A MERLOT BLOW FOR WINE BUFFS

Plonk will be weaker to cut tax on bottles

- JERRY LAWTON

WINE will be weaker as makers cut alcohol levels to offset a tax hike.

The cost of plonk is unlikely to rise but the drinks themselves will not contain as much booze.

Wine company Australian Vintage, which sells the McGuigan label, has cut the alcohol level in several products with others expected to follow. From August 1 duty will be based on alcohol strength.

Producers plan to reduce the alcohol in their wine from 12.5% to 11% to cut the duty charged.