A Bordeaux winery has joined forces with film studio MGM to create a rosé wine featuring the Pink Panther cartoon character.

But the new line could fall foul of UK marketing standards, which advise against using images that may appeal to under-18s.

Chateau de l'Orangerie, has launched the 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet blend in Europe but says it has no exact date for a UK launch. It expects the wine to hit UK supermarkets and off-licences in June, retailing at about £4.99 a bottle in supermarkets and £5.99 in off-licences.

A company spokesman said the theme had been chosen to tie in with the product's colour and "to intrigue wine amateurs, wine label collectors and Pink Panther fans".

Industry watchdog the Portman Group said it had received no complaints about the wine's image despite the cartoon, but Michael Thompson, head of communications, said the organisation advised companies when marketing fell below standards.

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