You may have noticed a rather large naval Vessel leaving Portsmouth recently. Yes, the Prince of Wales Aircraft Carrier, 80,000 tonnes and 300m long. An absolute giant of the high seas on its way to lead a global strike force group. While this hit the national news with visits from the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister, another little known fact has emerged.

Sporting Wines have been stowed on board in the Captain’s berth. Not for his personal consumption as clearheaded navigation must not be compromised, but to provide a wonderful accompaniment for the onboard cuisine and to tell stories at the Captain’s table with fellow officers and honoured guests as they visit.

There were obvious limitations to what we could send on board so here are our top four selections after much thought:

Schalk Burger, our original sporting winemaker, provided the Cricket Pitch our flagship vintage and to remind them that the cricket season is upon us.

Susannah Ricci, our only English Sporting winemaker from the world of Horseracing based in Kent, supplied the Hands and Heels Pinot Blanc. All Hands on deck!

Jacky Lorenzetti (owner of Racing 92) and Emmanuel Cruse from Bordeaux have sent in the classic and regal Moulin D’Issan from the Chateau of the same name which served up wines at the wedding of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1172. Now there is a royal connection if ever there was one.

Bob Reeves (ex President RFU) and Jonathan Webb (ex England Rugby) have combined with some Scottish mates to bring the Vergécosse wines from Burgundy to our shores. 

What a combination of wines from the world of sport to keep the Captain and officers in good heart in the coming months.

Rugby is the dominant theme here and unsurprising given that the POW Captain Will Blackett is a rugby fan and son of Ex President RFU and top rugby player Jeff Blackett. This is also a poignant moment for me as my late father flew planes off aircraft carriers and my Uncle and Grandfather were also pilots. 

We all wish the Prince of Wales a successful voyage around the world keeping us safe and reminding us all of our nation’s great heritage. Hopefully some ‘Top Gun’ scenes to come in the coming weeks and months although perhaps sporting wine will stay unopened until afterwards!