Wednesday’s race was a stormy affair, with heavy clouds darkening the skies and rain throughout the day. Given the oppressive heat that dominated the first 11 stages, it was probably a relief to the peloton. Here’s a recap of the action:

Thursday brings another relatively flat stage that should suit the sprinters. And it should provide a brief respite for the GC contenders and their teams, all of whom are feeling the burn at this point. They should take advantage of the opportunity to regroup, reset, and mentally prepare for the coming stages: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday find us back in the mountains before the final rest day.

While Tadej seems unstoppable at this point, the rest of the podium places (as well as the rest of the top 10 spots) are very much in play. Every stage from here to Paris matters, and tensions within the peloton – and even among team members – will be high. (I’m looking at you, Remco and Florian . . .)

Wine Recommendation: 2024 Domaine Mathias Mâcon “Roche Blanche” ($25; 13% abv)

Domaine Mathias is a sixth-generation family enterprise based in Chaintré, just outside of Pouilly-Fuissé. They work their 11 hectares of steep vineyards organically, striving to create a biodiverse habitat for animal life and native yeasts that aid fermentation. This wine (100% Chardonnay) is unoaked and fresh, with a mineral stoniness that comes from ribbons of limestone (roche blanche) that run throughout the subsoil.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Pale gold color with a rather shy nose: there are notes of yellow apple and pear, white flowers, quince paste, and hay. As it warms in the glass and opens up, there are hints of wet rocks and fresh cream. The palate is quite reserved as well, with lemon peel and ripe apple/pear character accentuated by a chalky mineral component. It’s the type of wine that will slake your thirst on a hot summer day.

I paired this with a pasta and kale salad with homemade Caesar dressing, which worked nicely. But I imagine it would also be tasty with grilled pork chops topped with fresh applesauce, or fresh swordfish with green olive tapenade.

Check back tomorrow for a preview of Stage 13 and another French wine to enjoy!