Wine and cava enthusiasts are well aware that each sip tells a story of the wine’s origin and every bottle is a journey through flavors and traditions. However, nowadays, a certain question sometimes arises regarding the enjoyment of this precious liquid: how fattening wine is.
If that’s something you’re concerned about, this article will be of great interest. At 15 Bodegas, we’re not just passionate about the quality and origin of our wines, but also about providing valuable information to all lovers of good wines. As such, below, we’re going to analyze how many calories are contained in a glass of white, rosé or red wine. That way, you can enjoy this age-old drink without sacrificing your well-being and nutritional balance.
Understanding calories in wine
Wine, that timeless drink that has accompanied humanity throughout history, is not just a question of taste, but also of nutrition. Understanding the calories present in wine is essential for enjoying it consciously and responsibly.
Factors that affect the calorie content of wines
The number of calories in wine varies according to several key factors. The type of grape variety, the fermentation process, and the alcohol content are determining aspects in the wine’s final calorie content. For example, wines with higher alcohol content generally contain more calories due to the process of fermentation, in which sugar is converted into alcohol. What’s more, sweet wines, like some young white wines, usually have a higher calorie content compared to dry wines or cavas, due to their residual sugar content.
Which has more calories: white or red wine?
When comparing wines by their calorie content, a few key differences stand out. The calorie content of red wines, known for their body and richness, is usually higher than in white and rosé wines—with between 130 and 190 calories per glass of red wine on average. This is due, in part, to its higher concentration of alcohol and compounds like tannins. On the other hand, white wines usually have fewer calories, particularly dry whites—between 120 and 170 calories per glass of white wine, although this can vary according to grape variety and winemaking style. Rosé wines usually have around 150 calories per glass, but they offer a wide range of calorie profiles depending on their sweetness and volume of alcohol.