Velo Vino, Episode 4: Bernard Hinault (Côtes de Bourg 1983) – The Badger’s farewell

An auction lot of six dusty cycling-themed bottles of wine from the 80s provides the inspiration behind Velo Vino, a new podcast mini-series that explores some tales from the pro peloton's history through rosé-tinted spectacles.

Cycling journalists Felix Lowe and Graham Willgoss invite you to take a seat at the table with professional wine buff Chris Maybin as they uncork these aged bottles and sift through the stories and sentiments behind the sediment.

Step aside, Francesco, because there's a new sheriff in town... After French duo René Vietto and Éric Caritoux and the Italian all-rounder Francesco Moser comes a rider who packed a punch – both on and off the bike.

For the fourth and final instalment of this mini-series, our three vino keenos sample a 1983 Côtes de Bourg repackaged for Bernard Hinault's retirement party in 1986. Will the claret served at the Badger's big bash be a case of saving the best for last? And will the contemporary 15 per cent Côtes de Bourg from the same Château Peychaud near Bordeaux be, as Felix predicts, a "red infuriator"? If so, it's surely the perfect modern-day comparison for an Hinault homage, given the five-time Tour de France winner’s famously short fuse as a rider.

All four episodes of Velo Vino are brought to you in association with Rouleur magazine and Nyetimber, the English sparkling wine producer and proud backer of British Cycling. Slip into the sipstream of Felix, Graham and Chris as they raise a glass to some Grand Tour tannins of yesteryear.

Produced by Matthew Vines. 

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