Carbs in red wine are closely linked to the residual sugars in that glass of wine. During the fermentation process, sugars are broken down by yeast and turned into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The sugars left behind make up a good chunk of the carb content in wine.
Fun fact, sugars are carbohydrates.
Is red wine OK on keto? Red wine is OK on keto. People on the keto diet try to stay under 50 grams per day to maintain ketosis, and that’s still achievable if you’re thinking about the kind of red wine you drink.
Whether you’re watching your blood sugar or trying a low-carb diet, you will want to pay attention to varietals. Red wine is a low-carb option compared to many alcoholic beverages, but it does depend on the type you choose.
Generally, sweet dessert wines will be higher in carbs than dry red wines. You’ll also want wine with lower alcohol content or alcohol by volume (ABV).
Which red wine has the least carbs? Pinot noir has the least amount of carbs out of the popular red wine varietals. Regular 5-ounce serving sizes have anywhere from 3.4 to 4 grams of carbs.
Since you’re not likely to see any nutrition facts on a bottle of wine, here’s a breakdown of the average amount of net carbs in everyday red wines:
- Pinot noir: 3.4
- Cabernet Franc: 3.6
- Syrah: 3.7
- Merlot: 3.7
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 3.8
- Shiraz: 3.8
- Syrah: 3.8
- Sangiovese: 3.8
- Petite Sirah: 3.9
- Grenache: 4
- Malbec: 4.1
- Zinfandel: 4.2
- Burgundy: 5.5
How many carbs are in a 750ml bottle of red wine? To find the carb content of a 750ml bottle of red wine, you’d multiply the carb content per serving by five since there are typically five servings per bottle. That means there are about 17 grams of carbs in a bottle of pinot noir.
Best Keto and Low Carb Red Wine
A glass of red wine won’t break your keto diet, as long as you’re sticking to a single serving and counting carbs elsewhere in your diet.
What is the best red wine to drink on keto? Pinot noir is the best red wine to drink on keto. It’s the varietal lowest in carbs per ounce, unless you’re seeking out wines branded as low-carb.
Today, winemakers are putting out self-described “keto wine,” with even fewer grams of carbohydrates per serving than lower-carb varietals. These low-carb wines are simply wines with little to no residual sugar. They’re also usually lower in alcohol.
It isn’t just about the amount of carbs, though.
Wines without any alcohol can be much lower in calories and perfect for those seeking a healthier wine that won’t lead to weight gain or other adverse effects.
If you’re interested in not just carb counts but the health benefits of going alcohol-free, Surely is your best bet for a gluten-free, low-calorie wine that tastes just like the real thing.
Carbs in Red Wine vs Other Alcohols
Red wine is a better option for weight loss when compared to sugary mixed drinks or most beers, but there’s a minefield out there depending on your drink of choice.
Distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila have zero carbs, but mixed drinks are typically high in sugar content if you’re not watching your mixers. Reach for low-sugar options like seltzer if you’re watching grams of sugar in your cocktails.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Low-carb beer: 2.6
- Light beer: 5.9
- Lager: 10.9
- Margarita: 10.7
- Mimosa: 12.9
- Vodka tonic: 15
- Hard cider: 21.3
Dry white wines typically have fewer carbs than other types of wine, but there are exceptions when you get into sweet wines and dessert options:
- Dry rosé: 2.9
- Sauvignon blanc: 3
- Pinot grigio: 3
- Chardonnay: 3.2
- Champagne/sparkling wine: 4
- Dry riesling: 5.5
- Muscato: 7.8
- Ice wine: 12
Benefits of Choosing Red
If you’re trying to find the best wine to fit your lifestyle, picking a red wine does have benefits. It’s higher in antioxidants thanks to its resveratrol content and still lower in carbs than sugary drinks you might reach for otherwise.
A can of cola can have nearly 40 grams of carbs, by the way.
When we’re talking about wine, though, the healthiest red wine will always be a dealcoholized version.
If you want to try the Surely difference while enjoying the positive health benefits of red wine, try our non-alcoholic cabernet sauvignon. At just 40 calories per 8 oz serving, it’s an easy fit into any diet.
