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Amount of Carbohydrates in Wine

There are newer and healthier wines being sold which have low carbohydrates and calories, making them a suitable option for weight-conscious wine enthusiasts.
Rohini Mohan
The consumption of anything in excess is harmful and that applies to all types of alcoholic drinks as well. All types of wine, like all other alcoholic drinks, are prepared through fermentation, which naturally contributes to the level of carbohydrates in it.
It is important to remove the misconception that all carbohydrates are bad. Carbohydrates, like proteins and vitamins, play an important role in balancing and maintaining the natural growth and development of the human body. However, all these nutrients need to be consumed in moderation.

Does Alcohol Make You Lose or Gain Weight?

Honestly, there is no exact answer for this question. Apart from the obvious fact that if you binge drink often without making much efforts to exercise, you're bound to gain weight. Though there are some exceptions as to why some gain weight while some lose it. These depend on some varied conditions:
  • Drinking wine, beer or any other alcohol often, will make you gain weight as the overall calories and carbohydrates in wine and other drinks usually end up accumulating in your fat cells. This applies even to those who work out regularly, unless they increase their workout regimen to lose the extra calories or reduce the quantity of alcohol they drink.
  • Eating fatty snacks while drinking, such as cheese with wine or fries and dips with beer, will add to your extra carbs and calories intake.
  • Adding aerated sweetened drinks or juices to your drink will increase its total calorie count.

Estimated Carbohydrates Found in Wine

The amount of carbohydrates varies on the type of wine. Dry wines such as white wines have comparatively higher carbohydrate levels than red wine. The amount of carbohydrates also depends on two major factors, the first being, the sweeter the wine the more carbohydrates it will contain. Secondly, the higher the alcohol content more the carbohydrates.
Total Carbohydrates (in gm) in Wine Per 5 fl oz Glass - Dry & Normal Wine
  • Dry Red Wine - 3.5-4
  • Dry White Wine - 3
  • Sparkling White Wine - 2.5-4.5
  • Rose Wine - 2.9
  • Medium White Wine - 3.9
  • Sweet White Wine - 6.8
Total Carbohydrates (in gm) in Fortified Wine Per Class
  • Sherry Dry - 1.6
  • Sherry Medium - 4.2
  • Sherry Sweet - 8
  • Port Wine - 14.1
This information shows that sweet wines such as white wine and rose wine have a much higher content of carbohydrates. The wines that rank comparatively higher than others also have a higher ratio of alcohol present in them which increases the total carbohydrate content.

New Low-Carbohydrate Wines

There is a growing trend of buying low-carb wines among weight watchers. This is because higher levels of carbohydrates in wine drastically increase the possibility of consuming more than necessary calories and fat. Companies now have begun producing low-carb wines for all those who savor the taste of wine but do not want to risk their health.
These wines are made of low-carb grapes and further processed through dry fermentation which reduces the total carbohydrates in wine, thereby reducing its calories to a large extent as well.
Following are some top low-carb wines:
  • Brown-Forman Wines - One.6 Chardonnay with 1.6 carbohydrates per five-ounce a glass.
  • Brown-Forman Wines - One.9 Merlot with 1.9 carbs per five-ounce a glass.
  • Lindemans Early Harvest Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
  • The So'Light ranges
  • Yellowglen Yellow Jewel NV
  • Cockatoo Ridge Low Calorie Brut Cuvee
Wine will always contain some bit of carbohydrates, until technology can completely remove it. Though it is really doubtful if it will taste like wine after that. Wine has its own quintessential flavor that cannot be replaced.
Companies are now trying to convert fortified wines into low-carbohydrates, so that health conscious wine lovers feel less guilty while indulging in this occasional treat.