An Italian winery is to name a new wine after Carmelo Borg Pisani, the Maltese hanged as a traitor in the Second World War after he was landed in Malta to spy for Italy.

The wine is being issued by Azienda Agricola Pisani of Viggiano. A picture showing Borg Pisani in Italian military uniform is carried on the label.

Senglea-born Borg Pisani was a pro-Italian Maltese who went to Rome before the war to study art. He joined the Fascist Party and participated in the Italian occupation of Kefallinia in Greece. He opted for Italian citizenship in 1940.

In May 1942 Borg Pisani was secretly brought to Malta by boat but was left to fend for himself near Dinglili Cliffs. Unable to climb to safety and in danger of being washed away by rough seas, he called for help and was eventually rescued by a British launch. He was taken to Mtarfa hospital where he was recognised by a childhood friend, Captain Tom Warrington, who reported him to the authorities.

He was interrogated and stood trial for treason. He was sentenced to death on November 19, 1942 and hanged a few days later.

While arguments continue in Malta over whether on not he was a traitor of his country, he is still considered a hero in Italy.

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