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Red wine is often viewed as the heavier, heartier type of wine. It goes great with red meats and doesn’t taste overly sweet. These are facts you probably know from experience or watching wine movies. But, what about the calories in red wine?
Caloric intake is a big thing for many people and alcoholic beverages can vary greatly in total calories (see also: average alcohol content of wine). Red wine types fall safely in the middle in regard to calories in wine, but a number of factors can increase or decrease the amount you consume.
Keep reading to learn about calories in red wine and how you can estimate your total intake by how you drink and how much.
How Many Calories In Red Wine?
Red wine has an average of 25 calories per ounce. Red wines can have as little as 23 calories per ounce or as much as 26 calories per ounce, based on the wine's type and age.
Red wine tends to have a higher calorie count because it is fermented with older, more sugary grapes with the skin left on. This leads to the creation of more tannins in wine and a higher ABV due to the sugar in wine.
Those tannins in red wine are also what cause the deep red color. Remember that next time you have to look up how to remove red wine stains or find the best wine stain removers.
Calories in 4 Oz Red Wine
A 4 oz glass of red wine contains an average of 100 calories. If you're dying for some red wine, but don't want the extra calories, a 4 oz pour may be a good choice.
You still get a decent amount of wine but limit the caloric intake to less than a serving of your favorite potato chip. Opt for a low ABV red like a pinot noir.
Calories in 5 Oz Red Wine
A 5 oz glass of red wine contains an average of 125 calories. Are you going out on the town and would like a glass of red wine? You can safely assume that this is around the number of calories you'd be consuming. Nearly all restaurants serve their wine in 5 oz servings.
Most winemakers don't label their bottles for calorie count. You can ask the barkeep or sommelier, and they may be able to find out. Never turn down a wine because you're lacking information.
Calories in 6 Oz Red Wine
A 6 oz glass of red wine contains an average of 150 calories. We find that most home-pours fall around the 6 oz mark. Don't fret over an extra ounce.
You're likely only adding between 23-26 calories unless you're drinking a heavy, fortified red. Most likely you won't even notice the difference between this and a 5 oz pour.
Calories in 8 Oz Red Wine
An 8 oz glass of red wine contains an average of 200 calories. We admit we love a large wine glass.
Here's where you'll really see the difference between a home pour and one in a restaurant. This pour is 3 oz more and comes with an additional 60-75 calories. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's important to know if you're trying to limit intake.
How Many Calories In A Glass Of Red Wine?
A glass of red wine contains an average of 125 calories. This number relies on a 5 oz pour, but we broke down other pours above, so feel free to pick the one that matches your own glassware. On the low end, you may only consume 95 calories in a glass. On the high end, that number could be upward of 205 calories.
Keeping an eye on the amount you pour in conjunction with the ABV of your chosen wine is key. If the wine is both red and sweet, you can safely assume that it's above the average for red wines.
How Many Calories In A Bottle Of Red Wine?
The average 750mL bottle of red wine contains about 625 calories. Again, the wine varietal and its sweetness will affect this overall number. You should be able to get 4-5 servings out of a bottle of red wine. Some sweeter red wines call for smaller serving sizes, so see if your chosen drink has a label on the bottle. You can also pick up a bottle of low calorie wine if you're concerned.
Red wine can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet, but it still has calories. A glass is fantastic when you're dining on a good meal with friends and family, but you don't need to drink an entire bottle every time. Moderation is key.
How to Calculate Red Wine Calories
You may not always pour the exact amount of wine listed above, or you may buy a red wine that has been fortified in some way. To still get a fairly accurate calorie count, you need to know the ABV of the wine. Most bottles will list the ABV for you, but you can also make an educated guess or use an ABV calculator. In general, there are about 158 calories in 1 oz of pure alcohol.
So, let’s say you’re using a standard 5 oz pour of a red wine with 14% ABV.
You can use the formula below to find the calorie count:
Ounces x ABV x 1.6 = Alcohol Calories
5 x 14 x 1.6 = 112 Alcohol Calories
We find that a 5 oz glass of a red wine with 14% ABV contains an estimated 112 calories. It’s still important to remember that some winemakers will fortify the wine by adding additional sugar, but this is less common in red wine.
Red, Red Wine
Red wine naturally has a higher calorie count and sugar content than other types of wine. However, winemakers don’t add sugar after the fermentation process, so there’s a good chance your glass or bottle still has a lower sugar content than other varieties.
You can check the label for further information or reach out to the vintner to see if they can help. You can also look into the calories in white wine and calories in rose wine if you're looking for something lighter. If you're looking for a wine that fits the aphrodisiac meaning, however, red wine might still be the best choice.
You can also further increase the flavor profile of your red wine without increasing the calories by using one of the best wine aerators or best wine decanters. These tools add just the right amount of air into the wine, drawing out more complex flavors and ensuring you get the most out of your drink.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calories In Red Wine
Are you trying to watch your weight but still enjoy a glass of red wine now and then? You're not alone. Many want to indulge in the occasional drink without sacrificing their hard-earned progress at the gym.
So how many calories are there in a 750ml bottle of red wine? And is there a healthier option if you're looking to cut down on your calorie intake? Read on for answers to these frequently asked questions about calories in red wine.
How Many Calories Are In a 750mL Bottle of Red Wine?
A 750mL bottle of red wine contains 625 calories. This is equivalent to approximately five glasses of wine.
Is Red Wine Very Fattening?
Red wine is not very fattening. In fact, a glass of red wine has fewer calories than a can of soda or a slice of cake.
However, it is important to remember that all alcoholic beverages contain calories and should be consumed in moderation. If you are trying to lose weight, it is best to limit your alcohol intake.
Which Red Wine Is Lowest In Calories?
Pinot Noir is one of the lowest-calorie red wines available. On average, a 5 oz glass of Pinot Noir contains just over 120 calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Is a Bottle of Wine a Day Too Much to Drink?
No definitive answer exists to this question since it depends on several factors, including the person's age, health, alcohol tolerance, and personal preferences. However, in general, drinking more than one bottle of wine per day is considered excessive. It can lead to negative consequences such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and impaired cognitive function. If you're unsure whether your drinking is excessive, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Is Red Wine More Fattening Than White Wine?
While it is true that red wine contains more calories than white wine, the difference is not as significant as you might think. A five-ounce glass of red wine has about 123 calories, while a comparable serving of white wine has only about 116 calories.
So, if you're watching your weight, you may want to choose white wine over red. But red wine is the better choice if you're looking for more health benefits when drinking wine. Red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine, which can help protect your heart and improve cholesterol levels.