Villa Maria Private Bin Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2015

A lower-alcohol Sauvignon from Kiwi producer Villa Maria

Lower alcohol wines are a bit like de-caf; or, perhaps more accurately, filter rather than espresso.

Either way, for many wine enthusiasts concentration, substance and intensity are the sine qua non of great wine. Yet importers Hatch Mansfield report that they get more consumer inquiries for stockists of this wine than for almost anything else

So, if you must have a lower alcohol wine, then this Villa Maria Sauvignon is perfectly fine. Lighter in alcohol; full flavour? Yes, absolutely. For those that want that sort of thing.

Villa Maria Private Bin Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (£11.25, independents) aromatic Sauvignon with all the usual kiwi hallmarks - cut grass, lemongrass and nettles. Pure, refreshing and mineral with zippy lime, the lower alcohol makes this an easy quaffer, rather than anything more contemplative.

Sip in the garden on a warm day, or have a glass as an aperitif - it does not really stand up to food.

Stockists are:

- Vino Wines
- Fountainhall Wines
- Islington Wine
- Amazon
- The New Zealand House of Wine