(ScotsMan) - FIRST our houses plummeted in value, then our pensions shrank, then we were told we would have to forego our child benefit. Now, the squeezed ­middle is being dealt another blow, a predicted global shortage of the one thing that can be relied on to keep gloom over the economic crisis at bay. It’s a terrifying thought to those of us who live for the moment we can lift a cool crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a mellow Chianti to our lips, but the combination of poor harvests and increased international demand, means Wine O’Clock, an article of faith for the Mumsnet generation, is now under threat.