Did you love watching the peloton race through the city of Bordeaux on Stage 7 as much as I did? It fired up my wanderlust, taking me back to my visit there in 2022: I never expected to become so enamored of a place in such a short time. La Cité du Vin, what I expected to be a fancy tourist trap was anything but. The restored waterfront and renovated City Hall gleamed brightly in the sun. And the wine? I consider myself extremely fortunate to have tasted some bottles I may never come across again.

Here’s a recap of the madness that was Friday’s sprint finish:

Saturday gives the riders one last respite before we move east, toward the Massif Central. Where there will be climbing – lots of it. So enjoy another leisurely day on the road while you can . . .

Wine Recommendation: 2024 Château Monestier La Tour “Cadran” Bergerac AOC (13.5% abv; $25)

Château Monestier La Tour produces wine under three appellations: Bergerac, Côtes de Bergerac and Saussignac. The total area in production is nearly 30 hectares, with 17 planted to red grapes (63% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec) and 12.5 hectares dedicated to dry and sweet white wines (61% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Muscadelle). Viticulture is in accordance with organic and biodynamic principles and is overseen by consultant oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt.

A Bordeaux-style white blend, this wine is composed of 60% Sémillon, 38% Sauvignon Blanc, and 2% Muscadelle, grown on a mix of clay and limestone soils. Grapes were put into pneumatic presses, and the must underwent cold settling for 5 to 6 days. Slow, cold (18°C) fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats using indigenous yeasts. It spent no time in oak.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Pale lemon-green in color with aromas of orchard fruit (yellow apple, pear, and quince) and bright citrus (vibrant orange, lime, and grapefruit). As it warms in the glass, a lovely note of honey emerges. On the palate the aromatic profile holds, with ripe, sweet yellow pear flavors balanced by tangy citrus. Then there’s the honey, which is almost savory and such a lovely counterpart to the fruit. Tangy acidity, long finish.

Serve it with freshwater fish (e.g., rainbow trout) dressed in lemon or a summer vegetable salad topped with pecorino cheese. Or just enjoy a glass as you watch the sunset.

Enjoy the beautiful countryside of Bergerac. Meet me here tomorrow for a preview of Stage 9 and a wine rec to match.