What Wine is the Lowest in Carbs? The Complete Guide for Low-Carb Drinkers

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, dry wines contain only 1-4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce glass, making them a suitable option for many low-carb diets. Choosing what wine is the lowest in carbs involves understanding residual sugar, fermentation, and label terminology to make informed decisions for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This article explains which dry red, white, and sparkling wines contain the least carbs per glass. It details how fermentation and residual sugar affect a wine's carbohydrate count, along with specific varietal recommendations for low-carb lifestyles.

Key Points

Dry is Best: The lowest-carb wines are dry because most grape sugar has been fermented into alcohol, leaving minimal residual sugar.
Sparkling Zero-Carb: For the absolute lowest option, choose sparkling wines labeled 'Brut Nature', which contain 0-1 gram of carbs per glass.
White Wines Win: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are typically the lowest carb among still wines, often containing 2-3 grams per glass.
Red Wine Options: Dry red wines such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are low-carb, generally ranging from 3 to 4 grams per glass.
Avoid Sweet Wines: Steer clear of sweet or dessert wines like Port, Sherry, Moscato, and fortified wines, as they are very high in sugar and carbs.
Check the Label: Look for terms like 'Dry', 'Brut', or a higher ABV (13%+) as indicators of lower carb content.

Understanding Residual Sugar and its Impact on Carbs

The primary factor determining a wine's carbohydrate content is its residual sugar (RS). This refers to the natural grape sugar left over after the fermentation process. Yeast converts sugar into alcohol during fermentation. Wines with a longer fermentation period are drier and have less residual sugar, resulting in fewer carbs. Stopping fermentation earlier produces sweeter wines with higher residual sugar and more carbs.

How to Identify Low-Carb Wines in the Store

Finding low-carb wines can be challenging as nutritional labels are not standard. Use these tips to help you identify suitable options:

Look for 'Dry': Wines labeled 'Dry' have minimal residual sugar, which is a key indicator of lower carbs.
Understand Sparkling Wine Terms: For sparkling wines, seek terms like 'Brut Nature', 'Extra Brut', or 'Brut'. 'Brut Nature' is the driest.
Consider ABV: Wines with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV), often 13% or more, usually have less residual sugar as more sugar was converted to alcohol.
Choose Old World Wines: Wines from traditional European regions (Old World) are frequently made in a drier style.

The Lowest-Carb Wine Options

Here are some of the best low-carb wine choices:

Dry White Wines

Dry white wines are consistently good low-carb options.

Sauvignon Blanc: Typically contains 2-3 grams of carbs per 5 oz glass.
Pinot Grigio: Usually has about 2.5-3 grams of carbs per serving.
Unoaked Chardonnay: A drier option with around 3-3.2 grams of carbs.
Albariño: This Spanish wine often contains 2.5 to 3 grams of carbs.

Dry Red Wines

Many red wines are also low-carb and fit well into a keto-friendly diet.

Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red with approximately 3-3.5 grams of carbs per 5 oz glass.
Merlot: This smooth red typically contains around 3-3.7 grams of carbs.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A bold red with about 3-4 grams of carbs.

Dry Sparkling Wines

Dry sparkling wines offer some of the lowest carb options.

Brut Nature Sparkling Wine: With minimal residual sugar, it contains only 0-1 gram of carbs per 5 oz glass.
Extra Brut Champagne: This option has 1-2 grams of carbs.
Prosecco Brut: Contains around 2-3 grams of carbs.

Low-Carb Wine Comparison Table


Wine Type	Average Carbs (per 5 oz glass)	Common Flavor Profile	Best Food Pairings
Brut Nature Sparkling	0-1g	Crisp, dry, mineral	Celebrations, Aperitifs
Sauvignon Blanc	2-3g	Zesty, citrus, grassy	Seafood, Salads
Pinot Grigio	2.5-3g	Green apple, pear, melon	Light pasta, Chicken
Pinot Noir	3-3.5g	Red fruit, earthy	Fish, Mushroom dishes
Unoaked Chardonnay	3-3.2g	Green apple, crisp	Cream sauces, Chicken
Merlot	3-3.7g	Plum, cherry, smooth	Steak, Red meat
Cabernet Sauvignon	3-4g	Blackcurrant, spice, bold	Roasted meats

Wines to Avoid on a Low-Carb Diet

Some wines should be avoided due to their high sugar content:

Sweet and Dessert Wines: Wines like Port, Sherry, and Sauternes have very high sugar levels, potentially up to 20 grams of carbs per glass.
Late-Harvest Wines: These have maximized sugar content due to late grape picking.
Moscato and off-dry Rieslings: These varieties are often very sweet.
Cheap, Mass-Produced Wines: May contain added sweeteners.
Fortified Wines: Port, Sherry, and Madeira have added spirits and higher sugar.

Conclusion

Identifying what wine is the lowest in carbs involves choosing dry wines and understanding label terms like 'Dry' or 'Brut Nature'. Dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, along with dry reds like Pinot Noir and Merlot, are good choices. For the absolute lowest carb option, select sparkling wines labeled "Brut Nature." Avoid sweet, dessert, or fortified wines due to their high sugar content. By focusing on dry options and being mindful of residual sugar, you can enjoy wine in moderation as part of a low-carb diet. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure wine consumption aligns with your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all white wines are low-carb. While many popular whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are dry and low in carbs, sweeter varieties like Moscato or off-dry Rieslings have significantly more residual sugar and a higher carb count.

"Brut Nature" is a classification for sparkling wines, indicating the absolute driest style with the least amount of residual sugar, typically 0-1 gram of carbs per glass.

A wine's carb count is primarily determined by its residual sugar (RS), which is the leftover sugar after fermentation. A shorter fermentation period leaves more sugar, resulting in a sweeter, higher-carb wine.

Pinot Noir is generally a slightly lower-carb option than Merlot. A typical 5 oz glass of Pinot Noir has about 3-3.5g of carbs, while Merlot contains around 3-3.7g, though both are excellent low-carb choices.

Yes, you can drink wine on a keto diet by choosing dry, low-carb options and consuming them in moderation. Sparkling wines like Brut Nature and very dry still wines are your safest bets.

Not necessarily. A higher ABV often indicates that more of the sugar has been converted into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a drier wine with less residual sugar and fewer carbs.

While not always on the label, you can sometimes find nutritional details on a winery's website by searching for the "tech sheet." Alternatively, look for wines specifically marketed as low-carb, like those from FitVine or Gratsi.

Sparkling wines labeled 'Brut Nature' have the lowest carb count, with 0-1 gram per 5-ounce glass. These are the driest of all sparkling wine categories.

Generally, dry white wines have slightly fewer carbs than dry red wines. However, the carb count is more dependent on the residual sugar level of the specific wine rather than its color.

A wine's dryness or sweetness is a good indicator of its carb content. Very dry wines taste less sweet and typically have fewer carbs, but tasting alone isn't a precise measure. Always check labels and terminology.