What wine is the lowest calorie? A guide to dry, lower-ABV options

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

A 5-ounce glass of Vinho Verde contains around 88 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie wine choices available. This demonstrates that not all wines are created equal when it comes to caloric content, with specific types offering a lighter option for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts in wine are determined primarily by alcohol and residual sugar content, with dry, lower-ABV options generally having fewer calories. Sparkling wines labeled Brut Nature or Extra Brut are often the lowest, followed by specific dry whites and light-bodied reds.

Key Points

Brut Nature sparkling wine is lowest: The driest sparkling wine styles, like Brut Nature and Extra Brut, contain the fewest calories, often under 100 calories per glass.
Dry white wines are excellent options: Crisp, dry whites such as Vinho Verde, Vermentino, and Sauvignon Blanc are among the best low-calorie still wines.
ABV is the biggest calorie factor: Alcohol by volume (ABV) is the primary determinant of a wine's calorie count, with higher ABV wines having more calories.
Residual sugar increases calories: Wines with high residual sugar, like dessert wines and some sweeter whites, contain significantly more calories than drier alternatives.
Some reds are lighter: Light-bodied, dry red wines like Pinot Noir and Gamay are lower in calories than bolder, higher-ABV reds.
Look for low-ABV and dry descriptors: To find low-calorie wines, look for labels with an ABV under 12.5% and descriptors like 'Brut' or 'Dry'.

For many, a glass of wine is a relaxing indulgence, but understanding the caloric impact can be important for dietary goals. While some assume white and rosé are lighter than red wines, the key to finding low-calorie options lies in alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar. Wines with lower alcohol and less sugar are the most diet-friendly. Certain dry white, sparkling, and even light-bodied red wines can offer lower-calorie options.

The main sources of calories in wine

Wine calories primarily come from alcohol and residual sugar.

Alcohol: At approximately 7 calories per gram, alcohol is the main calorie source. Wines with higher ABV, like a Cabernet Sauvignon (14%+ ABV), have more calories than lighter wines like Pinot Grigio (12% ABV).
Residual Sugar: This is the sugar remaining after fermentation. Drier wines have little residual sugar, while sweeter wines have more, increasing calorie content. Sweeter whites, such as Riesling, can have more calories than dry whites with similar ABV.

The lowest-calorie wine categories

Selecting dry wines with a low ABV is the best approach for fewer calories. Sparkling wines, particularly the driest varieties, are often the lowest-calorie option.

Sparkling wines: the low-calorie champions

A standard 5-ounce glass of the driest sparkling wine can have as few as 90 calories.

Brut Nature or Zero Dosage: These are the driest sparkling wines with no added sugar, resulting in the lowest calorie counts. Examples include Cava Brut Nature and Champagne Brut Nature.
Extra Brut: With minimal added sugar, Extra Brut sparkling wines are also very low in calories, typically 91 to 96 calories per serving.
Brut: A common and still very dry style, Brut sparkling wines generally contain 91 to 98 calories per glass.

Dry white wines

Several dry white wines are good low-calorie choices, especially those from cooler climates known for lower alcohol levels.

Pinot Grigio: A 5-ounce glass typically has between 112 and 123 calories.
Sauvignon Blanc: This light, zesty option contains around 110–115 calories per 5-ounce serving.
Albariño: This Spanish white wine averages 110–115 calories per glass.
Unoaked Chardonnay: A lighter option than oaked Chardonnay, it has around 120 calories per glass.

Light-bodied red wines

While usually higher in calories than dry whites, some light-bodied red wines are moderate choices due to lower ABV.

Pinot Noir: Often the lightest and driest red, with about 115–123 calories per 5-ounce serving.
Gamay (Beaujolais): A lighter red with around 115–120 calories per glass.
Cabernet Franc: A lighter choice compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, averaging 120 calories per 5-ounce glass.

Comparison of wine calories per 5oz serving

This table shows how common wines compare in calorie content per a 5-ounce (150ml) glass:


Wine Type	Average Calories (per 5oz glass)	Contributing Factors
Brut Nature Sparkling	90–100 calories	Very low ABV, no added sugar
Extra Brut Sparkling	100–105 calories	Low ABV, minimal added sugar
Vinho Verde	~88 calories	Very low ABV, light and dry profile
Vermentino	110 calories	Low ABV, light and mineral-driven
Sauvignon Blanc	110–115 calories	Low residual sugar, moderate ABV
Pinot Grigio	112–120 calories	Low residual sugar, moderate ABV
Gamay	115–120 calories	Light body, moderate ABV
Pinot Noir	115–123 calories	Light body, low residual sugar, moderate ABV
Unoaked Chardonnay	120 calories	Low residual sugar, moderate ABV
Merlot	~120 calories	Moderate body, moderate ABV
Cabernet Franc	~120 calories	Lighter than other Cabernets, moderate ABV
Cabernet Sauvignon	120–130 calories	Heavier body, higher ABV
Sweet Dessert Wine	160–220+ calories	High residual sugar, often higher ABV

Tips for choosing low-calorie wines

Use these tips when selecting wine to find lower-calorie options:

Prioritize a low ABV: Look for ABV under 12.5% on the label, as alcohol significantly impacts calories.
Choose "Dry" over "Sweet": For sparkling wines, look for Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Nature. For still wines, choose naturally dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Read the descriptions: Terms like "light," "crisp," or "refreshing" often indicate lower-alcohol, drier styles. Avoid terms like "rich," "bold," "buttery," or "luscious".

Conclusion: The lightest sips are often sparkling

Sparkling wines, particularly Brut Nature or Extra Brut, are generally the lowest calorie wines, often under 100 calories per glass. For still wines, dry whites like Vinho Verde, Vermentino, and Sauvignon Blanc are good choices at 110–120 calories. Even certain reds, such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, can be moderate options. By understanding the impact of alcohol content and residual sugar, you can choose wines that fit your dietary goals. Focus on wines with a lower ABV and a drier profile. For information on moderate consumption, consult resources like Drinkaware.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie red wines are typically light-bodied and dry. Pinot Noir and Gamay (often labeled as Beaujolais) are excellent options, as they have a lower alcohol content and less residual sugar than heavier reds.

Generally, dry white wines tend to have slightly fewer calories than red wines because many have a lower ABV. However, the difference is often marginal, and a dry, lighter-bodied red wine can be lower in calories than a sweeter white wine.

Sparkling wines, especially very dry styles like Brut Nature, can often be lower in calories than many still wines. A standard 5-ounce glass of Brut Nature might have around 90-100 calories, while a similar serving of a standard dry white wine is around 110-120 calories.

The two main indicators for calorie content are ABV and sweetness. Look for wines with a lower ABV (under 12.5%) and choose dry, rather than sweet, varieties. For sparkling wines, look for terms like Brut Nature or Extra Brut on the label.

No, there are no truly zero-calorie alcoholic wines. The fermentation process that produces alcohol from sugar is the source of calories. However, non-alcoholic wines have significantly fewer calories, as the alcohol is removed.

Lighter-bodied wines often correspond to lower alcohol content and are therefore frequently lower in calories. However, sweetness is also a factor. A very sweet, light-bodied wine might have more calories than a drier, medium-bodied wine.

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine typically contains around 120-130 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific type and its alcohol content.