Well, the individual time trial has come and gone and taken another rider with it: Florian Lipowitz (Team Red Bull – Bora Hansgrohe) wiped out on a tight turn, crashing into the barriers and abandoning the race. Such a shame, as he was in contention for the white jersey for best young rider and perhaps a top ten finish overall. His teammate Remco Evenepoel won the stage, shaving 30 seconds off his deficit to Tadej Pogacar.

Wednesday’s course starts with four categorized climbs (4, 4, 3, 4) straight out of the gate, followed by almost 100 kilometers of hilly, challenging terrain. The sprint points will be awarded almost at the end, which seems rather mean-spirited, doesn’t it?

With all jerseys but the green still up for grabs, it will be a tense day on the road. The duel between Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas for the white jersey should be fun to watch, as will the competition between Evenepoel and Pogacar for yellow. It’s closer than anyone expected, especially after Vingegaard’s departure with a broken collarbone on Sunday.

Wine Recommendation: 2023 Acquiesce Vineyards “Christina’s Outlier Red” ($55; 13% abv)

I’m switching things up a bit today, with a wine from California! Christina’s Outlier Red comes from the Mokelumne River AVA in Lodi. Acquiesce Vineyards specializes in growing white Rhône grape varieties – think Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc – and their Belle Blanc and Ingenue blends are some of my favorite Rhône-style whites.

Owner and founding winemaker Susan Tipton fell in love with her first glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc and the rest is history: She planted her first grapes in 2008 and has never looked back!

“Christina’s Outlier Red,” my pick for today’s stage, is aptly named. Acquiesce is an island of white wine production in a sea of full-bodied red wines. Winemaker and Vineyard Manager Christina Lopez created Outlier Red as an homage to the juicy, spicy blends from the Côtes du Rhône (not far from our race route today). It is a traditional field blend consisting of Grenache Noir (62%), Syrah (16%), Mourvèdre (16%), Bourboulenc (3%), and Clairette Blanche (3%).

Grapes were fermented in whole clusters, and the wine aged for 13 months sur lie in neutral puncheons. It’s complex yet fresh and approachable, with a flavor profile of red berries, savory spices, and a hint of earthiness. Just 100 cases were made.

Pairings? Grilled steak, for sure. Charcuterie board – why not? My favorite way to sip this wine is with friends, sitting outside and catching up with each other. It’s just easy – and delicious – that way.

Enjoy Stage 17 and – hopefully – a nice glass of Côtes du Rhône. Bonus points if it’s Christina’s Outlier Red!