Low-sugar wines

Low-sugar wines have little to no residual sugar (RS) left after fermentation, meaning they taste drier and contain fewer carbs. Most dry wines naturally fall into this category, with sugar content typically ranging from 0-3 grams per liter (g/L).

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Image of a glass of red wine and red wine grapes surrounded by dry leaves

What affects sugar content in wine?


  • Fermentation Process: Longer fermentation means less residual sugar.
  • Grape Variety: Some grapes (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon) produce naturally drier wines.
  • Winemaking Style: Some regions emphasize dry styles, while others create sweeter wines.

Best low-sugar red wines


Most dry red wines have minimal sugar, making them excellent choices for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon - Bold, full-bodied, and naturally dry (0-1 g/L)
  • Pinot Noir - Light-bodied with bright red fruit flavors (0-2 g/L)
  • Merlot - Smooth, medium-bodied, and fruit-forward (0-2 g/L)
  • Syrah/Shiraz - Rich, spicy, and full-bodied (0-2 g/L)
  • Malbec - Dark and velvety with bold fruit notes (1-2 g/L)

Best low-sugar white wines


Dry white wines tend to have less sugar than their sweet counterparts.

  • Sauvignon Blanc - Crisp, zesty, and citrusy (0-1 g/L)
  • Chardonnay - Rich and full-bodied, especially in the unoaked style (0-2 g/L)
  • Pinot Grigio - Light, refreshing, and dry (0-2 g/L)
  • Albariño - Bright and slightly floral with high acidity (0-2 g/L)
  • Vermentino - Dry, crisp, and slightly mineral-driven (0-1 g/L)

Best low-sugar sparkling wines


Sparkling wines are often categorized by Brut levels, which indicate sugar content.

  • Brut Nature (0-3 g/L) - The driest option with almost no sugar (e.g., Champagne, Cava)
  • Extra Brut (0-6 g/L) - Very dry with slight fruitiness (e.g., Prosecco, Crémant)
  • Brut (0-12 g/L) - The most common dry sparkling wine

Avoid: Demi-Sec, Sec, and Doux sparkling wines, as they contain higher sugar levels.

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Low-sugar wine buying tips

  • Look for "Dry" or "Brut" on the label – These terms indicate lower sugar.
  • Check the Alcohol Content – Higher ABV (13%+) often means less residual sugar.
  • Choose Old World Wines – French, Italian, and Spanish wines tend to be drier.
  • Avoid "Late Harvest" or "Dessert Wines" – These have higher sugar levels.

Best low-sugar reds:


Cabernet Sauvignon

Tiabras

2020, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spain

Award-winning

Red Blend

Valeur Ajoutée

2021, Red Blend, Pays d'Oc

Sangiovese

Da Vinci

2007, Sangiovese, Chianti

Rioja Reserva Tempranillo

Campo Viejo

2015, Rioja Reserva Tempranillo, Rioja

Sangiovese

Da Vinci

2009, Sangiovese, Chianti

Sangiovese

Ruffino

2020, Sangiovese, Chianti Classico Docg

Pinot Noir

Domaine Drouhin

2017, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills

Nuits-Saint-Georges Burgundy

Louis Jadot

2017, Nuits-Saint-Georges Burgundy, Côte de Nuits

Tempranillo

La Enfermera

Tempranillo, Toro

Tempranillo

Zumaya

2012, Tempranillo, Ribera Del Duero

Tempranillo

Marques De Caceres

Tempranillo, Rioja

Pinot Noir

A to Z Wineworks

2017, Pinot Noir, Oregon

Best low-sugar whites:


Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Thierry Merlin Cherrier

2023, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre

Chardonnay

La Crema

2010, Chardonnay, Monterey

Chardonnay

Austin Hope

Chardonnay, Paso Robles

Vermentinu, Rimenese, Biancu Gentile, Genovese, Caraghjolu Biancu

Clos Canarelli

Vermentinu, Rimenese, Biancu Gentile, Genovese, Caraghjolu Biancu

Sauvignon Blanc

Barton & Guestier

Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine

Chardonnay

Joseph Drouhin

Chardonnay, Meursault

Chardonnay

Thierry Pillot

Chardonnay, Saint-Aubin

Sauvignon Blanc

Jean-Max Roger

Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre

Roussanne, Marsanne, Garnacha Blanca

Domaine Cathala

2022, Roussanne, Marsanne, Garnacha Blanca, Saint Chinian

Sauvignon Blanc

Jean-Max Roger

Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly Fume

Award-winning

Chardonnay

Harmonic Bridge

2018, Chardonnay, Paso Robles

Sauvignon Blanc

Frederick Legrand

2023, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre

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