Tour De France Tasting 2024

STAGE 3  - FLAT MON - PLAISANCE > TURIN 230.8 KM

Born in Turin, the city where the deep roots of Vermouth originated back in 1786. The name "TURIN VERMOUTH" takes inspiration from the historicity of the fine products produced from secret family recipes and the liqueur tradition of the Piedmont capital.

The production comes exclusively from Piedmontese territory with the main raw material of Artemisia Absinthium grown or harvested in Piedmont, moreover, only sugar, grape must, caramelized sugar or honey can be used as a sweetener.  Composed of at least 50% of wines produced in Piedmont and flavored, even if not exclusively, with herbs grown or harvested in Piedmont. It's pretty special stuff and an obvious choice for Stage 3.

Now, the question is do you want to just enjoy it on ice with a slice of lemon or do you want something with a little more oomph? Either way, you will love it and while we would prefer the former if we were sitting in some summer Italian sun we might be up for a white Negroni here in the middle of winter. So if that's your bag check out the recipe below. WE've made sure to include Lillet here too so it's the perfect Tour combo of French & Italian!

30ml gin - Haymans is our choice
30ml Turin Vermouth Drapo Vermouth Bianco 16% alc
20ml Lillet Blanc
15ml grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1 grapefruit peel, for garnish

Combine and stir gently but patiently in a rock glass then garnish with citrus peel

The Touche Mitaine parcel features Chenin Blanc vines aged 35 years, planted on clay and flint soils. It was vinified in used oak barrels of 228 litres, with an élevage lasting twelve months. Aromatically this is rich in powdered chalk, with layers of white peach and a fragrant, lifted, minty freshness. The palate matches this style, in a gently composed structure, polished and fresh, with the same minty, white peach substance. It is framed by firm acidity, which I find typifies the vintage. The alcohol is 12.8% CHRIS KISSACK

Pure and alluring, with apple and citrus cloaked in spices and salty brine. Remains racy through the smoky, vivid finish, thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2028. WINE SPECTATOR

STAGE 16 - FLAT - GRUISSAN > NÎMES 188.6 KM \

Michel Chapoutier's Roussillon outpost continues to turn out multiple cuvées of very good to excellent quality. The larger-production stuff offers excellent value, while the single-parcel selections—produced in quantities as small as 127 cases (the 2019 Coullioure Chrysopée)—can rival some of the wines Chapoutier produces at home in the Northern Rhône.

A blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache, the 2021 Cotes du Roussillon Villages is composed mostly of purchased wine. Aged in concrete and stainless steel, it's cherry-scented but more savory on the medium-bodied palate, with undertones of dusty earth and dried spices, finishing with soft tannins. JOE CZERWINSKI, The Wine Advocate

The plots for this wine are located on the slopes of the high Agly Valley. They are composed of gneiss and schist from the Devonian Period with calcareous clay and the combo of elevation and porr mineral soil provide a wonderful freshness and vibrancy. This has the perfect combo rustic charm you expect from the region with a modern and pure styling. Stupendous value for the money here.

Starting in the Southern Rhone and heading west to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean and through the beautiful Roman town of Nimes. This juicy and crunchy number is a delight.

STAGE 7 - INDIVIDUAL TIME-TRIAL - NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES > GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 25.3 KM

This sparkling Burgundy (not to be confused with the old term for Aussie sparkling red) is made entirely from Chardonnay and, honestly, it's a mystery as to how something this good comes at this price. The wine is produced by an estate which is over 100 years old, from premium vineyards and spent 9 months in bottle developing a gentle complexity before release. Light, crisp and fun, it's a fizz which won't break the bank and seriously over delivers.

OK so its not the usual Champs-Élysées finish and this stage isn't even the finish line but we have to have a sparkling at some point. This is cracking stuff, unbelievable good value for the money, lovely fruit but crunchy and dry. Perfect to wet the whistle after a quick sprint.