France returns..

The Tour de France is a wonderful spectacle and I know people who simply tune in for the beautiful scenery rather than for the crashes and ripped lycra. As a velo nut I have been to several stages of Le Tour, enjoying a day in the mountains and then a relaxing dinner with a glass of vino. This year I am settling for i player coverage and some quality French wines. La Difference Viognier/Muscat 2009, Catalan, £5.80, immediately appealing, aromatic and thirst quenching, grapey white from southern France. Stockist: Tesco. Domaine Pinson Chablis 2008, Burgundy, £14.43, stylish combination of steely, minerally character combined with taut Chardonnay fruit. Don’t let the fridge numb all those subtle flavours. Stockist: Berry Brothers & Rudd. Esprit de Buganay Rose 2009, Provence, £8.49 down to £6.29 is at the premium end of pink drinking with classy, ripe strawberry fruit, zesty character and a long tangy finish. Stockist: Waitrose.
Now for the mountains stages and where is that lycra?