Nutrition Diet: What wine is best for anti-inflammatory benefits?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Red wines contain up to 10 times more polyphenols than white wines due to extended contact with grape skins during fermentation. This makes them a potentially richer source of anti-inflammatory compounds, prompting many to ask, "What wine is best for anti-inflammatory" benefits within a balanced nutrition diet?

Quick Summary

Certain red wines, particularly those rich in polyphenols and resveratrol like Pinot Noir and Tannat, may offer anti-inflammatory effects when consumed in moderation. Factors like grape variety, climate, and winemaking influence the antioxidant content, with red wines generally surpassing white wines. It is crucial to remember moderation and prioritize whole-food sources of nutrients.

Key Points

Red over White: Choose red wines over white or rosé wines for a higher concentration of beneficial anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols.
Top Varieties: Pinot Noir, Tannat, and Cannonau (Grenache) are among the best red wine options for anti-inflammatory properties due to their rich antioxidant profiles.
The Power of Resveratrol: Look for wines with high resveratrol content, a potent antioxidant found in grape skins, which helps combat oxidative stress.
Moderation is Essential: Limit consumption to a moderate level (up to one glass for women, two for men) to maximize potential benefits and avoid the pro-inflammatory and harmful effects of excess alcohol.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Remember that berries, grapes, and other plant-based foods are safer, more concentrated sources of anti-inflammatory antioxidants than wine.
Choose Low-Sugar Options: Opt for dry wines with less residual sugar, as high sugar intake can be pro-inflammatory.

Understanding Polyphenols: The Anti-Inflammatory Power in Wine

The potential anti-inflammatory benefits of wine are not found in the alcohol itself but rather in naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants are found in the skins and seeds of grapes. Because red wine production involves a longer maceration process (fermentation in contact with grape skins), red wines boast significantly higher concentrations of these compounds compared to white wines.

One of the most widely discussed polyphenols is resveratrol, which has been linked to numerous health advantages, including a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. However, it is important to note that the quantity of these beneficial compounds is highly dependent on several factors, including the grape variety, how and where the grapes were grown, and the specific winemaking methods used. While studies have shown links between moderate red wine consumption and lower inflammatory markers, medical experts consistently warn that the benefits do not outweigh the health risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

Top Red Wine Choices for Anti-Inflammatory Properties

For those who choose to drink wine, selecting varieties known for higher antioxidant content may be beneficial. Based on scientific findings, here are some of the most prominent contenders:

Tannat

This full-bodied, tannin-rich red is often cited as one of the healthiest red wines available. Tannat grapes have thick skins, which are extremely high in phenolic compounds known as procyanidins. Some studies suggest Tannat can contain up to four times the procyanidins of an average red wine, with notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A version of this grape is also central to the longevity of people in Sardinia, who traditionally drink it as part of a healthy diet.

Pinot Noir

Known for its high resveratrol content, Pinot Noir consistently ranks among the top red wines for antioxidant levels. Grapes grown in cooler, more humid climates where fungal infection is a concern tend to produce higher levels of this protective compound. As a thinner-skinned grape, Pinot Noir is more susceptible to these conditions, contributing to higher resveratrol concentration. It also tends to be lower in sugar, alcohol, and calories than other wines.

Cannonau (Grenache)

Also originating from Sardinia, Cannonau is a variant of the Grenache grape and is praised for its extremely high resveratrol content. It is a thin-skinned, late-ripening grape, which increases its levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Its consumption is a factor in the long lifespans of Sardinian centenarians.

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the world's most popular red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is another good source of antioxidants, including proanthocyanidins. Its rich, full-bodied flavor profile is a result of the same compounds that provide its health-promoting properties. Its antioxidant content is higher than white wine, though typically less than more specialized reds like Tannat or Pinot Noir.

Merlot

Often described as smooth and velvety, Merlot is a red wine with a good amount of resveratrol. Studies have linked Merlot's procyanidin content to cardiovascular health by helping to prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries.

Key Considerations for Anti-Inflammatory Wine Consumption

While certain wines contain beneficial compounds, it is essential to contextualize their consumption within a broader, healthy lifestyle. The benefits are typically tied to moderation, which is often defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Excessive alcohol intake squanders any potential benefits and can promote inflammation, liver damage, and other serious health issues.

Furthermore, focusing on diet is paramount. Whole foods, particularly fruits and berries, offer more concentrated and safer sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients without the risks of alcohol. For instance, grapes themselves contain resveratrol, along with dietary fiber and other benefits lost during the winemaking process. Pairing wine with food, as in the traditional Mediterranean diet, is also advised to mitigate potential adverse effects.

For those sensitive to sugars, choosing a dry wine is best. Drier wines have less residual sugar, which can contribute to inflammation. Dry reds like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are generally good choices, along with dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc.


Wine Type	Potential Anti-Inflammatory Benefits	Associated Compounds	Typical Polyphenol Content (Relative)
Tannat	High in procyanidins, associated with longevity in specific regions	Procyanidins, Resveratrol	Very High
Pinot Noir	High in resveratrol, lower in tannins for sensitive individuals	Resveratrol, Anthocyanins	High
Cannonau	Extremely high in resveratrol and flavonoids, linked to longevity	Resveratrol, Flavonoids	High
Cabernet Sauvignon	Good source of proanthocyanidins and resveratrol	Proanthocyanidins, Resveratrol	Medium to High
Merlot	Good source of resveratrol and procyanidins for cardiovascular health	Resveratrol, Procyanidins	Medium
White Wines	Very low levels of antioxidants compared to reds due to skin removal	Primarily flavonoids and trace resveratrol	Low

Conclusion

While red wines, particularly those like Tannat, Pinot Noir, and Cannonau, contain valuable anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols and resveratrol, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. The key to potentially reaping any health benefits from wine lies in strict moderation, mindful consumption with food, and acknowledging that healthier, alcohol-free sources of these antioxidants exist. Ultimately, no one should begin drinking wine for its potential health benefits, and anyone concerned about inflammation should prioritize a balanced diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and berries.

For a deeper dive into the science behind wine's effects and its role within healthy diets like the Mediterranean diet, you can explore peer-reviewed studies published on the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red wine's anti-inflammatory properties come primarily from polyphenols, powerful antioxidants like resveratrol and procyanidins, which are found in the grape skins and seeds. During red wine production, extended contact with the grape skins allows these beneficial compounds to be extracted into the wine.

Most health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. While moderate wine consumption has been studied for its potential benefits, the risks of alcohol, including links to certain cancers and organ damage, are well-documented and may outweigh any benefits.

Yes. Eating whole grapes and berries is a healthier and more concentrated source of resveratrol and other antioxidants than drinking wine. This approach avoids the negative health consequences associated with alcohol and provides the added benefit of dietary fiber.

For full extraction of polyphenols from grape skins, the fermentation process needs extended contact with the skins and seeds. This is why red wine, which is fermented with the skins for longer, has much higher polyphenol content than white wine, which is typically fermented without the skins.

The moderate consumption of red wine, often with meals, is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is frequently associated with increased longevity and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. However, experts believe the overall healthy lifestyle and diet are more responsible for the longevity, not just the wine itself.

While Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied red wine, grapes grown in certain cool, humid regions are more susceptible to fungus and therefore produce higher levels of the protective antioxidant resveratrol. Its specific climate and thin skin can give it a high resveratrol concentration comparable to or even higher than some bolder reds.

To choose a low-sugar wine, look for dry varieties, as the term 'dry' indicates less residual sugar. Examples of dry reds include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. You can also look for wines with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), as sugar is converted to alcohol during fermentation.