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Here’s some ‘healthy’ advice for wine drinkers

Fri, Apr 04, 25
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Here's some 'healthy' advice for wine drinkers

Featured in The Press of Atlantic City, written by Michael Bray, March 14 2022

This week’s Wine Q+A focuses on health and wellness. Is wine “healthy,” from a standpoint of its sugar and carbohydrate levels? Does the “healthiness” of wine vary depending on where it’s made, or how it’s made? And what’s the deal with wine headaches? I share my insight below, but as with anything health-related, if you have questions about whether wine is advisable for you, please consult your doctor.

For those of you just tuning in, you can send me your wine-related questions at Michael@passionvines.com, or text me at 609-248-6065. I will use this column to provide answers, and hopefully some helpful tips and perspective.

Q: Michelle B. from Ventnor asks, “My doctor says I need to cut out sugar. What wines have less sugar?”

A: Hi Michelle! You have several lower-sugar options in white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.

Wine is produced when naturally occurring grape sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The sugar that remains after fermentation is called “residual sugar” or “RS,” and some wines (such as sweet Riesling and Moscato d’Asti) have much higher levels of RS than others.

Alcoholic beverages are not required to list nutrition information, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find sugar content on a wine label (with the exception of a producer like FitVine, which shares information on sugar, calories and carbohydrates). As a rule, dry wines will have much lower sugar levels than noticeably sweet wines. Many wines made from the following grape varietals will be dry: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, dry rosés (with crisp acidity and without noticeable sweetness) are usually lower in sugar, and sparkling wines labeled “brut nature” are the driest of sparkling wines. Grapes like Zinfandel, Grenache, and Shiraz are naturally higher in sugar, and wines made from these varietals will typically have higher levels of RS.

While these guidelines will help you select a wine with less sugar, all wines will contain some level of naturally occurring grape sugars (and in some cases, added sugars). If your doctor OKs low levels of sugar, you have a lot of great wine options!

Q: Robert H. from Linwood asks, “I can’t seem to find a wine that doesn’t give me a headache. Why? What do you suggest, or should I keep drinking my Corona Light?”

By Brittany Lane