Which Type of Wine Has the Least Sugar?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a typical six-ounce glass of red table wine contains only about 1.12 grams of sugar. Understanding which type of wine has the least sugar is essential for those monitoring their intake, and this guide provides clear insights into making healthier choices.

Quick Summary

Dry red wines, dry white wines, and extra brut sparkling wines consistently have the lowest levels of residual sugar, making them ideal low-sugar choices for health-conscious drinkers. Their dryness is a direct result of the fermentation process.

Key Points

Dry Reds Have the Least Sugar: Varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot typically contain less than one gram of sugar per five-ounce glass.
Fermentation Dictates Sugar Content: The length of the fermentation process determines the level of residual sugar; longer fermentation leads to less sugar.
Choose 'Brut' for Sparkling Wine: For sparkling wines, opt for bottles labeled 'Brut' or 'Extra Brut,' as these are the driest and lowest in sugar.
Avoid Dessert and Fortified Wines: Sweet dessert wines (e.g., Icewine) and fortified wines (e.g., Port) are high in sugar and should be avoided on a low-sugar diet.
Learn Wine Terminology: Since nutritional information isn't often listed, rely on label terms like 'dry' to find low-sugar wines.
Red Wine vs. White Wine Sugar: Generally, dry red wines have slightly less sugar than dry white wines, though both are significantly lower than sweet varieties.
Check High-ABV Wines: A higher alcohol content can sometimes indicate a more complete fermentation and thus a lower sugar level, though this is not a universal rule.

Understanding Sugar in Wine

All wine contains some amount of sugar, known as residual sugar, which is left over from the fermentation process. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars present in grape juice, converting them into alcohol. The final sugar content is determined by how long this process is allowed to continue; a longer fermentation results in less residual sugar and a drier wine, while a shorter process leaves more sugar behind, creating a sweeter wine.

Fermentation and Residual Sugar (RS)

The term "residual sugar" (RS) is a key metric for understanding a wine's sweetness level, though it is not typically printed on the label. Instead, winemakers use descriptive terms like "dry," "off-dry," and "sweet" to give a general idea of the RS level. Dry wines usually contain less than 4 grams of residual sugar per liter.

The Lowest-Sugar Wine Categories

If minimizing sugar is a priority, the best strategy is to opt for dry-style wines. The following categories are known for their minimal sugar content:

Dry Red Wines: These typically have less than 1 gram of sugar per 5-ounce glass. The fermentation process for red wines often runs longer, resulting in most of the natural grape sugars being converted into alcohol. Tannins also contribute to a perception of dryness.
Dry White Wines: Similar to dry reds, many dry white varieties are excellent choices with generally low sugar content due to full fermentation.
Extra Brut and Brut Sparkling Wines: "Brut" on the label indicates a dry, low-sugar style. "Extra Brut" or "Brut Nature" are the driest categories with minimal to no added sugar.

Examples of Low-Sugar Wines

Here is a list of popular wine varieties known for their low residual sugar:

Red: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Albariño
Sparkling: Brut Champagne, Extra Brut, Prosecco (look for Brut or Extra Dry labels)

Wines with High Sugar Content

Wines with significantly higher sugar levels include dessert wines (like Icewine and Sauternes), fortified wines (such as Port and Sherry), sweet white wines (certain Rieslings and Moscato), and off-dry or sweet rosés. These should be avoided by those on a low-sugar diet.

Low-Sugar Wine Comparison Table


Wine Type	Sweetness	Approximate Sugar (per 5oz glass)
Dry Red Wine	Very Dry	<1 gram
Dry White Wine	Dry	1–1.4 grams
Extra Brut Sparkling	Bone Dry	<1 gram
Off-Dry Wine	Semi-Sweet	1.4–5 grams
Sweet Wine	Sweet	5–18+ grams
Dessert/Fortified Wine	Very Sweet	15–33+ grams (per 3.5oz)

Reading Wine Labels for Sugar Content

Since nutritional information is rarely displayed, look for "dry" or "brut" on the label for low-sugar options. Avoid terms like "late harvest," "demi-sec," or "doux". Higher ABV can sometimes suggest a drier wine.

Conclusion

For the lowest-sugar wine, choose dry red, dry white, and extra brut sparkling wines. These undergo complete fermentation, converting most sugars to alcohol. Prioritizing wines labeled "dry" or "brut" allows enjoyment without the sweetness of dessert or fortified wines. For further reading on winemaking and wine types, consider visiting Wine Folly.

Additional Considerations

Low-sugar wines still contain calories from alcohol. Moderation is important, especially for those monitoring blood sugar. Choosing low-sugar wine supports a balanced diet and lifestyle.

More Tips for Choosing Low-Sugar Wines

Check labels for terms indicating dryness.
Research specific brands, as sugar varies.
Fruity aroma doesn't always mean high sugar; many dry wines smell fruity.
Consider organic or natural wines, as some producers avoid adding sugar.
Ask for recommendations for the driest wines available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Residual sugar (RS) is the natural sugar from grapes that remains in the wine after the fermentation process is complete. The amount of RS directly influences how sweet a wine tastes.

Generally, dry red wines have the lowest sugar content, often with less than 1 gram per 5-ounce glass. Dry white wines are also low in sugar, typically containing slightly more than dry reds.

For low-sugar options, consider dry red varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. For whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio are excellent choices. Extra Brut or Brut Champagne is also very low in sugar.

Yes, if you are looking to minimize sugar intake. Wines like dessert wines (Sauternes, Icewine), fortified wines (Port, Sherry), and sweet Moscatos are loaded with sugar.

Look for the term 'dry' or 'brut' on the label, which indicates a low sugar content. You can also ask a wine shop expert for recommendations for the driest wines they carry.

No. A wine can be fruit-forward, meaning it has prominent fruit flavors and aromas, without being sweet. Many dry wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, have strong fruity notes but low residual sugar.

Lower sugar content often results in fewer carbohydrates, which can lead to slightly fewer calories overall. However, alcohol itself contains calories, so a wine's calorie count is a combination of its alcohol and sugar content.