Which Wine Has the Lowest Carbohydrates?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

Residual sugar, the unfermented sugar left in wine, is the primary source of carbohydrates. The key to finding which wine has the lowest carbohydrates is understanding how different styles and production methods affect this sugar content.

Quick Summary

The carb count in wine is directly tied to its residual sugar level, with drier wines having the lowest amounts. Dry sparkling wines like Brut Nature and Extra Brut typically have the fewest carbs, while sweet dessert wines are the highest. Dry white and red table wines generally contain 2-4 grams per serving.

Key Points

Brut Nature has the lowest carbs: This style of sparkling wine contains virtually no residual sugar, making it the top choice for minimal carbs.
Dry wines are low-carb: The drier the wine, the lower the residual sugar and carbohydrate count. Look for labels with terms like 'Dry,' 'Brut,' or 'Trocken'.
Sweet wines are highest in carbs: Dessert wines, late-harvest wines, and fortified wines have a high residual sugar content, and thus, a high carb count.
Sparkling wines offer minimal carbs: Extra Brut and Brut sparkling wines, like Champagne and Cava, typically contain very low carbs.
Dry whites are low in carbs: Varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are excellent low-carb options, with around 2–3g of carbs per glass.
Certain dry reds are keto-friendly: While slightly higher than whites, dry red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot can fit into a low-carb diet.

Understanding Carbs in Wine: It's All About Residual Sugar

For those following a low-carb lifestyle, understanding the carb content of alcoholic beverages is essential. When it comes to wine, the number of carbohydrates is determined almost entirely by the amount of residual sugar (RS) remaining after fermentation. During the winemaking process, yeast consumes the natural sugars in grape juice, converting them into alcohol. If the fermentation is stopped early, more sugar is left behind, resulting in a sweeter wine with higher carbs. If fermentation is allowed to complete, the result is a dry wine with very little residual sugar and a low carb count.

Commercial winemakers are not legally required to list nutritional information on their bottles in many regions, making label-reading a crucial skill. Look for terms like "Dry," "Brut," "Trocken," or "Sec" to identify low-sugar, and therefore low-carb, options. Conversely, avoid terms like "Late Harvest," "Dessert Wine," "Sauternes," or "Port," as these are indicators of high residual sugar and significantly more carbs.

The Absolute Lowest Carb Wines

When searching for the absolute lowest carbohydrates in wine, sparkling varieties are the clear winners. Specifically, look for these terms on the label:

Brut Nature/Brut Zero: The driest category of sparkling wine, containing virtually no residual sugar and often less than 1 gram of carbs per 5-ounce glass.
Extra Brut: Slightly less dry than Brut Nature but still very low-carb, with typically 1–2 grams of carbs per 5-ounce glass.

Examples include various sparkling wines labeled Brut Nature, Extra Brut Champagne, and dry Cava. These are the safest and most reliable choices for those on a strict ketogenic diet.

Low-Carb Dry White Wines

For those who prefer a still white wine, several dry varietals offer a refreshingly low-carb option, typically containing 2–4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce serving.

Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty and crisp white with 2–3g of carbs per glass.
Pinot Grigio: A light and citrusy white, typically containing 2.5–3g of carbs per glass.
Dry Chardonnay: Opt for unoaked or drier-style Chardonnays, which usually have around 3–3.2g of carbs per glass.
Albariño and Vermentino: These bright, mineral-driven whites also fall into the low-carb category.

Low-Carb Dry Red Wines

Red wines generally contain slightly more carbs than white wines, but several dry options are still keto-friendly, with around 3–4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce glass.

Pinot Noir: A light-bodied and dry red, with 3–3.5g of carbs per glass.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold red typically contains 3–4g of carbs per glass.
Merlot: A smooth, fruit-forward red with 3–3.7g of carbs per glass.

Comparison Table: Carbs in Popular Wine Types (per 5 oz serving)


Wine Type	Carbohydrate Range	Description
Brut Nature Sparkling	0–1g	The driest sparkling wine with virtually no sugar.
Extra Brut Sparkling	1–2g	Very dry sparkling wine, also extremely low in carbs.
Dry Sauvignon Blanc	2–3g	Zesty and crisp dry white wine.
Dry Pinot Grigio	2.5–3g	Light, refreshing dry white wine.
Dry Pinot Noir	3–3.5g	Light-bodied dry red wine.
Dry Cabernet Sauvignon	3–4g	Bold and structured dry red wine.
Dry Merlot	3–3.7g	Smooth and fruit-forward dry red wine.
Moscato	7–14+g	Sweet, high-carb dessert wine.
Port	9+g	Fortified, high-carb dessert wine.

How to Choose the Right Low-Carb Wine

Since most wine labels omit nutritional details, knowing what to look for is essential. The key is to prioritize wines fermented to a drier finish, which naturally contain less residual sugar and, therefore, fewer carbohydrates. Additionally, consider checking for specific brands that market their products as "low-carb" or "zero-sugar" to simplify the process. Moderation is also crucial; consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, even low-carb wine, can temporarily stall fat-burning processes. It is always wise to keep serving sizes in check to remain within your dietary goals. For more detailed information on specific wines, you can often find nutritional data on specialized websites or apps dedicated to low-carb alcohol options.

Conclusion: Enjoying Low-Carb Wine Responsibly

Selecting a wine with the lowest carbohydrates is simple once you understand the link between residual sugar and carb content. Opt for dry sparkling wines like Brut Nature for the absolute minimum, or choose dry still wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir for great-tasting, low-carb enjoyment. By prioritizing dry wines, controlling your portion sizes, and being aware of labels and wine types, you can confidently integrate wine into your low-carb or keto lifestyle without derailing your progress.

Tips for Selecting Low-Carb Wines

Read the Label: Look for descriptors like "dry," "brut," "extra brut," or "trocken" on labels to ensure minimal residual sugar content.
Avoid Sweet Wine Terms: Steer clear of terms such as "late harvest," "dessert wine," "ice wine," or "doux," as these indicate higher sugar levels.
Know Your Brands: Some wineries specifically cater to the low-carb market. Researching these brands can make finding a suitable wine easier.
Consider Organic or Natural Wines: These are often made with fewer additives and minimal intervention, leading to lower residual sugars.
Moderate Consumption: Be mindful of portion sizes. A standard 5-ounce pour helps control overall carb intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest carbohydrate wines are Brut Nature sparkling wines. They contain virtually no residual sugar, typically resulting in less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per 5-ounce glass.

Among red wines, dry varieties generally have the lowest carbs. Good options include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which contain approximately 3-4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce serving.

Since nutritional labels are often absent, look for wines labeled 'Dry,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Brut Nature'. Avoid wines described as 'sweet,' 'dessert,' 'late-harvest,' or 'fortified,' as these contain more residual sugar.

In general, dry white wines tend to have slightly fewer carbohydrates than dry red wines. For instance, Sauvignon Blanc can have as little as 2 grams, while dry reds often start around 3 grams.

Yes, many sparkling wines are low in carbs, but it depends on their sweetness level. Opt for Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature, which are the driest and lowest in carbs.

Residual sugar (RS) is the natural grape sugar left in the wine after fermentation. As yeast consumes sugar to produce alcohol, a longer fermentation process leaves less residual sugar, directly resulting in a lower carb count.

Yes, dry wines are compatible with a keto diet when consumed in moderation. By choosing low-carb options like dry whites, reds, and sparkling wines, you can minimize their impact on your daily carb intake.