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How Many Calories Are in 2 Glasses of Moscato?

4 min read

A single 5-ounce glass of Moscato can contain anywhere from 100 to 140 calories, depending on its specific style and sweetness. Therefore, understanding how many calories are in 2 glasses of Moscato requires considering the variables that contribute to its caloric content, such as alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar.

Quick Summary

The calorie content for two glasses of Moscato varies significantly based on the specific style, such as sparkling, pink, or still. The total calories are primarily influenced by the wine's alcohol percentage and residual sugar content, both of which differ between varieties.

Key Points

  • Average Calorie Range: Two standard 5-ounce glasses of Moscato typically contain between 240 and 280 calories.

  • Style Matters: The calorie count varies by Moscato type; for example, Sparkling Moscato has fewer calories per glass than Pink Moscato.

  • ABV vs. Sugar: Calories come from both alcohol and residual sugar, with Moscato's lower ABV sometimes balancing out its higher sugar content compared to other wines.

  • Serving Size Impact: Pouring a larger glass can significantly increase your caloric intake beyond the standard 5-ounce measure.

  • Mindful Consumption: Enjoying Moscato in moderation and choosing lower-ABV styles or spritzers are effective strategies for managing calorie intake.

In This Article

Understanding the Calories in a Single Glass of Moscato

To calculate the calories in two glasses, it's essential to first establish the range for a single serving. A standard 5-ounce (150 ml) glass of Moscato typically has between 100 and 140 calories. This wide range is a result of variations in winemaking. Moscato's two main caloric components are alcohol and residual sugar, with alcohol contributing about 7 calories per gram and sugar contributing about 4 calories per gram. Because Moscato is known for its sweet, fruity flavor, it often has a higher residual sugar content than drier wines, though it often has a lower alcohol content, which can help balance the calorie count.

Factors Influencing Moscato's Calorie Count

Several key factors determine the final number of calories in your glass:

  • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): This is a primary driver of calories. While Moscato generally has a lower ABV (often 5-8%) compared to other wines, slight variations can significantly impact the calorie count. A Moscato with a 7% ABV will have more calories from alcohol than one with a 5% ABV.
  • Residual Sugar: This is the sugar left over after fermentation. Winemakers can stop the fermentation process early to leave more residual sugar, which results in a sweeter wine with more calories from carbohydrates. Dessert-style Moscato, for example, will have a higher residual sugar content and more calories than a standard sparkling Moscato.
  • Wine Style: The different styles of Moscato (still, sparkling, pink, red) have distinct calorie ranges. A pink Moscato often has more calories due to added sweetness, while a lightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti might have fewer. Dessert versions are typically the most calorically dense.
  • Serving Size: While 5 ounces is the standard, pours at home or in restaurants can vary widely, directly impacting the total calorie intake. Two 6-ounce glasses will have more calories than two 5-ounce glasses.

Calculating the Total for 2 Glasses

For an accurate estimate of how many calories are in 2 glasses of Moscato, you need to consider the specific type you are drinking. Here is a breakdown based on the common styles:

  • Still Moscato: With an average of 123 calories per 5 oz glass, two glasses would be approximately 246 calories.
  • Sparkling Moscato (e.g., Moscato d'Asti): Often slightly lower in calories due to a lower ABV, with an average of 121 calories per 5 oz glass, two glasses equal roughly 242 calories.
  • Pink Moscato: A typically sweeter style, with averages around 137 calories per 5 oz glass, putting two glasses at approximately 274 calories.
  • Dessert Moscato: Being the sweetest, these have more residual sugar. Averaging around 107 calories per glass for a specific style with low alcohol, two glasses would be about 214 calories. However, some dessert wines can have significantly higher counts.

It is crucial to remember that these are average estimates. For the most precise information, check the specific nutritional information provided by the wine producer, if available.

Comparison of Moscato Calories vs. Other Wines

To put Moscato's caloric content into perspective, comparing it to other common wines can be helpful. While Moscato is often perceived as a high-calorie wine due to its sweetness, its typically lower ABV can sometimes mean a lower overall calorie count than some higher-alcohol dry wines.

Wine Type Average Calories per 5 oz (approx.) Primary Calorie Source Notes on Calorie Variation
Moscato 100–140 Alcohol & Residual Sugar Varies by style (still, sparkling, dessert).
Dry White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc) 119–122 Alcohol Lower residual sugar; ABV is the main factor.
Dry Red (e.g., Pinot Noir) 115–140 Alcohol Higher alcohol content can increase calories.
Dessert Wine 160–230 High Residual Sugar Often served in smaller portions due to high sweetness and calories.
Prosecco 90–130 Alcohol & Sugar Brut versions are lower in calories.

Making a Mindful Choice

If you are watching your calorie intake, you can still enjoy Moscato with a few considerations. Choosing a standard 5 oz serving over a larger, unmeasured pour is a simple way to control calories. Opting for a sparkling Moscato or Moscato d'Asti, which often has a lower ABV, is another strategy. For an even lighter option, a spritzer made with Moscato and sparkling water can significantly reduce the caloric load per glass. Understanding the different styles and their average calorie ranges allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your dietary goals.

Conclusion

In summary, two standard 5-ounce glasses of Moscato contain an average of 240 to 280 calories, with the exact number depending on the specific wine style. Sparkling versions tend to have slightly fewer calories than sweeter pink or red Moscato types. The key drivers of this caloric content are the wine's alcohol percentage and residual sugar level. By being aware of these factors and opting for standard serving sizes, you can enjoy Moscato as part of a balanced diet. Ultimately, mindful consumption is more important than eliminating it entirely, allowing you to savor this sweet, refreshing wine without undoing your wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alcohol contributes 7 calories per gram, while sugar contributes 4 calories per gram. Since Moscato is sweet, it has more sugar calories, but its lower ABV (typically 5-8%) can sometimes result in fewer total calories than a dry wine with a higher ABV (12-15%).

Yes, Pink Moscato often has a slightly higher calorie count due to more residual sugar. On average, a 5-ounce glass of Pink Moscato has around 137 calories, compared to a still Moscato's 123 calories.

Moscato is not necessarily a high-calorie wine. While it is sweeter than dry wines, its lower alcohol content often results in a similar or even lower calorie count than many dry, high-ABV wines.

Sparkling Moscato, like Moscato d'Asti, often has a slightly lower calorie count than still Moscato. A typical 5-ounce glass of sparkling Moscato averages 121 calories, compared to 123 for a still version.

To reduce calories, consider a smaller pour size, choose a sparkling Moscato, or create a wine spritzer by mixing Moscato with sparkling water.

Yes, some brands, like Skinnygirl, offer low-calorie Moscato options. Additionally, choosing a Moscato with a lower ABV can naturally reduce the calorie content.

A standard 750ml bottle of wine, including Moscato, typically holds about five 5-ounce glasses.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.