What you need to know
When it comes to watching your figure, alcohol and wine consumption are not really compatible. Alcohol is high in calories (an average of 7 calories per gram of alcohol, for a “standard” 10g glass). So whether it’s whisky, beer or wine, the calorie intake is quite considerable. What’s more, these calories must be added to those provided by sugar.
Also, alcohol promotes dehydration and thus a water retention mechanism, which we’d absolutely like to avoid. On the other hand, it has the ability to reduce the effectiveness of the hormone leptin, which is responsible for the satiety signal that tells us when to stop eating.
So, all these factors won’t help you if you’re aiming to lose a few kilos. We’ll be glad to help!
Low-calorie wines
Champagne and sparkling wine
The lowest-calorie wine is champagne (extra-brut and brut). In fact, it contains just 80 calories for a classic flute. This is still substantial compared to other beverages, but in the world of wine, it’s not much. And that’s just as well, because with the wedding season just around the corner, you can treat yourself to a glass of champagne, crémant or sparkling wine (in moderation) without feeling too guilty. More generally, sparkling wines like Crémant d’Alsace (extra-brut and brut) are low in calories.
White wine
This is an unsweetened wine: it contains “only” 86 calories for a standard glass. Behind this appellation are many white wines from Alsace (such as a dry Riesling ) and the Val-de-Loire (such as Sancerre). Overall, these dry whites are very fragrant and lively on the palate. They are the perfect accompaniment to a platter of raw vegetables, shellfish, fish or poultry. Perfect for lightness and slimming!
Rosé wine
Phew! Your summer evenings won’t be affected by your 2023 resolution. In fact, rosé is a relatively low-calorie wine, like dry white wine. Some of the best-known rosé wines that TWIL can recommend include Château Minutywith a fruity nose and a fresh, tangy palate. However, beware of overindulging during aperitifs on the terrace, which will only increase your calorie bill!
Red wine
Contrary to popular belief, red wine is actually quite high in calories. But only when it’s dry. Choose a smooth red wine. A Merlot or Pinot Noir, for example, has around 120 calories per glass. Or, if you do have a craving, be careful how much you eat, and always in moderation.
To conclude, now that you know how many calories each type of wine contains, turn your attention to the quantity and pace of your consumption. Add to this a healthy diet and a few sessions of sport a week. But don’t deprive yourself, because frustration is never good!