Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall launched his new Sicilian wine in Rome last week.

The wine, called Il Cantante (The Singer), was presented by the 45-year-old singer and his winemaker, Salvo Foti.

The pair took wine journalists and critics through a vertical tasting of Il Cantante vintages from 2001 to 2004.

In his presentation speech, Hucknall said he wanted to produce a wine which reflects and respects Etna’s unique terroir.

The flame-haired crooner – who as Simply Red has sold more than 50m albums in a 21-year recording career – is planning an internet auction from 17-24 October when sealed bids will be invited for the wines.

Bidders are invited to bid for lots of 6 or multiples thereof and will be asked to submit their price per bottle.

The idea behind the auction is to try to gain global distribution rather than selling the wines to one individual or company. Only half of the 5,000 bottles of 2001 vintage will be available.

ilcantante.com

Written by Michele Shah

Michele Shah
Michele Shah
Decanter Magazine & Wine Writer

Michèle Shah is a wine critic, marketing consultant and travel writer who has been based in Italy for over 30 years. As a consultant, she specialises in promoting Italian food and wine in export markets. She organises and hosts her own Italian wine tours, combining winery visits and fine dining. She has written for many wine publications including Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine Business International, Harpers and Corriere Vinicolo.