Thursday’s Stage 18 was a triumph for Richard Carapaz of Team EF Education – Easypost. I mean, who doesn’t love watching him blow past the other contenders on a vicious climb, disheartening them with each pedal stroke? He may be part of the old guard now, but it wasn’t that long ago that he won the Giro d’Italia (2019) followed by the Olympic gold medal in 2020. The Ecuadoran rider is clearly in fine form.

At the end of Friday’s stage, the peloton will face the Alpe d’Huez, one of cycling’s most iconic climbs. After three categorized climbs looms the final torture: over 1,400 meters to the summit finish. Will UAE Team Emirates have the manpower to get Tadej Pogacar another stage win? The team has been beset by sickness, with Brandon McNulty withdrawing during Stage 18, and Adam Yates hanging on by a thread. I’m not sure even Pogi can prevail on a day like this without his team at 100%. He might need more from Isaac Del Toro, which could jeopardize the young Mexican rider’s white jersey and possible podium placement. Stay tuned . . .

Wine Recommendation: 2024 Domaine Saint-Amant Borry Viognier ($24; 12.5% abv)

Camille Wallut took over her father’s estate (13 hectares in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail) when he retired in 1997. Some of the plots are more than 80 years old, lying at the highest altitudes (500-600 meters above sea level) in the Côtes-du-Rhône. Because of the altitude, the temperature is much cooler at night, allowing the grapes to retain acidity, ripen more evenly, and develop more complex aromas. Organic viticulture is more practical here than in the valley, because common valley vine diseases like mildew and grey rot, which often require aggressive chemical treatment, are rarely found at such high altitudes.

This wine is a blend of Viognier (95%) and Roussanne (5%) and was vinified and aged in stainless steel to preserve the primary fruit aromas and flavors.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Pale lemon-green color with aromas of white peach and apricot, ripe cantaloupe, and fresh-torn basil leaves. On the palate there is a medley of ripe stone fruit (peach, apricot, nectarine), freshly grated orange zest, and lavender. The tart acidity balances the ripe fruit perfectly, keeping it fresh and light. For anyone who thinks Viognier is over-perfumed and weighty on the palate, I dare you to try this wine: it’ll change the way you think of this variety.

I paired this wine with a roasted cauliflower salad with red onion, golden raisins, and pistachios dressed with a honey-lemon vinaigrette. Next time I’d add some sliced white peaches, to bring out similar flavors in the wine. If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that looks fancy but is a snap to make, this is it. The wine classes it up even more!

Have fun watching the drama tomorrow. Another mountain stage awaits the peloton on Saturday, and it should be an epic battle for the yellow jersey, the white jersey, and the final podium places. I’ll be back tomorrow with a preview of the route, the standings after Stage 19, and another wine recommendation for you.