Wines of the week: Three French wines for celebrating the Tour De France
Terry Kirby on the best bottles to buy this week
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The 2014 Tour De France starts in Yorkshire, next Saturday, so here are three French wines for celebrating the links between our two fine nations…
For the Grand Départ, Saturday
Cuvée Le Gentleman, Domaine Vintur 2011
Made in Provence by Harrogate-born James Woods and honouring cyclists who have climbed nearby Mont Ventoux, this is a succulent mix of fruit, spice and garrigue herbs. Drink with roasted meats or a mature Wensleydale cheese. £13.95, winedirect.co.uk; £14, mountainvalleywines.co.uk
For Stage Six, 10 July
Henri Giraud Esprit Rosé Brut
This stage climaxes in Reims, home of Champagne. Giraud is a family-owned, small producer of oak-fermented, bottle-aged champagne which here is spiked with a little red wine. Full-bodied, rich, mellow, balanced with fine acidity; a wonderful aperitif. £37.99, latitudewine.co.uk; £39.95, champagnedirect.co.uk
For Stage 15, 20 July
Costières de Nîmes 2011, Winemakers' Selection
The last time a stage ended in Nîmes five years ago, it became one of many French towns to have witnessed a win by British rider Mark Cavendish. Spicy, bold and rustic, this is a typical Southern French blend of Grenache and Syrah; perfect for pasta, pizza and barbecues. £6, Sainsbury's
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