Message in a bottle: Sting launches his own red wine

Around 30,000 bottles of wine will go on sale in September, mainly in Britain and the United States, Paolo Rossi, his estate manager has confirmed.

A name has not yet been announced but it will be a 2007 vintage based on the Sangiovese grape, with a touch of Cabernet and Merlot.

In 1997 the former Police frontman – whose real name is Gordon Sumner – snapped up a 16th century villa called Il Palagio near the small village of Figline Valdarno.

Five years later he bought a 182ha farm adjoining the Palagio estate and over the years he has turned it into an organic farm.

‘The reason why I purchased this property and farm the land is because I wanted to nourish my family with genuine quality products and live in a healthy environment,’ said Sting at a local conference in the town of Figline Valdarno.

‘By organically farming my land I am trying to give myself and those who are close to me a healthier life in a natural surrounding.’

In addition to wine, Tenuta il Palagio produces virgin olive oil, honey, and a range of salamis made from Tuscany’s unique ‘cinta senese’ a special breed of pork.