What wine has the highest antioxidants?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that red wine can contain up to eight times more antioxidants than white wine due to extended skin contact during fermentation? We explore what wine has the highest antioxidants and the powerful polyphenols that make red wine the clear winner for antioxidant content.

Quick Summary

Red wines generally contain the highest antioxidant levels, particularly polyphenols like resveratrol and procyanidins, because of extended grape skin contact during fermentation. The varieties with the most are typically ruby-red wines like Pinot Noir and Malbec.

Key Points

Red Wine Dominance: Red wines consistently contain the highest antioxidant levels, largely due to extended skin contact during fermentation.
Pinot Noir is a Top Choice: Many experts cite Pinot Noir as being especially rich in the antioxidant resveratrol.
Malbec Offers High Resveratrol: Thick-skinned Malbec grapes are also packed with resveratrol and other antioxidants.
Sardinian Secret: Cannonau (Grenache) from Sardinia is noted for some of the world's highest antioxidant content.
Polyphenols are Key: The beneficial compounds are polyphenols like resveratrol, procyanidins, and quercetin, mostly found in grape skins and seeds.
Moderation is Mandatory: Potential health benefits only exist with moderate drinking and do not outweigh the risks of alcohol abuse.
Production Matters: Winemaking techniques, maceration time, and grape variety all influence the final antioxidant levels in a wine.

The Science Behind Wine Antioxidants

Wine's antioxidant content comes mainly from polyphenols, natural compounds in grapes. These include flavonoids, linked to potential anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. Resveratrol, found in grape skins and seeds, is a well-known red wine polyphenol. Other significant polyphenols include procyanidins, catechins, and anthocyanins. The amount of antioxidants in wine depends heavily on their extraction from grapes during winemaking.

The Importance of Grape Skin Contact

Extended contact with grape skins during fermentation is crucial for high antioxidant levels. Red wines ferment with skins, seeds, and sometimes stems, maximizing polyphenol extraction. White wines typically ferment without skins, resulting in lower antioxidant content. Grapes with darker, thicker skins offer greater potential for antioxidant extraction. Longer maceration in traditional winemaking can also increase resveratrol levels.

Which Wine Has the Highest Antioxidants?

Red wines have more antioxidants than white wines, but some red varieties are particularly rich in polyphenols. These are ideal choices for moderate consumption to boost antioxidant intake.

Top Red Wine Varieties

Pinot Noir: Often considered among the healthiest, Pinot Noir is high in resveratrol despite its thin skin. This is influenced by grape growth and fermentation. Pinot Noir also tends to have less sugar, calories, and alcohol than other reds.
Malbec: With thick-skinned grapes, Malbec has a high resveratrol concentration. Its antioxidant content can be notably higher than other red wines like Merlot.
Cannonau (Grenache): From Sardinia, Italy, Cannonau wines from the Grenache grape are known for exceptionally high antioxidant levels, possibly two to three times that of other red wines.
Petite Sirah: This variety contains high levels of tannins and procyanidin compounds, offering significant antioxidant benefits.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A popular choice, it provides a good source of proanthocyanidins and other flavonoids.

Wine Antioxidant Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison of antioxidant levels in different wine types:


Wine Type	Fermentation Process	Typical Antioxidant Content	Notable Polyphenols
Red Wine	Extended skin contact	Highest	Resveratrol, Procyanidins, Quercetin
Orange Wine	Extended skin contact (with white grapes)	Similar to red wine	Polyphenols, Quercetin
Rosé	Short skin contact	Moderate	Flavonoids
White Wine	Minimal/no skin contact	Lowest	Flavonoids (lower levels)

Beyond the Grape: Other Factors That Matter

Several factors besides grape variety affect wine's antioxidant levels:

Viticultural Practices: Sunlight exposure can boost resveratrol in grape skins. Grapes from sunnier, higher-altitude vineyards may have higher polyphenol concentrations.
Age of the Wine: The antioxidant makeup changes over time. Some antioxidants may decrease, while new compounds can form.
Region: Regions like Sardinia and parts of southwestern France are known for wines with particularly high polyphenol content, potentially due to local soil and climate.
Organic Winemaking: Some prefer organic wines to avoid pesticides, contributing to the overall health profile.

The Health Caveat: The Importance of Moderation

Any potential health benefits of wine are linked to moderate consumption. Benefits come from antioxidants, not alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake carries significant health risks. Non-drinkers or those limiting alcohol can get resveratrol and other antioxidants from non-alcoholic red wine, red grape juice, grapes, peanuts, and berries. For scientific studies, see resources like the NIH report on resveratrol and atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Answering what wine has the highest antioxidants, red wines are the top choice, with varieties like Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Sardinian Cannonau often having the most. Polyphenols like resveratrol and procyanidins, extracted from grape skins during fermentation, provide their antioxidant power. While these compounds may offer health benefits, moderation is essential. A balanced, healthy lifestyle should include a variety of antioxidant-rich foods and beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pinot Noir is famously high in resveratrol, along with Malbec, which has thick-skinned grapes contributing to its antioxidant load. Wines from regions like Sardinia are also noted for high levels of this compound.

The main reason is the fermentation process. Red wine is fermented with the grape skins and seeds, where most of the beneficial antioxidants (polyphenols) are concentrated. White wine is typically made without the skins, so it contains fewer antioxidants.

Orange wines, made with skin contact from white grapes, have more antioxidants than white wine and antioxidant levels similar to red wine. Rosé has fewer antioxidants than red or orange wine due to shorter skin contact.

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant polyphenol found in grape skins. It has been studied for potential benefits like reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress, which can damage cells.

No, the health benefits associated with wine come from the antioxidants, not the alcohol itself. In fact, excessive alcohol intake poses significant health risks that outweigh any potential antioxidant benefits.

Yes, you can. Non-alcoholic red wines, red grape juice, and even snacking on red grapes themselves provide a dose of resveratrol and other beneficial polyphenols without the risks associated with alcohol.

Extended maceration, where the grape juice has longer contact with the skins during fermentation, maximizes the extraction of polyphenols. Traditional methods and organic winemaking can also influence the final antioxidant concentration.

The antioxidant profile of wine evolves with age. While some original compounds may break down, new complex compounds can form. The peak antioxidant content is highly dependent on the specific wine and its storage conditions.