The calorie content of wine varies with the type, alcohol content, and residual sugar content of the wine.
Caloric Range in Wine
The serving of wine is usually a 5-ounce glass and contains from 92 to 300 calories. It differs mainly with the degree of sweetness of the wine and the alcoholic strength of the wine. For instance, a glass of dry red or white wine, which has about 12-14% alcohol, has about 120 to 130 calories.
However, wines which are categorised as sweet wines and those that are taken as dessert wines or some wines from Cyprus contain up to 165 calories per serving due to the presence of sugar.
Factors Influencing Caloric Content
- Alcohol Content : Alcohol is also energy-producing, with 7 calories per gram. Therefore, wines with a higher percentage of alcohol will have more calories. For instance, a 15% alcohol-containing Zinfandel wine has 130 calories, while a Vinho Verde wine with 10% alcohol has 100 calories.
- Residual Sugar : The sweetness of the wine also has a great role to play in the entire process. Dry wines have a level of reduced sugar content of below 3 grams per litre while sweet wines have a range of 20-150 grams or above. This sugar gives extra energy and so sweet wines are more energy intensive than the dry wines.
- Type of Wine: It is important to note that the calorie content of the wines differs. For example, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from California has about 175 calories, while a glass of German Spatlese Riesling has about 110 calories. Some of the wines made in Cyprus also contain more calories due to the presence of sugar; for example, Commandaria, which is a dessert wine.
The Cypriot and Greek Wine Experience
Cyprus has its special wines, for example, Xynisteri and Mavro wines, which are from the wine-making tradition of the island. These wines are generally lighter and contain less alcohol and less energy as compared to some of the wines made in Greece.
The wines made in Greece are as numerous as the grape varieties used in the preparation of the wines, and the calorie content of the wines may also vary. For example, Retsina, which is a Greek wine, has moderate calories and therefore, it is consumed by wine lovers.
It is also important to look at the calorie content of wine, especially wines from the Mediterranean region for instance Cyprus and Greek wines. A glass of wine can range from 120 to 165 calories and as such wine can be taken in moderation in a healthy diet. Whether you are taking red wine or white wine, it is good to know the calories contained in the wine so that you can enjoy your wine in a healthy way.
