What wine is the lowest in calories? The ultimate guide for a guilt-free pour

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Non-alcoholic wines contain the fewest calories of all, with some options as low as 9-15 calories per glass. However, for those seeking traditional alcoholic options, the lowest calorie wine is typically a dry, sparkling variety with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV). Understanding the twin factors of alcohol and residual sugar is key to minimizing calories in your glass.

Quick Summary

The lowest-calorie wines are dry, low-ABV sparkling wines and light-bodied still varieties. A wine's calorie count is primarily driven by its alcohol and residual sugar content, making dryer, lower-alcohol options the best choice.

Key Points

Check ABV: Wines with a lower Alcohol by Volume (ABV), typically under 12.5%, contain fewer calories.
Choose Dry Over Sweet: Dry wines have less residual sugar, which means fewer calories from carbohydrates. Look for "Brut" or "Extra Brut" on sparkling labels.
Consider Sparkling Wines: Dry sparkling wines like Brut Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are often some of the lowest-calorie alcoholic options.
Go for Crisp Whites: Varieties like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albariño are reliably low-calorie choices.
Pick Light Reds Wisely: For reds, choose light-bodied options such as Pinot Noir or Gamay over heavier, higher-alcohol alternatives.
Explore Non-Alcoholic: For the absolute lowest calorie count, non-alcoholic wines are the best option, with minimal calories.

Decoding the Calories in Wine

At its core, the calorie content in wine stems from two main ingredients: alcohol and residual sugar. While alcohol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, residual sugar (the leftover sugar after fermentation) adds 4 calories per gram. A wine's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is a primary indicator of its calorie density, as higher ABV means more alcohol and thus more calories. Similarly, the sweeter the wine, the more residual sugar it contains, which directly increases the calorie count. This is why dry wines, in which most sugar has been converted to alcohol, tend to be lower in calories than their sweet counterparts.

The Lowest Calorie Sparkling Wines

For many calorie counters, dry sparkling wines are the top choice. These effervescent wines often have a lower ABV and minimal residual sugar, particularly in their driest forms.

Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Brut

Sparkling wines are classified by their sweetness level, or 'dosage.' The driest options are the most calorie-friendly:

Brut Nature: The driest category with virtually no added sugar, offering some of the lowest calorie counts.
Extra Brut: Also very dry, with slightly more residual sugar than Brut Nature.
Brut: The most common style of Champagne, still relatively dry and low in calories.

Popular Low-Calorie Sparkling Options

Prosecco Brut: A light and fresh Italian sparkling wine that is generally lower in calories and alcohol than Champagne.
Cava Brut: A Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method, offering a dry and low-calorie alternative.

Low-Calorie White Wines

Dry white wines are another excellent category for those watching their waistline. They typically have lower ABV and less residual sugar than many red wines.

Popular Low-Calorie Whites

Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crisp, zesty, and herbaceous notes, Sauvignon Blanc is typically dry and low in calories.
Pinot Grigio: A refreshing and crisp white with light citrus and pear flavors, often very dry with a low sugar content.
Albariño: A Spanish white with bright citrus notes and a high acidity, providing a low-calorie and flavorful experience.
Vinho Verde: A Portuguese "green wine" that is slightly effervescent and low in alcohol, making it one of the lightest options available.

Light-Bodied Red Wines

While red wines generally have a slightly higher calorie count due to their fermentation process and typically higher ABV, light-bodied reds can still be a good low-calorie option.

Top Low-Calorie Reds

Pinot Noir: A light-bodied and dry red with lower alcohol content and fewer calories than fuller-bodied reds.
Gamay (Beaujolais): A juicy red known for its low tannins and moderate ABV, making it a great lighter choice.

Calorie Comparison: An Overview


Wine Type	Average ABV	Average Calories (per 5 oz / 150ml)	Key Notes
Non-Alcoholic Wine	0%	9-25	The absolute lowest calorie option.
Dry Sparkling (Brut Nature)	~12%	90-100	The driest sparkling wine, very low in sugar.
Prosecco Brut	~11%	90-110	Excellent low-calorie bubbly with low ABV.
Sauvignon Blanc	11-13%	110-120	Crisp, dry white with minimal residual sugar.
Pinot Grigio	11-12%	112-120	A classic dry white, refreshing and low-calorie.
Pinot Noir	11-13.5%	115-130	Light-bodied red, best low-calorie red option.
Fuller-Bodied Red (e.g., Zinfandel)	13.5-16%	140-165	Higher ABV and can have more residual sugar.
Sweet Wine (e.g., Moscato, Port)	Varies	160-250+	Highest calorie content due to high sugar and/or alcohol.

The Role of Winemaking and Labels

The process by which a wine is made significantly impacts its final calorie count. In dry wines, yeast consumes most of the grape sugars during fermentation, converting them into alcohol. In sweeter wines, fermentation is stopped early to preserve more of the natural sugars, increasing the calorie load. Choosing products from brands that specialize in low-calorie wines can also be a reliable strategy, as they explicitly minimize alcohol and sugar. Always check the ABV on the label; it is the most reliable indicator of a wine's inherent calorie count. You can explore low-calorie options and more on sites like Coravin.com.

Conclusion

The lowest calorie wine is typically a non-alcoholic option, but among traditional wines, the driest sparkling varieties and crisp, dry whites are the winners. Pay close attention to a wine's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and its sweetness level to make the most informed, health-conscious choices. By opting for a Brut sparkling, a light Pinot Grigio, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, you can enjoy a flavorful wine with minimal calories. For red wine enthusiasts, a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir is the best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among traditional wines, dry sparkling wines like Brut Nature and Extra Brut, as well as dry whites like Pinot Grigio and Vinho Verde, typically have the fewest calories due to lower sugar and alcohol levels.

White wines generally have slightly fewer calories than red wines on average. However, the difference is often marginal and depends more on the specific wine's ABV and sweetness level.

Yes, alcohol is the largest contributor to a wine's calorie count, providing 7 calories per gram. This means a lower Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is the most significant indicator of a lower-calorie wine.

The most reliable indicator is the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) listed on the label; look for lower percentages. You can also research low-calorie brands or check for explicit nutritional information, which is becoming more common.

Yes, sweet wines and dessert wines have higher residual sugar, which adds significantly to their calorie count. This makes them less suitable for calorie-conscious drinkers.

Non-alcoholic wines have the fewest calories of all, with some containing less than 20 calories per glass. This is because most of the calorie-dense alcohol is removed during the production process.

Yes, creating a wine spritzer by mixing wine with sparkling water is an excellent way to reduce the overall calorie and alcohol content of your drink.