Share This
Looking to enjoy your wine while keeping things light? You’re in the right place. With a growing focus on mindful drinking and fitness-friendly lifestyles, low-calorie wine is making waves. We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know—from the basics and benefits of low-cal wine, to recommended wines and pairing ideas that will make your meals sing. Whether you’re trying to be more health-conscious or simply curious about your options, this guide has you covered.
What is Low-Calorie Wine?
Low-calorie wine is exactly what it sounds like—a lighter option for those who love their wine but want to keep an eye on their calorie intake. Typically, a glass of wine averages around 120-130 calories per 5-ounce pour, but low-calorie wines contain fewer calories, sometimes as low as 85 per glass (5 oz. serving) like each of our Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie wines.
Calories in wine come primarily from alcohol and residual sugars (aka, unfermented sugar left in the wine). To qualify as low-calorie, the wine needs to have lower levels of both. For those with active lifestyles or those who follow mindful drinking practices, low-calorie wines are low-sugar, low-alcohol wines that still deliver a fun and enjoyable experience.
Understanding Sugar Content in Low-Calorie Wines
Sugar plays a major role in the calorie count of your wine. The more sugar, the more calories—simple as that. Most wines are fermented until dry, meaning most of the sugar in the grapes has been converted to alcohol. The more sugar that is left after fermentation, the more calories the wine will have. There’s a common misperception that wine has a lot of sugar, yet dry wines have less than 10 grams of sugar per liter (33.8 ounces). Compare this to the typical soda, which has 39 grams of sugar per 355 ml (12 ounces).
As you might expect, sweeter wines—a smaller category of wines—have more residual sugar and, therefore, higher calories. The sweetest dessert wines can have from 120 to 220 grams of sugar per liter, with a much richer calorie count. If you're looking for low-calorie options, dry wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé are excellent choices.
How is Low-Calorie Wine Made?
The magic of low-calorie wine starts in the vineyard. Grapes acquire more sugar as they ripen, so picking the grapes earlier will result in lower sugar content. Kendall-Jackson crafts its low-calorie wines by harvesting twice in the fall: an early first pick to select grapes lower in sugar, followed by a second later pick to choose grapes with richness and complexity. Blended together, these lots create balanced, vibrant wines, loaded with flavor and inviting aromas.
Once in the cellar, the winemakers can work to create lower-calorie wines by carefully managing sugar and alcohol levels. During fermentation, sugar in the grapes converts to alcohol. A fully fermented, "dry" wine has little to no residual sugar, which lowers its calorie count. However, higher alcohol levels can add calories, even if the sugar is reduced. To solve this, winemakers might blend a higher-alcohol wine with a lower-alcohol one. By adjusting both the sugar and alcohol levels during blending, they can craft a balanced, low-calorie wine.
Winemakers have additional tools—such as lees stirring and fermenting the wine in oak barrels—to add complexity to a low-calorie wine. Kendall-Jackson, for example, ferments its Low Calorie Chardonnay and Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc in barrels to add richness and texture to the wines. On the other hand, a winemaker may opt for stainless steel fermentation, such as Kendall-Jackson does with its Low Calorie Rosé to preserve the fresh fruit aromas. Kendall-Jackson’s Low Calorie Collection is also bottled in lighter weight bottles to reduce CO2 emissions when transporting the bottles, making these wines lighter in every sense of the word!
There’s a reason low-calorie wines are on the rise: They might be light in calories, but they can be quite big on taste.
Pairing Low-Calorie Wines with Food
Pairing low-calorie wines with food is just as fun and flavorful as pairing any other wine. Here are some perfect pairing suggestions and recipes for Kendall-Jackson’s Low Calorie White and Rosé Wines:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Pair it with salads and lighter dishes, such as salsa verde chicken, crab cakes, or garlicky prawns. Try these recipes:
- Goat Cheese Enchiladas
- Fried Plantains
- Avocado Toast
- Chardonnay: Matches wonderfully with creamy or mildly spiced dishes, such as herbed chicken, avocado toast, or fish tacos. Try these recipes:
- Chicken with Apples
- Pumpkin Ricotta Bruschetta
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Rosé: Perfect for tapas, grilled shrimp or salmon, and fruity salads, such as watermelon, feta, and mint. Try these recipes:
- Caramelized Onion Flatbread
- Salmon Pairing Recipe
- Fish Tacos
Looking for more ideas? Visit Kendall-Jackson’s Entertaining Guide for inspiration!
Comparing Low-Calorie Wines to Regular Wines
So how do low-calorie wines stack up against regular wines? When it comes to taste, many people expect low-calorie options to lack flavor or body, but that’s not the case. High-quality, low-calorie wines, like those from Kendall-Jackson, maintain their rich, full flavors while offering a lighter, less caloric sip.
Kendall-Jackson is able to craft amazing low-calorie wines by using the same high-quality fruit that it sources for the other wines in its portfolio, while also employing dual harvest picks and winemaking techniques, such as barrel fermentation. Each Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie wine has only 85 calories, 3 grams of carbs, no added sugar, and only 9% ABV for a 5-ounce serving.
In short, the main difference between low-calorie and regular wines is lower alcohol, fewer calories, and less sugar content, but featuring the same great taste.
Debunking Common Myths About Low-Calorie Wine
- "Low-calorie wine lacks flavor." False! Low-calorie wines can pack just as much depth and character as traditional varieties.
- "They're only for health nuts." Completely untrue. These wines are for anyone who wants a mindful yet indulgent drinking experience.
- "Low alcohol equals bad wine." Not at all. Balanced alcohol levels often enhance a wine’s drinkability, flavors, and aromas.
Kendall-Jackson ensures their low-calorie wines meet the brand's high standards for quality and taste. By crafting these wines with the same grapes they use to produce for the rest of the wines in their portfolio, as well as using similar, expensive winemaking techniques—such as barrel fermentation—Kendall-Jackson’s low-calorie wines deliver the quality you love and know, with only 85 calories per serving. Or, as we like to describe them: Lighter, not lesser.
Three of the Best Low-Calorie Wines from Kendall-Jackson
Now that we have you thirsty for a glass of low-calorie wine, here are three top picks from Kendall-Jackson:
1. America’s #1 Low-Calorie Chardonnay
This Chardonnay offers a clean, crisp profile with just the right amount of freshness. It's the perfect wine for those who enjoy a lighter, more refined glass that pairs effortlessly with both food and relaxation.
Aromas & Flavors: Mango, papaya, and white flowers.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc brings a burst of sunshine in every sip. It’s vibrant, zesty, and perfect for pairing with seafood or fresh salads on a warm evening.
Aromas & Flavors: Citrus, pineapple, and guava.
3. Rosé
This refreshing Rosé is the perfect balance of fruity and floral, with a touch of sweetness that’s just right. It’s light, crisp, and incredibly easy to drink, making it ideal for any casual get-together or relaxed afternoon.
Aromas & Flavors: Fresh cut watermelon, hibiscus, strawberry, and grapefruit.
Shop the Best Low-Calorie Wines
Choosing healthier options doesn't mean saying goodbye to quality or flavor. At Kendall-Jackson, we believe in creating wines that inspire, delight, and align with active lifestyles. Cheers to making mindful (and delicious) choices!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes wine low-calorie?
Low-calorie wine is made with lower levels of sugar and alcohol compared to regular wines. By harvesting grapes earlier and using specific fermentation techniques, winemakers create wines that still offer great taste but with fewer calories. Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie wines each contain just 85 calories per 5-ounce serving.
2. How many calories are in a glass of regular wine?
A typical glass of regular wine contains about 120-130 calories per 5-ounce pour, depending on the type and sweetness level. Low-calorie wines have fewer calories, making them a lighter option for those mindful of their intake.
3. Are low-calorie wines still flavorful?
Absolutely! Contrary to common belief, low-calorie wines can be just as flavorful as regular wines. Thanks to quality grapes, careful winemaking techniques, and balanced sugar and alcohol content, these wines offer the same rich taste with fewer calories.
4. What are the main differences between low-calorie and regular wine?
The key differences are lower alcohol, fewer calories, and less sugar. However, low-calorie wines like those from Kendall-Jackson maintain the same high-quality taste as regular wines, ensuring you don’t miss out on flavor.
5. Are low-calorie wines just for people on a diet or health-conscious drinkers?
Not at all! Low-calorie wines are for anyone who enjoys wine but wants a lighter option. Whether you’re mindful of your calorie intake, enjoying a lighter drink with a meal, or simply curious about these wines, they offer a great balance of indulgence and moderation.
