Is wine very high in sugar?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry red wine typically contains less than 1 gram of sugar, a fraction of the amount found in many popular soft drinks. This fact highlights the significant variability of sugar content in wine, a key concern for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

Wine's sugar content, known as residual sugar, varies dramatically depending on the type and winemaking process. Dry wines contain very little sugar, while dessert wines can have substantial amounts, with the highest levels found in fortified and late-harvest styles.

Key Points

Not all wine is high in sugar: The amount of sugar varies significantly based on the wine type, from very low in dry wines to very high in dessert wines.
Residual Sugar is the key: 'Residual sugar' (RS) is the term for the leftover grape sugar after fermentation, and it determines the wine's sweetness level.
Dry wines are low in sugar: Dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc typically contain less than 1-2 grams of sugar per 5-ounce glass.
Sweet wines are very high in sugar: Dessert and fortified wines such as Port, Moscato, and Icewine can contain anywhere from 5 to over 30 grams of sugar per serving.
Look for 'Brut' or 'Dry': Wine labels often lack nutritional info, so look for terms like 'Dry,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Brut' to indicate a lower sugar content.
Moderation is key for health: While dry wines have little sugar, all wine contains calories from alcohol, and excessive consumption can negatively impact health and blood sugar levels.

The Science of Residual Sugar

All wine starts with grapes, which contain natural sugars. During the winemaking process, yeast is added to the grape juice and consumes these sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process is called fermentation. What isn't consumed by the yeast and remains in the wine is known as residual sugar (RS). Winemakers can influence the final RS level in a few ways. They can halt fermentation early to leave more sugar behind for a sweeter wine, or they can allow fermentation to complete, resulting in a drier, lower-sugar wine. Some budget-friendly or mass-produced wines may also have added sugar, a process called chaptalization, to increase alcohol or sweetness.

Dry vs. Sweet Wine: Understanding the Sugar Spectrum

The sweetness level of a wine is the single biggest factor determining its sugar content. This is measured in grams of residual sugar per liter (g/L) and is why a dessert wine can contain dozens of times more sugar than a dry red or white wine.

Dry vs. Sweet Wine Comparison


Sweetness Level	Residual Sugar (g/L)	Sugar per 5 oz glass	Typical Examples
Very Dry / Bone Dry	<1-4 g/L	<1 g	Sauvignon Blanc, Extra Brut Champagne, Tempranillo
Dry	1-10 g/L	<1-1.4 g	Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Off-Dry	10-30 g/L	1.4-5 g	Some Rieslings, White Zinfandel
Sweet	30-90 g/L	5-18 g	Moscato, Port, Sweet Rosé
Very Sweet	90-165+ g/L	18-33+ g	Icewine, Tawny Port

Deciphering Wine Labels for Sugar Content

Since nutritional information isn't required on wine labels, knowing a few key terms is essential for selecting a lower-sugar wine.

Look for 'Dry' or 'Brut': For sparkling wines, Brut and Extra Brut are the driest options, with Brut Nature having the least sugar. The term 'Dry' on still wine labels also indicates a low-sugar content.
Check the Alcohol Content: As a general rule, a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) often indicates lower residual sugar because more of the grape sugar was converted into alcohol during fermentation. Wines with a lower ABV, especially those labeled 'sweet,' often retain more sugar.
Avoid Descriptive Words for Sweetness: Steer clear of terms like 'dessert wine,' 'late harvest,' or 'fortified,' as these styles are intentionally made to be sweet and are very high in sugar.

Wine's Sugar and Your Health

For most dry wines, the impact of sugar on your health is minimal, especially compared to sodas or other sugary drinks. A standard can of cola can contain as much as 39 grams of sugar, making the less than 1 gram in a glass of dry red wine seem negligible. However, sweet wines should be consumed in moderation due to their higher sugar and caloric content.

Impact on Blood Sugar and Weight

While moderate wine consumption is generally not a major source of sugar, the alcohol itself can affect blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes. It can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as the liver is less effective at releasing glucose while it processes alcohol. Those with diabetes should consult a doctor and choose dry wines, monitoring their blood sugar levels carefully. For weight management, remember that alcohol contains calories (7 calories per gram) which contribute more to the overall caloric load than the minimal sugar in dry wines.

Choosing the Best Wine for Low-Sugar Diets

Whether for dietary restrictions, health management, or personal preference, finding a low-sugar wine is straightforward once you know what to look for. Popular low-sugar options include:

Dry Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Tempranillo.
Dry Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (especially unoaked), Pinot Grigio, and Albariño.
Sparkling: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Brut sparkling wines like Champagne and Cava are excellent choices.

Conversely, wines to avoid if you are limiting sugar include Muscat, Port, Icewine, and any wine labeled 'late harvest,' 'dessert,' or 'semi-sweet'. Many low-carb or keto-friendly wines are also low in sugar.

Conclusion

So, is wine very high in sugar? The answer is a clear 'it depends.' Dry wines, including most reds, many whites, and 'brut' sparkling varieties, contain minimal sugar, making them a low-impact choice for those monitoring their sugar intake. On the other hand, sweet and fortified wines can be very high in sugar and should be treated as a dessert. By understanding the spectrum of residual sugar and learning how to read labels, consumers can easily navigate the wine aisle and make choices that align with their health and dietary goals. For those with specific health concerns like diabetes, moderation and dry selections are key. For more information on dietary guidelines related to alcohol, a helpful resource is the American Diabetes Association's guidance on alcohol and diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The wines with the least amount of sugar are typically dry wines, especially dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, and dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. For sparkling wines, look for those labeled 'Brut,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Brut Nature'.

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine contains less than 1-2 grams of sugar, whereas a single 12-ounce can of cola can have around 39 grams of sugar. Sweet dessert wines, however, can sometimes rival or exceed the sugar content of soft drinks.

Yes, you can drink wine on a low-carb or keto diet by choosing very dry wines. Opt for dry red wines, dry white wines, and Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wines, which have the lowest sugar and carbohydrate counts.

No. While most dry red wines are very low in sugar, a sweet white wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling will have significantly more sugar than most dry red wines. The key is the 'dryness' level, not the color.

Since most wine labels don't list nutritional facts, you can gauge sugar content by looking for keywords like 'Dry,' 'Brut,' or 'Extra Brut'. Generally, higher alcohol by volume (ABV) suggests less sugar, while lower ABV might indicate higher residual sugar.

People with diabetes should opt for dry, low-sugar wines and consume them in moderation. It is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels, especially when drinking alongside food. Consulting a doctor is also recommended.

Not necessarily. Sometimes, a wine with lower alcohol has a higher amount of residual sugar because the fermentation process was stopped early, leaving more sugar behind. This is the case with some Kabinett Rieslings.