What type of wine has the least amount of calories?

Did you know that a glass of fortified wine can contain up to 300 calories, nearly three times more than some light-bodied reds? For those watching their intake, understanding what type of wine has the least amount of calories is key to enjoying a guilt-free pour without derailing a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

Calories in wine are primarily influenced by alcohol and sugar content. The least caloric options are typically dry, low-alcohol wines such as Brut sparkling, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Key Points

• Dry, low-ABV wines are best: The least caloric wines are typically dry and have a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), as calories come from both alcohol and sugar.

• Look for 'Brut' in sparkling wine: For sparkling options like Champagne or Prosecco, choose 'Brut,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Brut Nature,' as these are the driest with the least amount of sugar.

• Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are top white choices: Light-bodied, dry white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are consistently among the lowest in calories.

• Pinot Noir is the lightest red option: For red wine enthusiasts, a dry Pinot Noir is a good lower-calorie choice compared to heavier reds like Zinfandel or Malbec.

• Avoid sweet and fortified wines: Dessert wines, ports, and sherries are high in both sugar and alcohol, making them the highest-calorie options.

• Non-alcoholic wine has the fewest calories: For the absolute lowest calorie count, non-alcoholic wines remove most of the calories by taking out the alcohol.

Understanding Where Wine Calories Come From

To identify what type of wine has the least amount of calories, it's essential to first understand the sources of these calories. The caloric content in wine comes almost entirely from two primary components: alcohol and residual sugar. Alcohol contains roughly seven calories per gram, making it the most significant factor, while residual sugar adds about four calories per gram. The interplay between these two elements is what ultimately determines a wine's total calorie count. For example, a wine with a high alcohol percentage but very little sugar may have more calories than a slightly sweeter wine with a much lower alcohol volume.

The Relationship Between Alcohol and Sugar

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Higher ABV means higher calories. The more alcohol produced during fermentation, the more calories the wine contains. This is why full-bodied, bolder wines often pack a heavier caloric punch than lighter-bodied options.
• Residual Sugar (RS): This is the sugar left over after fermentation is complete. Dry wines have very little residual sugar, while sweeter wines have much more. Winemakers can stop the fermentation process early to leave more sugar, creating a sweeter, higher-calorie wine.

The Top Low-Calorie Wine Choices

When searching for the lowest-calorie wine, your best bet is to look for options that are both low in alcohol and low in residual sugar. These tend to be dry, light-bodied styles, often white or sparkling.

Dry Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines can be an excellent low-calorie choice, especially if you select the driest styles. The terms on the label are your guide:

• Brut Nature or Brut Zero: These are the driest, with virtually no added sugar after fermentation, making them extremely low in calories. A glass can contain as little as 90 calories.
• Extra Brut: Slightly less dry than Brut Nature but still very low in sugar, with around 100-105 calories per glass.
• Prosecco Brut: A popular Italian sparkling wine that is typically lower in alcohol and can be a great low-calorie option, averaging around 90-98 calories per glass.

Dry White Wines

These are a classic choice for calorie-conscious drinkers, offering crisp acidity and minimal residual sugar.

• Pinot Grigio: A very popular light-bodied white wine that is typically dry and refreshing. Expect around 112-120 calories per 5 oz glass.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crisp, zesty character and moderate alcohol content. A glass typically contains 110-120 calories.
• Vinho Verde: This Portuguese "green wine" is often slightly effervescent and known for its very low alcohol content and calorie count, with some options as low as 88 calories per 5 oz.

Lighter-Bodied Dry Red Wines

Red wine lovers don't have to miss out. Lighter-bodied reds offer less calories than their bolder, higher-alcohol cousins.

• Pinot Noir: This is one of the lightest red wines available, and a dry Pinot Noir can be a solid low-calorie choice, usually containing around 110-130 calories per glass.
• Gamay (Beaujolais): A fruity, light-bodied red with lower tannins and a modest ABV, making it a good choice for those seeking a lower-calorie red option.

The High-Calorie Wine Pitfalls

To make the smartest choice for your diet, it's equally important to know which wines to avoid. Wines that are high in either alcohol or sugar will push your calorie count much higher.

• Dessert Wines: These are purposefully made to be sweet, meaning they have high levels of residual sugar and calories. Examples include Sauternes and Ice Wine.
• Fortified Wines: Think Port, Sherry, and Madeira. These have spirits added to them during production, which significantly increases their ABV and calorie content.
• Full-Bodied Reds: Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Zinfandel often have higher alcohol content and more tannins, leading to a higher calorie count per glass.

Comparison Table: Low vs. High-Calorie Wines

Wine Type	Style Profile	Average 5 oz Calories	Why it's Low/High	ABV Range
Pinot Grigio	Dry White	115-120	Low residual sugar, moderate ABV	11-13%
Brut Nature Sparkling	Extra Dry Bubbly	90-100	Minimal to no residual sugar added	11-12.5%
Sauvignon Blanc	Dry, Zesty White	110-120	Moderate ABV and low sugar	11.5-13.5%
Pinot Noir	Light-Bodied Red	110-130	Lower alcohol than most reds	12-14%
Late-Harvest Riesling	Sweet White	150+	High residual sugar	8-12%
Zinfandel	Full-Bodied Red	140-165	High alcohol content is common	13.5-16%
Dessert Wine (e.g., Sauternes)	Very Sweet White	160-230	Very high residual sugar	14-21%
Fortified Wine (e.g., Port)	Sweet & Strong	200-250+	High alcohol and high sugar	17-20%

How to Choose the Healthiest Low-Calorie Wine

Choosing a wine that fits into a healthy diet is simple if you know what to look for on the label. First and foremost, check the Alcohol by Volume (ABV). Wines with lower ABV, generally under 12.5%, will have fewer calories. For sparkling wines, look for the term "Brut" or "Extra Brut" to ensure it's a drier option. When selecting still wines, prioritize "dry" styles over off-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet ones, as this indicates lower sugar content. Some brands now market dedicated low-calorie wines, which can be an easy way to find a suitable option. However, reading the label is always the most reliable method. Finally, practice moderation and be mindful of your serving sizes; a standard pour is 5 ounces, and larger pours significantly increase your total calorie intake.

The Ultimate Low-Calorie Winner

For those seeking the absolute lowest calorie option, non-alcoholic wines are the clear winner. By removing the alcohol, which is the densest source of calories, non-alcoholic wines offer a similar taste with drastically fewer calories. Some options contain as few as 9-15 calories per 5-ounce serving, making them ideal for anyone needing to minimize calorie intake. While they don't provide the same buzz, they are an excellent alternative for flavor without the caloric cost.

Conclusion

In the quest for the lowest calorie wine, the winning formula is simple: prioritize options with low alcohol and low residual sugar. This leads you toward dry sparkling wines, such as Brut Nature or Prosecco Brut, and crisp, light white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vinho Verde. Red wine drinkers can opt for lighter-bodied Pinot Noir. For the ultimate lowest-calorie choice, non-alcoholic wines are the best bet. By understanding the key factors and knowing what to look for on the bottle, you can make informed decisions that align with your health and wellness goals while still enjoying your favorite beverages. Remember, moderation is always key, but smart choices ensure a guilt-free pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific wine has the absolute fewest calories?

Non-alcoholic wine contains the absolute fewest calories, with some options having as little as 9-15 calories per 5-ounce glass, as the calorie-dense alcohol has been removed.

Is red wine or white wine lower in calories?

In general, white wine tends to have fewer calories than red wine because it often has a lower alcohol content. However, dry white wines are lower in calories than sweet whites, and lighter dry reds like Pinot Noir are lower than high-ABV reds.

What is the key factor that determines a wine's calorie count?

The two main factors are the wine's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and its residual sugar content. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, while sugar contains 4 calories per gram.

Does dry wine always have fewer calories than sweet wine?

Not necessarily. While a dry wine has less sugar, a high-alcohol dry wine can still have more calories than a sweet wine with a very low ABV. However, comparing wines with similar alcohol levels, dry will always be lower in calories.

How many calories are in a glass of prosecco?

A glass of dry Prosecco (Brut) is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic options, averaging around 90-98 calories per glass due to its lower alcohol content and minimal sugar.

Should I be mindful of portion size when drinking low-calorie wine?

Yes. Even a low-calorie wine can become high-calorie if you consume too much. Always be mindful of the standard 5-ounce serving size to keep your calorie intake in check.

Are specific low-calorie wine brands available?

Yes. Several brands specifically market low-calorie options, such as Cupcake LightHearted, FitVine, and Skinnygirl. These wines typically feature lower ABV and less sugar.