Calories in White Wine: Full Nutrition Breakdown

White wine is a popular choice for its lighter flavor profile, made from green or yellowish-skinned grapes with minimal skin contact during fermentation. A standard 5 oz glass of white wine at around 12% ABV contains approximately 121 calories, primarily from alcohol with a small contribution from residual carbohydrates. White wines also provide small amounts of potassium and phosphorus.

Calories by serving size:

The calorie count in white wine is driven almost entirely by its alcohol content, as alcohol provides 7 calories per gram. Dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio sit at the lower end of the calorie range, while sweeter styles like Moscato and late-harvest Riesling can contain significantly more calories due to their higher residual sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do white wine and red wine compare in calories?

White wine and red wine are very close in calories — about 121 versus 125 calories per standard 5 oz glass. The slight difference is mainly because red wines tend to have marginally higher alcohol content. When comparing the same ABV, the calorie counts are nearly identical.

What is the lowest-calorie white wine?

Sauvignon Blanc is generally one of the driest and lowest-calorie white wines, coming in at around 119 calories per 5 oz glass with minimal residual sugar. Other low-calorie options include Pinot Grigio at roughly 122 calories and dry Riesling at about 118 calories, both of which are fermented to near-complete dryness.

How many calories are in Prosecco or Champagne?

A standard 5 oz serving of Brut Prosecco or Champagne contains approximately 90-100 calories, making sparkling wines one of the lighter alcoholic options. The lower calorie count is partly due to slightly lower alcohol content (around 11-12% ABV) and the fact that Brut styles have very little residual sugar, typically under 1.5 grams per glass.

How do sweet and dry white wines compare in calories?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc contains about 119-122 calories per 5 oz glass with less than 1 gram of sugar. Sweet whites such as Moscato or sweet Riesling can reach 160 or more calories per glass because they retain 8-12 grams of residual sugar, adding 30-50 extra calories purely from carbohydrates.

Is Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio lower in calories?

A 5 oz glass of Chardonnay typically contains about 123 calories, while Pinot Grigio comes in slightly lower at around 122 calories per glass. The difference is negligible and often comes down to the specific bottle's alcohol percentage. Both are considered dry wines with similar sugar content, usually under 1-2 grams per serving.