What is the lowest calorie wine on the market?

The calories in wine primarily come from alcohol and residual sugar, a fact many calorie-conscious drinkers consider. While the exact answer to what is the lowest calorie wine on the market can depend on the specific brand and production method, the lightest options typically come from the driest sparkling varieties, such as Brut Nature, and certain light, dry still whites.

Quick Summary

Calories in wine are primarily determined by ABV and residual sugar. Explore the lowest calorie wine varieties, from dry sparkling and white wines to lighter reds, for mindful consumption.

Key Points

• Brut Nature Sparkling Wine: Among traditional wines, this style is consistently the lowest in calories, with some options containing as few as 65-80 calories per 5-ounce glass due to minimal sugar.

• Non-Alcoholic Wine: This category offers the absolute lowest calorie count, with options available for as little as 9-15 calories per glass.

• ABV is Key: Since alcohol contains more calories per gram than sugar, a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) is the most important indicator of a lower-calorie wine.

• Dry Whites are Your Friend: Crisp, dry whites like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vinho Verde are excellent low-calorie choices with moderate ABV and low residual sugar.

• Choose Light Reds Carefully: For red wine, look for light-bodied options like Pinot Noir or Gamay, which have lower calorie counts than bolder reds.

• Read the Label: Terms like "Brut," "Extra Brut," and "Dry" on wine labels indicate low sugar content, while low ABV percentages are often displayed clearly.

What Contributes to Wine's Calorie Count?

Understanding where wine's calories originate is the first step in making an informed, low-calorie choice. The calorie content is determined by two primary factors: alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar.

Alcohol Content (ABV)

Alcohol (ethanol) contains approximately 7 calories per gram, making ABV a significant factor in a wine's total calories. Higher ABV wines will have more calories than lower ABV wines, assuming similar residual sugar levels.

Residual Sugar

Residual sugar (RS) is the unfermented sugar remaining after fermentation. Drier wines have less RS as yeast consumes more sugar. Sweeter wines retain more sugar because fermentation is stopped earlier. Each gram of sugar adds about 4 calories.

The Lowest Calorie Wines by Type

For those seeking the lowest calorie wine, specific styles offer advantages due to their inherently lower alcohol and sugar levels. Dry sparkling wines and dry white wines are often the lowest in calories, with some lighter-bodied reds also being good options.

Sparkling Wines: Often the Lowest Calorie

Sparkling wines, particularly dry ones, are frequently the lowest-calorie traditional wine choice. Brut Nature and Extra Brut Champagne and Cava are among the driest and lowest in sugar and often have lower ABV, with some Extra Brut Champagne containing as few as 65-80 calories per 5-ounce glass. Brut Prosecco is another light option, with about 80-90 calories per 5-ounce glass.

The Lightest White Wines

Dry white wines with moderate ABV are consistently low-calorie options. Examples include Pinot Grigio (around 122 calories per 5-ounce glass), Sauvignon Blanc (110-120 calories), Albariño (110-115 calories), and Vinho Verde (around 88 calories). Unoaked Chardonnay is also a good choice at approximately 120 calories.

The Best Low-Calorie Red Wines

While typically higher in calories than white wines, some light-bodied reds are suitable for calorie-conscious drinkers. Pinot Noir is a delicate, dry red with moderate ABV and around 121 calories per 5-ounce serving. Gamay (Beaujolais) is another option, averaging around 115-120 calories. Dry Merlot with moderate ABV can also be a decent choice at about 120-123 calories.

Comparison Table: Calorie Content of Common Wines (per 5oz Serving)

Wine Type	Average Calories	Key Characteristics
Non-Alcoholic Wine	9-15	Contains virtually no alcohol; ideal for calorie counters
Brut Nature Sparkling	65-90	Driest sparkling wine style; very low sugar
Vinho Verde	88	Light, crisp white with low ABV
Brut Prosecco	80-90	Dry sparkling, often enjoyed in smaller servings
Pinot Grigio	122	Refreshing, low sugar, crisp white
Sauvignon Blanc	110-120	Zesty, dry white with high acidity
Gamay	115	Light-bodied, fruity red (Beaujolais)
Pinot Noir	121	Lightest dry red option, moderate ABV
Merlot	122	Dry, smooth red; good low-cal choice for reds
Sweet Dessert Wine	~236	High in sugar and alcohol, highest calorie count

Leading Low-Calorie Wine Brands

Several brands specialize in producing lower-calorie wines by reducing alcohol and sugar. These include Surely Wines (offering low-sugar, de-alcoholized options), FitVine Wine (producing low-sugar, low-calorie varietals), Cupcake LightHearted (with lower-calorie, lower-alcohol wines), Thomson & Scott Noughty (alcohol-free sparkling), and Skinnygirl.

Tips for Choosing the Lowest Calorie Wine

To select a low-calorie wine, check the ABV; lower ABV generally means fewer calories. Look for "Dry" or "Brut" labels, indicating lower sugar. Avoid dessert and fortified wines, which are high in sugar and alcohol. Consider brands specializing in low-calorie options and be mindful of portion sizes; a standard glass is typically 5 ounces.

Conclusion

The lowest calorie wine on the market is non-alcoholic wine, with some options containing as little as 9-15 calories per 5-ounce glass. For traditional alcoholic wines, dry sparkling varieties like Brut Nature or Extra Brut Champagne are the lowest in calories. Crisp, dry white wines such as Vinho Verde and Pinot Grigio are also good low-calorie choices. Lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir offer a reasonable option. By considering ABV, residual sugar, and label terms like "dry" or "brut," you can make an informed, lower-calorie selection. You can find more information on wine nutrition from sources like My Food Data: https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/wine-grape-calories.php.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of wine has the fewest calories?

Non-alcoholic wine has the fewest calories overall. For traditional alcoholic wine, dry sparkling options like Brut Nature or Extra Brut have the lowest calories due to low sugar and lower alcohol content compared to still wines.

Is Prosecco low in calories?

Yes, Prosecco can be a low-calorie option, especially if you choose a 'Brut' style. A standard glass of dry Prosecco typically contains about 80-90 calories.

What is the lowest calorie red wine?

The lowest calorie red wines are typically light-bodied and dry. Pinot Noir and Gamay (often labeled as Beaujolais) are excellent choices, averaging around 115-121 calories per 5-ounce glass.

How can I find a low-calorie wine in a store?

Look for wines with a low alcohol by volume (ABV), ideally under 12.5%. Also, opt for dry or Brut wines and avoid any labeled as sweet, semi-sweet, or dessert wines.

Are all white wines lower in calories than red wines?

No, not all white wines are lower in calories than reds. While many dry whites are low in calories, a high-alcohol or sweet white can have more calories than a light-bodied dry red like Pinot Noir.

Do low-calorie wines taste different?

While the taste profile of low-calorie wines is primarily dictated by the dryness and specific grape varietal, many brands and specific styles offer excellent flavor. Some low-alcohol wines may taste lighter, but this is a personal preference.

Are low-alcohol wines always low in calories?

Wines with a lower ABV generally have fewer calories because alcohol is a major calorie source. However, always check the label, as some lower-alcohol wines can still contain higher levels of residual sugar, increasing their calorie count.