With the yellow jersey taking it “easy”, Friday’s Stage 13 presented a rare opportunity for anyone hunting for a stage win. Tom Pidcock acquitted himself well, climbing to fourth place in the overall standings, and the one-to-one chess match between Mauro Schmid and Harold Tejada gave us the exciting finish we were hoping for.

Saturday, expect UAE and Visma to reassert control over the peloton, with Tadej and Jonas duking it out in the mountains. Four categorized climbs (1, 2, 1, 1) will make for a tough day, even for the superstars.

Wine Recommendation: 2022 Domaine Paul Humbrecht Edelzwicker “Nicolas” ($27; 12% abv)

Edelzwicker is traditionally a field blend, with multiple grape varieties grown side-by-side and fermented together. That differs from most blended wines, which are usually grown in distinct plots and vinified separately. Blending happens afterward.

This wine is made from typical Alsatian grapes, with the exact cépage or blend different every year. And it’s a secret. Usually it contains Chasselas, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, and/or Riesling. What doesn’t change from year to year is the style of wine: white, (mostly) dry, and extremely aromatic, with ripe orchard fruit flavors and a hint of spice.

Vineyards are certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter).

Domaine Paul Humbrecht dates to 1620, when the man himself settled in Pfaffenheim.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Pale lemon color. Highly aromatic with notes of citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit), ripe yellow apple and pear, and a little spice that makes me think of Gewurztraminer. There is a floral component, too; maybe rose petals. Later some savory, slightly funky notes emerge. So much going on here!

On the palate, it is unctuous and slightly syrupy, with moderate acidity. All the ripe fruit from the nose, plus some peppery, Gewurz-like notes. It’s quite complex and gives the impression of sweetness without tons of residual sugar. The finish is long and spicy. I really enjoyed this wine, but it might not be for everyone. If you prefer bone-dry, mineral-inflected wine and are feeling adventurous, this might be a good stretch for you. On the other hand, if you love Gewurztraminer or late-harvest wines made from Riesling and other white grapes, welcome to the fold!

The Paul Humbrecht Edelzwicker Nicolas was delicious with a (vegan) Toasted Coconut Rice Salad adapted from the New York Times cooking app. A simple dish with a nice mix of sweet and savory flavors, it has become one of my go-to recipes for summer.

Enjoy the Alps! I’ll see you tomorrow with a preview of Stage 15 and another wine recommendation.