Top cricketer James Anderson launches wine label

The Burnley-born cricket ace has launched his own wine label and there are three wines in his debut ‘The Numbers’ collection, which are named with links to his playing career.

The all-time England leading wicket-taker was inspired by his family holiday’s in the South of France and he has worked with the Robert Vic family vineyard in Beziers to produce this collection, which features a red, white and rose wine – and he hopes to add more.

“I didn’t taste my first glass of wine until I was around 25 but I have now become the passionate about it,” said former St Theodore’s student James.

Number 11 is the Reserve Blanc, which related to the position he has batted most at for England, and is a mix of Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier.

“Apart from number one and two, I have batted in every position in Test matches for England,” said James. “No. 11 is where I have been used most. And I scored my highest score, 81, at No 11, a record for an Englishman.”

Fifty four is the Reserve Rosé, made from Cinsault and Grenache grapes.

“I went 54 England Test innings from my debut without being dismissed for a duck,” James explained. “This is a world record. Not one I’m overly proud of but a record nonetheless.”

And Eighty one, the Reserve Rouge, is in reference to his highest score for England. The blend is made up of Grenache, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon.

“I scored 81 for England against India in 2014, my highest score in any form of cricket. This innings was part of a world record 10th wicket stand of 198 with Joe Root at Trent Bridge,” he added.

The wines are available at £9.95 from winecellarclub.co.uk.