For those who are looking to cut back on their sugar intake and who want to enjoy a nice glass of wine without the consequences of added sugar, low sugar wine or sugar-free wine is a great option. Wine can be high in sugar content, so it is important to know which wines have lower levels of sweetness and which ones will satisfy your craving without adding extra calories.
Key takeaways
- Key calorie source in wine is alcohol
- Sugar is only a valid calorie source for very sweet wines, watch the alcohol content!
- There are no absolute sugar free wines
- Dry riesling, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and gamay are wines with a low sugar content in the grapes
- Grapes from low temperature regions have lower sugar levels to start with and provide dry, low alcohol wines
- Alcohol containing wines with the lowest sugar content are white or rose brut nature sparkling wines
Where do the calories in wine come from?
Calories are an important factor to consider when drinking wine. Most people are aware that alcoholic drinks can contain a lot of calories, but do you know where the calories in wine come from?
Alcohol as calorie source
Alcohol is one source of calories in wine. In general, the higher the percentage of alcohol in a bottle of wine, the more calories it contains. When grapes ferment into wine, some sugars remain and contribute to sweetness and additional caloric content. When grapes are harvested they contain 18-25 % sugar which is partially turned into alcohol during the fermentation process.
Residual sugar as calorie source
The other main source of calories is sugar. The residual sugar content can vary between 1 g/l for dry wines to 25 g/l for the sweet wines.
In order to make sure you’re consuming fewer calories when it comes to your favorite wines, look for wines with lower ABV (alcohol by volume) or those labeled “dry” which will typically have less residual sugar than sweeter varieties like dessert wines. Knowing where the calories in your glass come from will help you make healthier choices as you sip!
What is residual sugar in wine?
Residual sugar in wine refers to the amount of unfermented or partially fermented sugars that remain in a wine after the completion of fermentation. It is an important factor when it comes to understanding and appreciating the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of various wines.
The presence of residual sugars can contribute to a number of factors such as sweetness, body, and color. During fermentation some wines are left with more residual sugar than others due to either natural or deliberate processes. For example, if primary fermentation stops prematurely there will be more residual sugar present.
Likewise some winemakers may choose to stop fermentation early for certain styles of wine which require a higher level of sweetness. In contrast other styles may require less residual sugar so that the flavors from other components such as oak aging can stand out more prominently.
Why does wine contain sugar
Wine is a complex beverage with many components that contribute to its flavor and texture. One of the major components is sugar, which can be present in varying amounts depending on the type of wine being consumed.
The presence of sugar in wine is often referred to as residual sugar, or RS for short. This sugar comes from two sources – the grapes themselves and fermentation during wine making. Grapes contain naturally occurring fructose and glucose, known as grape sugars, which are extracted while making wine.
During fermentation, yeast transforms these grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In some cases, not all of the grape sugars are converted into alcohol due to conditions such as low temperature or insufficient oxygen levels – this leaves residual sugar in the finished wine product.
What are sugar free wines?
There are almost no sugar free wines just lower sugar wines or without added sugar!
Grapes which grow in colder climates produce less sugar during the growth and ripening period. Therefore they are going to have less residual sugar once properly fermented.
The grape sugar is converted into alcohol during the fermentation process leaving some residual sugar. In the case of dry zero dosage or brut nature sparkling wine, part of the residual sugar is turned into carbon dioxide. Zero dosage or brut nature means that no sugar is added for the secondary fermentation which gives you the bubbles in your sparkling wine.
Therefore alcohol containing wines with the lowest calorie content are zero dosage or brut nature white and rose sparkling wines.
In the end sugar free wines are low calorie wines with a sugar content which is below 1-2 g/l . This leaves a number of grapes and regions to choose wine from.
How to choose the best low sugar wine?
Grapes with the lowest natural sugar content are riesling, sauvignon blanc for white wines and pinot noir or gamay for red wines.
To come closer to the ideal of 0 sugar wine you can take these wines from low temperature regions like Oregon, Mosel, South Tirol or New Zealand. Due to the low temperature the grapes produce less sugar during their growth. Once this is fermented and turned into alcohol the sugar content is further reduced and only a limited amount of alcohol is generated (10-12,5%) as there is a limited amount to start with!
The residual sugar content can be further reduced by an extended fermentation process. It increases the quantity of aroma and tanins which is extracted from the grapes` skins and seeds, too.
If you want to go to extremes you are going to find the lowest sugar content in alcohol free wines. The sugar in the grapes is converted into alcohol which is removed by vacuum distillation. Therefore this just leaves you the residual sugar. Alcohol free wines are almost carb free but very dry. Depending on the wine maker some remind of grape juice. Adding sugar makes the acidity less prominent and it acts as a taste carrier.
Popular wines like the red wines from the Apothic winery have a high residual sugar content. This makes the sweet to semi sweet red wines. Always take a look at the technical description of the wine!
How to calculate calories in wine?
Calculating how many calories are in a glass of red wine can be an important factor for health-conscious adults. Red wine is usually made from dark-skinned grapes, and contains alcohol and trace amounts of other substances like minerals, carbohydrates, and acids. Knowing the average amount of calories per serving of red wine can help you maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying the occasional glass or two.
To calculate the calories in a glass of red wine, you need to know how much alcohol it contains by looking at its ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage on its label. Generally speaking, one alcoholic drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol which translates to about 100 kcal per drink. Therefore, if your bottle has an ABV percentage of 12%, a 5 ounce glass will contain about 120 calories. In general you can use the following formula to calculate the calorie intake from a bottle of red wine:
Ounces x ABV x 1.6 = alcohol calories
Your favorite 750 ml bottle of red wine contains 25 ounces of red wine.
Biodynamic low sugar wines
Organic low sugar wines are becoming an increasingly popular option for wine drinkers who want to enjoy their favorite beverage without the added sugar and preservatives found in many traditional wines. Increasingly, organic wine producers are using grapes that have been grown using organic farming practices, such as biodynamic viticulture, which enhances the flavor of the grapes while also providing health benefits.
Organic wines made from biodynamically-grown grapes can often be lower in sugar than conventional wines, as well as being free of synthetic chemical additives and artificial flavors. The result is a delicious, flavorful wine with fewer calories and less alcohol content than its traditional counterpart – making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite drink without sacrificing taste or nutritional value. Additionally, research has suggested that organic low sugar wines may even have potential health benefits due to their higher levels of antioxidants.
Low sugar wine clubs
The Dry Farm or Pure wineries offer wine club like systems. You can also buy wine from any wine club just take a close look at the alcohol and residual sugar content to choose the best wine based on what you have learned in our post!
Best low sugar white wine
Dry Farm Chenin Blanc
The dry farm chenin blanc has an alcohol content of just below 12 % ABV. This south african chenin blanc with a mineral taste, light citrus notes and a squeaky clean finish on the palate sounds like the perfect friend for people who like dry white wines. As all dry farm wines it is a low carb wine.
Prost Rheinhessen Dry Riesling
The Prost Rheinhessen dry riesling is a prime example of riesling wines from Rheinhessen. It has an intense aroma of green apple with an elegant minerality and a dry finish. It pairs well with grilled pork, salmon or white fish. Dry riesling wines have a calorie content of approx 110-120 calories per glass of wine.
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc
The Giesen winery sauvignon blanc is a prime example for dry sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, New Zealand. It has notes of freshly cut herbs and citrus fruit. The Giesen winery also offers low alcohol or alcohol free wine
Pure Winery White wine
This Piedmont white is a blend of different varietals. It is a wonderful wine if you want to enjoy wine which has the least sugar levels available. It is also a white wine with a lower alcohol content than comparable Piedmont whites. Clear in colour with golden reflections, this white wine leads with a lightly floral and fruity bouquet. Full-bodied and fresh, it is well-balanced and nicely acidic on the palate with a velvety finish.
Skinny Girl Chardonnay
Skinny Girl chardonnay has just 100 calories per glass as all Skinny Girl wines. This low sugar wine has a light and fruity flavor with hints of oak and vanilla. It is a glass of wine with a nice balance between citrus fruit and richness.
Skinny Girl pinot grigio
Skinny Girl pinot grigio is a low calorie wine with a lightly sweet and perfectly crisp flavor. This white wine pairs well with starters like salted crackers or cheese. Skinny Girl pinot grigio is also a nice drink for hotter days as the low alcohol low calorie wine is the perfect partner for an afternoon in the sun.
Best reduced sugar red wine
Dry Farm Casalina Barbera
The dry farm wines are certified organic low sugar, low alcohol wines. This Barbera has the typical notes of the Barbera wines from this region. With just 0,6 g/l of residual sugar it is an almost sugar free red wine. It can be readily paired with braised short ribs or grilled eggplant with tahini to underline the notes of soft berries and earthy tones.
Pure Winery Red wine
The Pure Winery piedmont red wine seems to be one of the very few sugar free wines. Ruby red in color with hints of violet, this is a dry, smooth, and very drinkable red, perfect for any occasion. Acidulous in a balanced way, the aroma is fresh and fruity with notes of cherries and red fruits are combined for a soft finish.
Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon
The Erath Pinot Noir offers aromas of boysenberry and dark cherry with layers of jasmine and fresh herbs. Erath pinot noir achieves the perfect balance between delicate and playful. It has an estimated calorie content of around 120-125 calories per glass of wine.
Skinny Girl Pinot Noir
The Skinny Girl Pinot Noir is an oaked wine with notes of juicy fruits. These notes are accompanied by flavors of dark cherry and vanilla. The Pinot has 100 calories per glass as all the Skinny Girl wines.
Skinny Girl Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon from the Skinny Girl winery is flavored with notes of dark fruit and chocolate. Like all of their options this Skinny Girl cabernet sauvignon has just 100 calories per glass.
Best sugar free rosé wine
Pure Winery Rosé wine
The Pure Winery rosé wine is made in Provence from different local grapes. It has a cherry pink colour. This wine contains apricot and peach notes as well as hints of strawberries and citrus fruit. Like all other Pure Winery wines this rose is vegan.
Dry Farm Wines Château de Passavant Rosé
This rosé is made from cabernet franc and grolleau grapes. It has a dark orange color with an aroma of red and pink fruit. It is a rosé wine you can drink without food but it also pairs well with crab cakes.
Best sugar free sparkling wines
Alma Negra Brut Nature rosé
This bubbly wine from Argentina is made from Malbec and Pinot Noir grapes. It is produced by the classic champagne method yielding an elegant acidity with strawberry, cranberry and cocktail like notes.
Pure Winery Sparkling white and rose
The Pure Winery offers two wines as rose and white sparkling wines. They are produced in Piedmont from a variety of local white and red grapes. Both are low sugar wines and have an alcohol content of 10,5 % ABV. They show a fine perlage with slightly fruity but acidic aroma.
Dry Farm Wines Domaine du Penlois Crémant de Bourgogne
This sparkling wine is made in Burgundy from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. It is almost sugar free and has an alcohol content of 12,5 % ABV. It is a rich sparkling wine with apple and vanilla notes. You can easily pair it with seafood but due to the richness of the sparkling wine it pairs well with grilled chicken or a risotto
Wine with the most sugar
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes, and it has a variety of health benefits. However, some wines contain more sugar than others. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or just want to know what your options are when it comes to selecting a wine with high sugar content, this article will provide the answers.
When it comes to selecting the wines with the most sugar, sweet dessert wines such as port and sherry come first on the list. Port wines have natural sugars which make them sweeter than other varieties of wine while sherry has added amounts of sugar during fermentation, making it one of the sweetest types available. Other varieties with higher sugar content include late harvest Rieslings and moscatos.
Conclusion
Calories in wine can be an important aspect if you are on a low carb diet or must keep your blood sugar low. We have shown you how to choose low sugar as well as low alcohol wines. Enjoy our wine tips!
