You probably know Ricky Ponting as the revered Australian Cricketer. Renowned as one of Australia’s greatest athletes, Ponting captained Australia to countless wins during its renowned ‘golden era’, and took Australian cricket to where it hadn’t been before.
Since packing away the bat and gloves, Ponting may not be hitting centuries on the cricket pitch, but he sure is keeping busy in other avenues of life.
Proving punters wrong yet gain, Ponting can now add wine producer to his resume with the official launch of his own wine brand, Ponting Wines.
Partnering with industry-renowned winemaker Ben Riggs, Ponting has launched a solid first collection of staple wines with a difference – they all pay homage to his storied cricketing career.
We were fortunate enough to speak with Ponting, who ran us through the collection in detail.
Ponting ‘First Session’ Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2020
“The first session of a test match was extra special to me. It was a chance to pull on the baggy green with ten of my mates and come together as one,” says Ricky Ponting.
Produced in the renowned Adelaide Hills – a premier region for Sauvignon Blanc – this wine offers floral notes with a hit of zesty passionfruit and grapefruit, with a wonderful mid-palate that is textured and finishes crisp and long.
“This Sav Blanc is fresh, bright and aromatic; a perfect starter for a drink in the sun with friends and family,” says winemaker Ben Riggs.
Ponting ‘Mowbray Boy’ Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2019
With fruit sourced from The Tamar Valley – a cool-climate region located north of Tasmania – this Pinot Noir offers a full expression of the iconic region which is synonymous with producing quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Aptly named after Ponting’s playing nickname, this wine is one of Ponting’s favourite of the collection thanks to its significance. Ponting, like most Australians, started his cricket career as a proud member of his local cricket club, the Mowbray Cricket Club.
“As a boy, I learned about cricket and life listening to the stories of my dad and the men of the Mowbray Cricket Club,” explains Ponting.
The ‘Mowbray Boy’ made his first-class debut for Tasmania aged 17 and by age 20, he had made his Test debut for Australia.
This Pinot Noir showcases characteristics typical of the Tamar Valley region, like savoury spicy red cherries. It’s a fine, elegant, structured wine that is extremely approachable and easy-drinking.
“Our Pinot Noir is fruit-driven, dripping with savoury cherries and ripe strawberries and is really the perfect wine for duck dish, preferably barbequed,” explains Riggs.
Ponting ‘The Pinnacle’ McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017
“The Ashes are the oldest of contests and the most cherished in a cricketer’s career. As a boy, it was my dream. As a cricketer, it was the pinnacle of achievements,” says Ponting.
Much like The Ashes tournament, this Shiraz is bold, exciting and a staple of the Ponting Wines collection.
Distinctive McLaren Vale characteristics shine through, with sweet, soft and warm tannins evident, whilst the palate is brimming with rich berry fruits and spices. It’s big, bold and refined in flavour.
“Bold in style and uncompromising in quality, this Shiraz is dominated by rich berry fruits with elements of black pepper, nutmeg and cloves,” says Riggs.
“McLaren Vale is famous for its Mediterranean climate with cooler nights creating flavourful wines of great structure and finesse.”
Ponting ‘Close of Play’ Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
A wine that honours that tradition of coming together, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of great character and style, perfect for drinking now with your nearest and dearest.
“Raising a glass with teammates at the close of play, when the game was done and the crowd was gone, they were the special moments I remember most,” says Ponting.
“This wine is soft and silky in style, showing generous red berry fruits with touches of mint and clove,” explains Riggs.
“Langhorne Creek is famous for wines of pure drinking enjoyment and this is a wine of great character and style.”
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For more info on Ponting Wines, and to purchase the collection, visit pontingwines.com.au.