How much sugar is in chardonnay wine

Sugar in wine seems to be a hot topic these days. With the popularity of the keto diet in the last decade, wine lovers everywhere are wondering if they can lower their sugar intake and still enjoy wine.

We believe that the benefits of drinking wine outweighs the shortcomings. For one, enjoying a glass of wine in the sunshine with a loved one is good for the soul. Secondly, plenty of wines have incredible health boosting benefits and many are naturally low in sugar.

In this article we explore the truth about sugar in wine. From where the sugar content comes from, to how much is in an average glass, to the perfect varieties of wine for those who can’t consume much sugar, consider this article your guide to sugar in wine.

Where Does Sugar in Wine Come From?

Unlike the fructose syrup and artificial sweeteners found in soda, wine has natural sugars. This naturally occurring sweetness is derived from grapes and is what makes our favorite Pinot Noirs or Chardonnays alcoholic.

This process of sugar becoming alcohol happens during fermentation. To trigger this chemical reaction, yeast is sometimes added into the tanks with the grapes. As the wine ferments, the yeast converts the sugars from the grapes into carbon dioxide and ethanol, which in turn produces alcohol.

As you may have guessed, certain wines have more sugar than others. This is achieved in several different ways. Most commonly, winemakers simply stop the fermentation process before the yeast has converted all of the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a wine that is higher in residual sugar.

Winemakers also create high-sugar wines by leaving the grapes on the vine for longer before picking them. These are called late harvest wines and they can be very sweet, due to the grapes being extra ripe and extra sweet when picked. Fortified wines such as Port get their iconic sweetness from adding brandy just before the fermentation process.

During fermentation, many mass wine producers will mix in other additives, such as artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives like sulphur. Winemakers are usually legally permitted to add whatever natural ingredients they like. 

On the other hand, brands such as Usual Wines have chosen not to do this. Instead of hidden additives and potentially harmful chemicals, you’ll find wines made the Old-World way, in small batches from sustainably farmed grapes without any added sugar.

How Much Sugar Is in a Glass of Wine?

How much sugar is in chardonnay wine

Because residual sugar (the sugar left in the wine after fermentation) varies wildly between different types and styles of wine, it’s hard to say how much sugar is in a glass of wine. 

On average dry red wines or dry white wines have around 2 grams of sugar per standard glass. Off-dry wines (which means slightly sweet) have around 3-5 grams, and sweeter wines like Sauternes have 10 grams. Then, there’s late harvest wines which can contain a whopping 20 grams of sugar per glass.

However, these are just averages and it can be hard to know what the best option is when sitting in front of an impatient sommelier. If you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, follow these wine selection guidelines.

Go for Dry Wines

Wines described as dry have little to no residual sugar. For example, a dry Cabernet Sauvignon has a lower sugar content than a Merlot or a Grenache.

Look for Wines With Low Alcohol Levels

Alcohol is made from sugar, so opt for wines lower on the alcohol scale. Alcohol levels in wine have a wide range, but anything under 12% ABV is considered a low alcohol wine

Check Out Sparkling Wines

Dry sparkling wines can be a safe option for wine lovers trying to limit their sugar intake. While the majority of sparkling wines have some sugar added to them, there are dry, low-sugar options on the market. Look for bottles with the words Brut Natural or Brut Zero on the labels to try the driest of the dry.

Which Wine Has the Most Sugar?

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating, dessert wine is very high in sugar. For example, a nice snifter of Port has 100 grams of residual sugar. Port and other dessert wines should be avoided by anyone trying to limit their sugar intake.

While Port being high in sugar may not come as much of a surprise (after all, it tastes sweet), sometimes a wine’s sugar level does not match its sweetness. All wine contains naturally occurring acids. These acids help to balance the sweetness of the wine, meaning the sugars are not often detectable on the palate. In fact, even the most practiced wine tasters would struggle to tell you how much residual sugar is in a glass on a blind test.

So what this means is wines that don’t taste sweet in the slightest can still be considered high-sugar wines. For instance, certain bottles of Australian Shiraz, a generally dry wine, have over 12 grams of sugar per glass.

Cheaper, mass-produced wines are known to be higher in residual sugars. These cheaper wineries often utilize tricks such as adding artificial acids to help balance overly sweet wines, or adding in artificial sugars to add balance to overly sour grapes.

If you are wanting to lower your sugar intake, opt for wines made in small, high-quality wineries that don’t intervene with the natural process of the grapes. Make sure they focus on traditional winemaking techniques. (We've got you covered — Usual Wines does all of the above!)

Choosing Low-Sugar Wine

There are many companies offering sugar-free wines, let’s say first and for all, if these wines have any alcohol in them, they cannot be sugar free. Since sugar is essential in the production of alcohol when winemaking, there must always be some sugar present.

While no wine is entirely sugar free, there are plenty of low-sugar options. 

If you favor white wine, opt for a nice glass of dry Riesling, or an Italian Pinot Grigio. If red wines are more your thing, look out for cool-climate Pinot Noirs.

Sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco come in a range of sweetness levels. While there is a market for very sweet sparkling wines, with plenty of residual sugar, they are most commonly on the dry side. This means that sparkling wines are often a good option for those wary of sugar.

If you fancy trying a delicious, naturally low in sugar sparkling wine, check out our Brut. With notes of lemon, elderflower, and bergamot, Usual Wine Brut is light, refreshing, and perfect for special occasions.

Celebrating Sugar In Wine

How much sugar is in chardonnay wine

When it comes to wine, sugar is a fact of life. Sugar is essential in wine production, it's what creates alcohol in all of our favorite tipples. But you shouldn’t be afraid of it — unlike soda, these sugars are naturally occurring, and are simply extracted from grape juice.

While certain wines have high sugar levels, there are plenty of wines on the market that don’t. Cool climate Pinot Noirs, bone dry Rieslings, and lovely sparkling Bruts can stay on the menu, even if you’re trying to avoid sweet treats.

Whether you’re trying the keto diet, hosting a diabetic wine lover, or simply want to try something new, check out our shop, where you’ll find a range of naturally low-sugar wines.

Is chardonnay a low sugar wine?

Here are some wines with the lowest sugar content: White Wines: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Which wine has the least amount of sugar?

Here are the lowest-sugar wines in the game: Dry reds, which often have under one gram of sugar per five-ounce pour: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah/Shiraz. Dry whites, which have between one and 1.5 grams of sugar per five ounces: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Is chardonnay A good wine for diabetics?

Is wine safe for people with diabetes? Wine is a relatively low sugar drink, with both red and white wines containing less than 1.5 grams (g) of sugar per standard 5-ounce (oz) serving.

How much sugar is in an 8 oz glass of chardonnay?

Nutritional Value of a Glass of Chardonnay Dietary fiber: 0g. Sugar: 1.4g.