10 Low-Sugar Wines (White, Red and Sparkling)

Introduction

Welcome to our wine lovers’ blog where we delve into the vast and abundant world of low sugar wines. Today, we set out on a mission to find 10 wonderful low-sugar wines across three different categories: white wines, red wines, and sparkling wines.

We will not only supply you with a list of these exquisite low sugar wines, but we will also provide you with information about their sugar content and calories. (2)

So, let’s raise a glass and explore the intriguing world of low-sugar wines! ?

Understanding Wine Sugar Content

When it comes to wine sugar content, it’s critical to understand the concept of residual sugar. Residual sugar refers to the unfermented sugars that are still present in the wine after the fermentation process is finished. 

The sugar content in wine can be calculated as a percentage of the wine’s overall volume or in grams per liter (g/L). Wines can range from bone-dry with almost no residual sugar to sweet wines with higher sugar content.

It’s important to remember, though, that even dry wines can contain a tiny amount of residual sugar, usually less than 3 g/L.

It’s also crucial to remember that elements other than residual sugar can affect the overall sweetness of a wine. For instance, the sweetness of the wine can be influenced by the acidity, alcohol content, and presence of other flavor compounds.

Wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol levels have a more balanced flavor, even if they contain some degree of residual sugar.

Dessert wines are known for their higher sugar content compared to dry wines, as they are made from wine grapes that have been allowed to fully ripen and develop concentrated sweetness. How much sugar is in dessert wines can vary, but it is generally higher than what you would find in any dry wine.

Let’s now have a look at our selection of low-sugar wines across the white, red, and sparkling categories. (1)

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Low Sugar White Wines

Let’s look at some of the low sugar white wine options:

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, on of the most famous white wines, is an excellent choice for those looking for low-sugar wine alternatives. Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France and is currently produced in numerous wine regions across the world. 

Regarding its flavor profile, Chardonnay is renowned for its flat acidity and aromas of peach, vanilla and stone fruits. Because of these flavors, the wine pairs well with seafood, chicken, and creamy pasta.

As for its sugar content, Chardonnay includes about 1-3 grams of sugar per 5-ounce glass and has an average calorie count of 120-130 calories, making it a balanced and pleasurable option for those monitoring their sugar and calorie intake.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for its enticing tastes and natural acidity, is another pleasant low-sugar option. This versatile grape type flourishes in a range of wine areas, including France’s Loire Valley, New Zealand, California, and Chile. 

Sauvignon Blanc is famous for its zesty acidity and prominent aromatics, which include notes of citrus, tropical fruits, fresh-cut grass, and sometimes even a slight herbaceous flavor. This white wine’s crisp flavor makes it a perfect match for salads, grilled vegetables, and goat cheese.

In terms of its sugar composition, a 5-ounce serving of Sauvignon Blanc includes roughly 1-3 grams of sugar and 120-130 calories.

Pinot Grigio

Another popular white wine from Italy that has a little sugar in it is Pinot Grigio. When poured into a glass, Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris in some places, has a delicate straw-yellow color. With tastes that span from citrus fruits like lemon and lime to mild floral notes, this wine exhibits a crisp and distinct profile.

Pinot Grigio goes particularly well with dishes like salads, seafood, and appetizers due to its lighter and more subtle flavor character.

A beautiful balance of flavors is created by the wine’s acidity and sharpness, which cut through the richness of foods like grilled shrimp, scallops, and vegetables.

Pinot Grigio typically contains 1-3 grams of sugar or 110–130 calories per 5-ounce glass, making it a moderately calorie-efficient option for individuals sticking to their diet, and an excellent low sugar wine.

Viognier

The Rhône Valley in France is where the white wine variety Viognier was first cultivated. It has grown in popularity due to its distinct and attractive features.

Viognier, which is famous for its opulent, scented bouquet, delivers a seductive variety of fragrances, including white flowers, apricot, peach, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.

While the sweetness of Viognier wines can vary, many of them strike the ideal balance between fruitiness and low sugar content.

The flavorful intensity and rich texture of Viognier wines make them a perfect complement to spicy foods like Thai or Indian cuisines, aromatic cheeses, roasted chicken, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes.

In terms of sugar content, a 5-ounce (148 ml) serving of Viognier generally has 1-4 grams of sugar. The calorie content for Viognier is around 130-140 calories per serving.

Low Sugar Red Wines

Now, let’s highlight some of the low sugar red wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red wine aficionados with a low sugar tolerance can choose Cabernet Sauvignon, a traditional red wine recognized for its intensity. The wine’s rich, opaque color sets the setting for its complex aromas and flavors.

It exhibits notes of cedar, tobacco, and nuances of mint or eucalyptus together with dark fruit flavors like blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s substantial structure and bold flavors complement red meats like grilled steak, lamb, or venison, as well as aged cheeses, heavy stews, and meals with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

The average serving size of Cabernet Sauvignon is 5 ounces (148 ml), which corresponds to 1-4 grams of sugar. The calorie value is roughly 120-130 calories per serving.

Pinot Noir

Among red wines, Pinot Noir, distinguished for its elegance and complexity, offers a lighter-bodied alternative. With its delicate red berry aromas, earthy overtones, and silk texture, Pinot Noir appeals to wine lovers looking for a lighter but subtle experience.

Pinot Noir is also a versatile wine for foodies. This superb variety of red wine goes well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, mushroom-based meals, and mild to medium-strong cheeses.

When it comes to its sugar content, Pinot Noir has about 1-3 grams of sugar and 110-120 calories per 5-ounce serving.

Merlot

With its delightful taste and smooth texture, Merlot also offers a low-sugar option. Its aromas include ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry, as well as cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of earthiness.

The versatility of Merlot in meal pairings is evident. The wine complements roasted and grilled meats like beef, lamb, and pork as well as rich sauces, mushrooms, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.

5 ounces (148 ml) of Merlot typically have 1-4 grams of sugar per serving or 120-130 calories.

Syrah

Syrah, commonly known as Shiraz, entices with its strong and spicy taste. Blackberry, black pepper, and hints of smoked meat are among the many flavors it delivers.

Syrah goes well with recipes that use strong herbs and spices, such as blackened Cajun dishes or Moroccan food. This wine also pairs perfectly with BBQ, game meats, and strong cheeses.

With only about 1 gram of sugar per 5-ounce serving, Syrah enables you to enjoy its depth and character without costing you more than 130-140 calories.

Sparkling Wines

And finally, let’s take a look at some sparkling wines with low sugar content:

Prosecco

Prosecco, the ever-popular Italian sparkling wine, is a wonderful low-sugar wine for special occasions. Prosecco wines are renowned for their delicate, crisp effervescence and aromas of green apple and pear.

Prosecco is a versatile aperitif that may be enjoyed on its own or with a range of foods such as seafood, salads, fresh fruits, or light appetizers.

As for the precise numbers, each 5-ounce serving of this wine has 1 to 4 grams of sugar or between 90 and 120 calories.

Brut Champagne

Brut Champagne is made from a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes and is produced in the Champagne area of France using conventional techniques. This wine’s delicate bubbles reveal flavors of green apple, brioche, and lemon zest.

With its brilliant acidity, effervescence, and dryness, Brut Champagne pairs perfectly with oysters, caviar, and other delicious seafood dishes. It also goes well with a variety of canapés, light appetizers, and hors d’oeuvres.

Brut Champagne has a relatively low sugar level, with only 0–6 grams per liter, or around 0–2 grams per 5-ounce (148 ml) serving. The number of calories per glass is between 120 and 130.

Conclusion

When it comes to low-sugar wine, you don’t have to forgo flavor or enjoyment. The 10 wines mentioned above, which are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Prosecco, and Brut Champagne, provide a variety of options to suit your preferences while limiting your sugar intake.

Thanks to their varied characteristics, these low sugar wines let you enjoy the moment without feeling guilty about your diet. So, raise a glass in honor of the wonderful world of low-sugar wines!