Strength in numbers

The alcohol content of wine in this country is remarkably consistent across most styles.

- Michael Cooper

Alcohol content is significant in our buying choices, particularly for everyday wines," a reader says. “Anything higher than 13.5% alcohol by volume means not being able to tolerate more than about half a glass."

For several years, reviews in the Listener have recorded each label's alcohol content. The move came after a Wellington reader whose job involves regular business lunches said she would appreciate knowing which wines were the least likely to leave her feeling drowsy in the afternoon.