Wine Rack Store Blog

The Cycles Gladiator boasts not only a kick ass label reminiscent of my favorite Botticelli paintings, but it also has a fantastic history lesson at the website, as shared below:

Cycles Gladiator symbolizes a celebration of the freedom and happiness that pervaded Europe in the late 19th century—an era known as the Belle Epoque. This era marked many notable inventions and improvements to daily life, not the least of which was the modern bicycle or Le Bicycle Velocipede.

Started in Paris in 1891 by Alexandre Darracq (an eccentric, who would later become famous for manufacturing automobiles), Gladiator was one of the dozens of bicycle companies that saturated the market when the cycling craze boomed. The Golden Age of cycling reached its pinnacle in 1895—and that same year printer G. Massias unveiled one of the great Parisian advertising posters. Only four of these original posters exist today.

The famed artwork that once showcased the stylish Cycles Gladiator now graces the bottles of our classic wines from California’s Central Coast. The mythological image of the nymph riding her winged bicycle captures the grace and uninhibited beauty of our hillside vineyards.

History of the Bicycle

The invention of the bicycle had a revolutionary impact around the world. Considered the first democratic means of transportation, the bicycle eliminated dependence on the horse and carriage and allowed people the freedom to transport themselves faster and more efficiently. Though the exact history of the bicycle is unclear, the Golden Age of Cycling reached its pinnacle in the late 1800s, during the Belle Epoque era, when a number of modifications brought the ordinary bicycle to its highest level of improvement. The modern bicycle was now more comfortable and safe to ride and liberated people from traditional methods of transportation.

Women in particular benefited from the enhanced mobility and independence, and it spurred a revolution in women’s fashion. Women now wore pantaloons, trousers and other cycling ‘gear’—which was considered shocking by the traditionalists and newspapers of the day. Susan B. Anthony once wrote: “Let me tell you what I think about bicycling: It has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.”

The Belle Epoque Era

The years between 1871 and 1914 represent one of the most fascinating periods in European history. During this time Europe was enjoying a period of interior peace, and a modern world began to emerge. Arts and sciences developed with an incomparable speed and intensity. A joy of life awoke in all social classes, and with that a desire for new, extraordinary, sensational things. People were seized by the feeling of a new start into better times and a sense of freedom and happiness prevailed.

History’s greatest transformation of art and poetry from traditional to modern occurred during the Belle Epoque. Art in every genre prospered like never before. In Paris, a recognizable artistic style emerged during this era where it appeared in numerous forms—most notably in posters advertising various goods and entertainment. Food, beverages, bicycles, and theatrical performances were but a few of the subjects of these now famous Parisian works.

A hundred years later, the same thing happened to the wine industry. History’s greatest transformation of wine from traditional to modern has occurred during the last two decades of the 20th century and wine has prospered like never before—advancements in viticulture and winemaking coupled with the widespread and media-driven acceptance of wine as a part of a healthy lifestyle have transformed the wine industry, and empowered our wine racks!

Lush and bold, the Cycles Gladiator 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich dark fruit aromas. Brooding mocha, raspberry and black cherry notes are immediately revealed, and then supported by dusty tannins and well-balanced acidity. Broad on the palate, this multifaceted wine is very approachable when consumed.

Sourced from Central Coast vineyards harvested in the early morning hours while the wine grapes are still cool and firm, this wine is vibrant and supple with brilliant flavors of red fruits, clean structure and pleasing tannins.

The complex, dark flavors stand up to rich meats and hearty pasta dishes. Try it with horseradish topped Filet Mignon and mashed red potatoes, an old family recipe for spaghetti with meat sauce or smoky, grilled bratwurst and blue cheese potato chips.

And now for my honest, yet humble, opinion: This wine attacks the nose with it’s fresh, intense, almost sharp, fruit aromas. The nose alone tastes the concentrated flavor of richly fermented cherries mingled with hints of sweet and pungent tobacco, just wait until it hits your palate. It is certainly different than your Everday Cabernet (which by the way, would be a GREAT name for a wine, dontcha think?) Upon sampling, the spices arouse the tongue, and the pungent tobacco drapes across the palate much like a smoking jacket across the shoulders of Hugh Hefner. The taste is a seductive commingling of decadent, overripe fruit, and forbidden smoky mysteries, and the finish!…. The finish is a sharp, spicy awakening leaving you to wonder what the hell just happened to your taste buds!

**Disclaimer: you may be strongly tempted to also buy a pack of cigarettes when you purchase this wine. **

Although I would not say I am in love with this wine, it was definitely an experience to remember. Cheers!

**Additional Disclaimer: We at the Wine Rack Store, do not in any way condone smoking, or irresponsible liaisons, or blue cheese potato chips. We do, however, condone, and even encourage, green living, good wine, and great wine racks!

Labels: bicycle history, bleu cheese potato chips, botticelli, cycles gladiator cabernet sauvingnon, green living, hugh hefner, irresponsibile liasons