What Kind of Wine Is the Least Fattening?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over one-third of US adults consume alcohol regularly, many of whom are conscious of their caloric intake from beverages. When it comes to wine, the least fattening options are typically dry varieties with lower alcohol by volume (ABV), as calories come primarily from both alcohol and residual sugar.

Quick Summary

The least fattening wines are dry, low-alcohol options like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Brut Nature sparkling wines. Understanding the impact of alcohol content and residual sugar helps in choosing lighter alternatives. Moderation and mindful pouring are key for managing calorie intake.

Key Points

Prioritize Low ABV: Opt for wines with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12.5% or lower, as alcohol is the primary source of calories.
Choose Dry over Sweet: Select dry white, red, or sparkling wines, which contain very little residual sugar and fewer calories than sweeter styles.
Look for Light-Bodied Reds: For red wine, choose lighter-bodied options like Pinot Noir or Gamay, which are less caloric than heavy, full-bodied alternatives.
Opt for Dry Sparkling Wines: When drinking bubbly, Brut Nature, Extra Brut, or Brut Prosecco have the lowest sugar content and fewer calories.
Read the Label: Check the alcohol percentage on the bottle and learn to identify terms like 'Dry' and 'Brut' to make informed low-calorie choices.

The Calorie Connection: Alcohol and Sugar

When selecting a low-calorie wine, the two most important factors to consider are alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar (RS). Alcohol contains seven calories per gram, nearly double the calories found in a gram of sugar. This means that a wine with higher alcohol content will generally be more caloric, even if it is dry. The fermentation process is where the balance between alcohol and sugar is determined. During fermentation, yeast converts the natural sugars from the grapes into alcohol. For drier wines, this process is allowed to complete, leaving very little residual sugar. For sweeter wines, fermentation is halted, leaving higher levels of sugar and, consequently, more calories.

Your Least Fattening White Wine Options

Dry white wines are consistently among the least fattening choices due to their typically lower ABV and low residual sugar. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are classic examples, often containing between 100 and 120 calories per 5-ounce glass. Cool-climate wines, where grapes produce less sugar, also tend to be lower in alcohol and thus fewer calories.

Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crisp, light, and zesty character, this wine often has a low ABV and minimal sugar, making it an excellent choice for dieters.
Pinot Grigio: This dry, refreshing white wine is another reliable low-calorie option, frequently featuring citrus and floral notes.
Albariño: A bright, acidic white wine, Albariño from cooler climates provides citrus notes without excessive calories.
Vinho Verde: This Portuguese "green wine" is notably light-bodied, often with a slight spritz and very low alcohol content, resulting in a low-calorie profile.

Navigating Low-Calorie Red Wines

While red wines generally have a slightly higher calorie count than whites due to higher alcohol levels, there are still leaner options available. The key is to look for lighter-bodied, lower-ABV varietals rather than heavy, high-alcohol reds like Shiraz or Malbec. Many popular light red wines fall into the 115–140 calorie range per 5-ounce glass.

Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red with lower sugar content, Pinot Noir is often recommended as one of the best red options for calorie counters.
Gamay: This red grape, famously used for Beaujolais, produces a fruity, light-bodied wine with a moderate alcohol percentage.
Merlot: Lighter-style Merlots can also be a good choice, as they often contain lower calories compared to bolder reds.

The Sparkling Wine Surprise

Sparkling wines can be a surprisingly good choice for those watching their waistline, especially the driest varieties. The crucial term to look for is 'Brut Nature' or 'Extra Brut,' as these indicate the lowest amount of added sugar.

Brut Nature Champagne: With the least amount of residual sugar, this is the driest style of Champagne and one of the most calorie-conscious sparkling options available.
Prosecco Brut: A popular Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco labeled 'Brut' is lighter in alcohol and calories than other styles.

Comparison Table: Calories in Common Wine Types

To help guide your choice, here is a comparison of approximate calories per 5-ounce (150ml) serving for different wine types.


Wine Type	Sweetness Level	Approx. Calories (5 oz serving)
Dry White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)	Dry	100–120
Dry Red (e.g., Pinot Noir, Merlot)	Dry	115–140
Sparkling Brut Nature	Bone Dry	90–100
Sparkling Brut	Dry	110–130
Sweet White (e.g., Moscato, Riesling)	Sweet	150–180
Dessert Wine (e.g., Port, Sauternes)	Very Sweet	160–230+

Tips for Choosing the Least Fattening Wine

Beyond simply knowing which varietals are typically lower in calories, a few other strategies can help you make an informed choice.

Check the ABV on the label: This is often the best indicator of a wine's caloric load, as alcohol contributes significantly more calories per gram than sugar. Look for wines under 12.5% ABV for a lighter option.
Opt for 'Dry' or 'Brut': These terms indicate low residual sugar. For sparkling wine, Brut Nature or Extra Brut are the driest, while for still wines, dry varieties are the best bet.
Avoid fortified and dessert wines: Port, Sherry, and other dessert wines are high in both alcohol and sugar, making them the most calorific choices.
Consider portion size: A standard pour is 5 ounces, but it is easy to overpour at home. Be mindful of serving size to manage total calorie intake.
Drink in moderation: Even the lowest-calorie wine still contains calories. Limiting your overall alcohol consumption is the most effective way to control your calorie intake from wine.

Conclusion

To find the least fattening wine, your best strategy is to focus on dry varieties with low alcohol by volume. Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are excellent choices, as are light-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir. For sparkling wine, look for Brut Nature or Extra Brut. By paying attention to ABV and residual sugar, and practicing moderation, you can enjoy your favorite glass without excess calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, very dry sparkling wines like Brut Nature Champagne and low-alcohol white wines like Vinho Verde and dry Sauvignon Blanc tend to have the fewest calories, often under 100 per 5-ounce glass.

Dry white wines are typically less fattening than dry red wines. White wines often have a slightly lower average ABV and fewer calories per serving, although the difference can be marginal depending on the specific varietal and style.

Dry wine has less residual sugar because the grape sugars have been converted into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in fewer calories from carbohydrates. Sweet wines, where fermentation is stopped to preserve sugar, have higher sugar content and therefore more calories.

Yes, alcohol has a high caloric density, containing seven calories per gram. Therefore, a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) in a wine will directly translate to a higher calorie count.

Not necessarily. While most low-alcohol wines are also low in calories, some low-ABV wines, especially dessert wines, can be high in residual sugar, which increases their overall calorie count.

Several brands market specifically low-calorie wines. Look for brands like FitVine Wine, Skinnygirl, and Cupcake LightHearted, which offer a range of low-calorie options.

Not automatically. While some natural or organic wines may have lower sugar and alcohol, the terms themselves do not guarantee a lower calorie count. Always check the ABV and look for 'dry' or 'brut' indicators.