Christine Austin taste tests the medium strength wines on the shelves at Sainsbury's

It is easy to blame this fashion on the government which has imposed new duty rates that will come into force in February next year.

These rates will see alcohol duty increase step by step with increases in strength, so a wine at 11% alcohol will be charged at £2.35 (plus VAT) while a wine at 14.5%, which includes many of those gorgeous chunky wines from Australia, will be charged duty at £3.10 (plus VAT).

But it is not just the government’s fault. In general, people are drinking less alcohol. According to one report, admittedly from a producer of non-alcoholic drinks, 80% of the UK is trying to drink less alcohol.

And while this is an admirable sentiment, I feel that it is more directed at those who pre-load with drinks before going out rather than those of us who enjoy a glass of wine with our dinner.

I also drink lower-strength wine. Last summer there was always a bowl of ice cubes on the table, to add to wine because it did not stay sufficiently chilled during dinner.

The flavours remained in balance and the wine was very refreshing. So, if you are looking for a lower strength drink, rather than buying a special, low-alcohol wine, you might do just as well to make a spritzer with sparkling water or just add an ice cube.

Sainsbury’s wines came under the microscope this week. Here are some of the best new arrivals and a few good deals, most of which are Sainsbury’s own label Taste the Difference range.

White Wines and a Pale Pink

Bruce Jack Sauvignon Blush 2023, South Africa, Sainsbury down from £8.50 to £7 until 14 May: After a career with several top-name wine producers, Bruce Jack is now making wine under his own name and doing a great job. This is a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc with a splash of Shiraz adding a hint of red fruit flavours. It is dry and delicious and will drink well all summer.

Taste the Difference Mid-strength Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023 £7.50: This comes from Yealands which is one of my favourite, big-scale producers in New Zealand, mainly because they consistently hit the mark for great flavours but also because they are eco-friendly with solar panels, wind turbines and an ecological approach to grape growing.

This wine has just 9.5% alcohol, through a combination of early picking, and spinning cone which takes alcohol off like cream comes off the milk. The taste is good with zesty, citrus and passionfruit notes.

Taste the Difference Mid-Strength Val de Loire 2023, £8: At just 8.5% alcohol, this is a valiant attempt to get some flavour into a low-strength wine. According to the Sainsbury team, the grapes have been picked early, while they are ripe, but have not get gathered all their potential alcohol.

This is a totally natural wine without any other process to reduce alcohol. In taste is fresh and light and, because it is lower in alcohol than other wine it is lighter in calories at just 64 Calories per 125 ml glass.

Taste the Difference Albariño 2022, Rías Baixas, Spain, down from £11 to £9 until 14 May: Albariño is the perfect wine for springtime. Its peachy, citrus flavours go well with salads and grilled fish, or it can be enjoyed on its own in sunshine.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Viognier 2023, Rhône, France, down from £11 to £9 until 14 May: From a top Rhône producer this is Condrieu in taste although not in name. With pithy apricot and peach fruit, a fresh, lively palate and complex finish, it is a treat for the tastebuds.

Torlonia Gavi di Gavi 2023, Piedmont, Italy, £14: From the heartland of the tiny Gavi region in Piedmont, close to the historic centre, this is made from 100% Cortese grapes. It has a delicate fresh dry style, with lemon zest, a light sprinkle of herbs and creamy finish. Perfect as an aperitif.

Red Wines

Taste the Difference Bío Bío Chilean Pinot Noir 2022, £9.50 down to £7.75 until 14 May: Bío Bío is in the deep south of Chile where temperatures are low, and the growing season is long. This is the perfect climate for Pinot Noir grapes to develop ripe flavours in Chilean sunshine while keeping fresh acidity. This wine is full of soft, strawberry and black cherry fruit with a gentle backbone and a sprinkle of spice.

Taste the Difference Discovery Collection Teroldego 2022, Trentino, Italy, £7.75: If you have never tried this grape before then this is the place to start. Juicy dark cherry fruit flavours with just a hint of spice and soft food-friendly tannins make this an easy-going wine to enjoy with pasta.

Taste the Difference Marzemino Trentino 2022, Italy, £9.75 down to £8 until 14 May: Imagine a good Beaujolais with softer acidity and slightly more ripe cherry fruit and you have Marzemino, grown close to Venice. Chill it down and enjoy with charcuterie, herby roast chicken or Cumberland sausages.

Graffigna Reserva Malbec 2020, Argentina, Sainsbury, down from £9.75 to £8 until 2 April: This wine continues to provide terrific flavours for money, especially on offer. It has deep, dark blackberry and damson fruit, edged with spice and pepper, rounded out with supple tannins. Stock up for the barbecue season.

Taste the Difference Discovery Collection South African Cinsault 2023, £10: Made from 34-year-old vines in the Breedekloof region, which is significant because next year those vines will qualify to be ‘Old Vine’ and will probably have a premium price. So, snap up this wine now for its juicy, plum and cherry fruit, with hints of ginger. Enjoy with pizza, pasta and charcuterie and chill it down in warm weather.

Beronia Rioja Reserva 2019, Spain, down from £16 to £14 until 14 May: A seriously good Rioja with ripe damson and raspberry fruit, and a touch of cinnamon and light oak, with supple tannins that just wrap themselves around roast meat, especially lamb.