

This family-run estate was established in 1860 in the Valle di Cembra, where viticulture itself dates to pre-Roman times. Perched on the high valley slopes, vineyards cling to steep terraces bolstered by 700 kilometers of stone walls. Plantings are dominated by white mountain varieties such as Kerner, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Manzoni Bianco. The 23 hectares of sustainably cultivated vines produce about 8,000 cases of wine annually, of which less than 10% is exported.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Pale lemon color at the core, slightly paler green at the rim. Aromas of citrus (lemon, white grapefruit, orange) mingle with yellow apple and pear, and a slightly herbaceous note (basil or fennel). As it warms in the glass and opens, deeper notes of honey and nutmeg emerge.

The palate co-signs all this, with tart lemon, grapefruit, and lime, wet rocks, and ripe yellow apple skins. It reminds me of when my grandmother made apple pie: she’d pare the apples and give the skins to my sister and me for a snack. We’d eat as she baked. The aromas and flavors of this wine take me right back to her kitchen!

This is no run-of-the-mill Pinot Grigio. It’s got great balance and complexity, making it a worthy partner with food (or just a deep conversation with a good friend.) Fresh grilled swordfish with homemade salsa would pair well with it, as would a salad of garden greens, grilled peaches, and fresh ricotta.

I’ve shared this wine with a couple of friends who absolutely loved it – and helped me deplete my supply! Don’t sleep on this one . . .

It just might be the perfect summer wine.

Enjoy the Godzilla of all Giro Stages on Friday. I’ll be back with a preview of Stage 20 and a wine to uncork as you watch!