Take The Tour

As much as I enjoy the competitive aspects of the event, I equally enjoy watching the incredible images of the French (and bordering countries') countryside. There are seriously beautiful and varied landscapes to behold, especially on an HDTV set that I recently obtained. Brilliant, focused, lush images bring unique French terroir into my home to dazzle my eyes and imagination. With an attentive and open mind/mouth, wines can provide similar HD experiences to your palate.

Several guests approached me during the first week of The Tour asking for wines that were from the regions that the race happened to be competing in on that particular day. What a great idea it is to watch some live or recorded Tour action while enjoying a glass or two of co-ordinating wine. To make things easy, we've provided a breakdown of remaining stages along with specific, fantastic wine choices available at Central Market.

Stage 12 - Thursday, July 16  Tonnerre to Vittel:
The stage starts in Tonnerre which is just a couple of miles to the east of Chablis, home of wonderfully unique, mineral driven expression of Chardonnay born from limestone soils. Check out the 2007 Jaboulet-Verchere which offers bright, clean elegance and poise with granny smith apple, citrus, apricot and balanced minerality.
$26.95

Stage 13 -  Friday, July 17  Vittel to Colmar:
After starting through an area without much wine production this stage works its way up the granite Vosges Mountains into the town of Colmar in the heart of Alsace. Alsace borders Germany and its culture and history is more Germanic than French. The main grape varietals are white ones you'd expect from Germany such as Riesling, Gewurtzraminer, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Minerality is the key again as these food-friendly wines typically have great acidity. They can sometimes have some sweetness but finish clean and dry. Look for the 2006 Barth Rene Pinot Blanc, a medium bodied, dry white with intense green apple and pear notes that go perfectly with poultry, veal or seafood.
$12.95

Stage 14 - Saturday, July 18  Colmar to Bescanon:
Most of this stage is not through major wine country. Try another great Alsatian from the area close to the start location of Colmar. Barth Rene again provides an incredible value with their Riesling.
$14.95

Stage 15, 16, 17 and 18 - July 19 – July 23   Various locations in western France, and eastern Switzerland and Italy:
These stages do not go through major wine regions. Check out a great deal on one of hundreds of French wines options from other regions or pick a bicycle themed wine like Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir,Cab, Merlot, or Chardonnay from California or Ipsum, a great, crisp summer white form Spain featuring a bike on the label.

Part 2 of this blog entry will focus on the final three stages and will include some wines on great sales.

Also, Central Market is proud to offer numerous fantastic official Livestrong items for purchase such as coffee mugs, teapots, thermoses, etc. that directly help The Lance Armstrong Foundation raise more money.