Master Grazia’s life skills

Helen Mcginn, author of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide (£8.99, Bluebird)

I spent nearly 10 years working as a supermarket wine buyer, so I know for a fact that you’ll be hard-pressed to get anything half-decent for under £5, since more than 60% of each bottle goes on tax and duty, leaving very little for your actual wine. But you can find loads of amazing wines between £6 and £10. In fact, it can sometimes feel like there’s too much choice. However, if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is…

To find a wine to suit your taste as well as your budget, first think about the style of wine you prefer – is it crisp and dry? Big and robust? Many wine sellers sell by description now – especially online – so use this as a buying tool. This will keep things more interesting than sticking to just one grape variety.

For bargain bottles of classy wine, look for unfashionable grapes and wine places – a decent, cheap Chablis or bargain Provençal rosé, for instance, are few and far between these days. Instead, look towards Spain or southern Italy. Particular grapes to look out for here include Falanghina or Vermentino, which can taste a bit like the lovechild of Sauvignon

Blanc and Chardonnay. The warm, dry wine region of Swartland in South Africa is stuffed with great wines, especially Syrah and Chenin Blanc.

Also, own-label supermarket ranges (such as the Taste the Difference or Finest ranges) often offer fantastic wine at affordable prices. The best of them are such good value for money because you’re not paying for the producer’s name.