Wine is the ideal companion for almost any meal. Whether you’ve got a weakness for merlot or prefer a glass of crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc, wine compliments every occasion. Unfortunately for those watching their waistlines, however, wine is packed with calories.
We all have moments of self-reflection (especially around the holidays) where we resolve to live more healthily, swap to non-alcoholic wine, or drop a few inches from the waistline. In those moments, we tend to make drastic commitments that never last longer than a day or two.
Fortunately for wine lovers, there are numerous low-calorie wines that make it easy to take care of your body while still enjoying a satisfying glass of your favourite blend.
What is Low Calorie Wine?
Different wines vary in calorie content. Sweeter wines tend to be richer in calories while dry wines are less so. This is not a hard rule, but it is generally the case.
In recent years, far more people have become health conscious, spurring winemakers to venture into the business of low-calorie wine. Some brands have gained loyal customer bases by focusing almost exclusively on the production of low-calorie wines.
Which Wine Has The Least Calories?
When in doubt, go for a dry white wine. Specifically, Muscadet is the ideal choice for anyone avoiding excess calories. On average, a 50 oz. or 150ml glass of Muscadet contains only around 92 calories, which means that you can indulge freely with minimal guilt. Muscadet wine is made from French grapes in the renowned Loire Valley.
Unsurprisingly, Muscadet pairs beautifully with seafood. Alternatively, it is the perfect wine for a temperate summer evening. If you can’t get your hands on a bottle of Muscadet, then Italian Pinot Grigio and Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc are the next best options.
How is Low Calorie Wine Made?
The key to low calorie wine is in the grapes. Most people think only of red and white when they think of grapes, but the differences between the varieties are more subtle and nuanced than that. Depending on where and how the grapes are grown, the flavour and sugar content varies greatly. Low calorie wine is made exclusively with grapes that have a low sugar content. Loire Valley is renowned for producing both sweet and dry wines.
Best Low Calorie Wines
Trying to choose the lowest calorie wine can be confusing and daunting, but we have compiled a handy guide for those who don’t know where to start.
Next time you’re planning a dinner party or heading out to a nice restaurant, consult this list to get an idea of which low in sugar wines you can enjoy without worrying about packing on the pounds.
Best Low Calorie Red Wines
- FitVine Cabernet Sauvignon: FitVine specializes in low calorie wines, thus making them a fantastic option for anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is made with no added sugar. Despite this, FitVine’s Cabernet Sauvignon does not compromise on flavour or body. Any connoisseur with an interest in health or weight-loss should stock their cellars and cabinets with this delicious, low-calorie red.
- Meiomi Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir grapes are renowned for their deep purple colouration as well as the skill required to grow them. Meiomi produces a stunning low-calorie pinot noir, whose texture is remarkably smooth. It is a particularly fruity red, with undertones of oak and berry. Meiomi Pinot Noir does contain added sugar, but not in excess. The sugar lends it a subtle fruity flavour without causing weight gain.
- SLIM Wine La Rossa Piemonte Red: This zero carb, zero sugar red blend is ideal for calorie-conscious connoisseurs. SLIM Wine has, in their own words, “declared war on sugar”. However, unlike many sugar-free or low-sugar wines, the Piemonte Red is as flavoursome as any other of your favourites.
Best Low Calorie White Wines
- FitVine Pinot Grigio: This light Pinot Grigio is dry, crisp, and wonderfully refreshing. FitVine is a strong competitor in the low-calorie wine business, and their Pinot Grigio is a favourite among white wine lovers. It is one of the lowest calorie white wines on the market, boasting 90% less sugar than other Pinot Grigios. It is a citrusy wine, with a delightfully floral bouquet that pairs well with most fish.
- Piattini Pinot Grigio: Another sugar-free option, this Pinot Grigio is fruity and floral. It is vegan friendly with zero carbs and zero sugar. Coming in at only 79 calories per glass, white wine lovers can enjoy this special Pinot Grigio without fretting.
Best Low Calorie Rose Wines
- Diamarine Provence: Everybody loves a good rose, and this delightful bottle is sure to set your tastebuds whirling. It is a gentle but flavoursome wine, ideal for mild spring afternoons and pleasant summer evenings. It has a complex aroma, making it almost as fun to sniff as it is to drink. Almost.
- SLIM Wine Rose 500: Another hit from SLIM Wine, this wine is everything you could want in a rose. It is refreshing, fruity, dry, and delicious. Like SLIM Wine’s other products, it is completely free of sugar and carbs.
Can I Lose Weight and Drink Wine?
In short, yes absolutely!
It is important, however, to bear in mind that low-calorie wine still contains some calories. Therefore, it must still be consumed in moderation for those interested in losing weight. If you stick to the lowest calorie wines on the market, drink in moderation, eat a healthy, balanced diet, and get regular exercise, you can absolutely lose weight while still enjoying a few glasses of wine when the mood strikes.
It is important to remember that alcohol in any form slows down the weight loss process, but if you remain conscious of the brands you choose, then you can still lose weight. In fact, research suggests that a moderate amount of low calorie red wine can actually help shed stored fat by converting white fat to beige fat, which is far easier for the body to break down and convert into usable energy. Now that’s good news for any wine drinker!