Ponting Wines, a collaboration between cricketer Ricky Ponting and winemaker Ben Riggs, has expanded its distribution channels via a partnership with Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM).
Three Kings Wine Merchants launched the brand in May via direct sales due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Three Kings General Manager David Krenich said: “We have a strong digital mindset for Ponting Wines, but we’ve just started distributing with ALM last month in Queensland, NSW, ACT and Tasmania, with a view to expanding to South Australia and Western Australia soon.”
Ponting Wines currently produces four wines – 2020 First Session Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir, 2017 The Pinnacle McLaren Vale Shiraz and 2018 Close of Play Langhorne Creek Cabernet.
Krenich said all varietals have been selling well, with the most popular – and Ricky’s personal favourite – being the Shiraz, while stocks of Pinot Noir have almost sold out.
In October, a Chardonnay will be added to the collection, with Krenich explaining they held back the vintage to allow for more bottle ageing, as Ricky’s wife Rianna prefers a fuller-bodied style.
Ponting hosts virtual tasting
Rianna and Ricky been been involved in every aspect of the creation of the brand, from sourcing grapes to the blending process to designing the labels with Woodscannon.
Ricky explained to the Australian Financial Review: “We make sure we’re doing everything to the best of our ability. That is how I live my life, I don’t do anything half-cocked – If I’m in, I’m in 100%, and that is no different to this wine business.”
The Pontings and Riggs hosted a virtual tasting for the wine media last week to run through the range.
They explained that each wine in the range reflects stages of Ricky’s life has been crafted using grapes from a variety of his favourite wine regions.
2020 First Session Sauvignon Blanc (RRP $138 per 6 pack) is a tribute to the first session of a test match, which Ricky explained was “extra special to me – a chance to pull on the baggy green with ten of my mates and come together as one.”
“Fresh, bright and aromatic, it’s a perfect starter for a drink in the sun with friends,” Riggs added.
The winemaker said it wasn’t as “pungent” as a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, which made it a better match for food.
2019 Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir (RRP $199 per 6 pack) was born from the cricketer’s love of Tasmania and his formative years at the Mowbray Cricket Club as a child protege.
Riggs described it as “fruit driven, dripping with savoury cherries and ripe strawberries a perfect wine for duck, preferably barbequed.”
The 2017 The Pinnacle McLaren Vale Shiraz (RRP $149 per 6 pack) refers to The Ashes.
“The Ashes are the oldest of contests and the most cherished, as a boy it was my dream, as a cricketer it was the pinnacle,” said Ricky.
“Bold in style, uncompromising on quality this Shiraz is dominated by rich berry fruits with elements of black pepper, nutmeg and cloves,” said Riggs.
The 2018 Close of Play Langhorne Creek Cabernet (RRP $149 per 6 pack) celebrates raising a glass with teammates at the close of play.
“Soft and silky in style, this wine shows generous red berry fruits with touches of mint and clove,” said Riggs. “Langhorne Creek is famous for wines of pure drinking enjoyment and this is a wine of great character and style.”
