The wine industry is experiencing a significant shift as consumer preferences evolve towards lower-calorie options. Winemakers are increasingly catering to demands for no-alcohol and lower-alcohol wines, with lower-calorie varieties now prominently featured on labels. This movement mirrors the surge in popularity of light beers that began in the 1970s, when Gablingers Extra Light Beer was introduced as the first light beer, setting the stage for major brands like Miller Brewing Co. to follow suit. Today, the light beer segment accounts for approximately 40% of the total U.S. beer market.
As the trend for lower-calorie wines gains traction, recent tastings reveal a growing array of options that offer both enjoyable flavors and reduced calorie counts. A standard glass of table wine typically contains about 150 calories per 5-ounce serving, setting a benchmark for these new offerings.
Exploring Lower-Calorie Wines
One notable example is the Yalumba Y Series Lighter Chardonnay South Australia 2024, priced at $15. This ultra-low-calorie wine contains just 66 calories per 5-ounce glass and presents a significantly lighter mouthfeel, characterized by light fruit notes and a citrus edge—ideal for warm outdoor days.
Another contender, the Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc Washington State 2023, retails for $13-16 and boasts the highest alcohol content among the samples at 12.5%. This wine, with only 95 calories and under 1 gram of sugar, delivers a crisp and herbal flavor profile, ensuring a refreshing experience.
The wine giant Mezzacorona has launched a new brand, Ventessa, featuring lower alcohol (9%) and lower calorie (90 calories) wines. The Mezzacorona Ventessa Vignetti Delle Dolomiti IGT Pinot Grigio 2023 costs $10-13 and surprises with its pleasant fruity character, making its lower alcohol and calorie content nearly undetectable. The Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé Vignetti Delle Dolomiti IGT 2024 offers a light, refreshing taste with pale tones and cherry-citrus notes.
The Mezzacorona Ventessa Red Blend Vignetti Delle Dolomiti IGT 2023, also priced at $10-13, is a delightful summer red crafted from indigenous grape varieties including schiava and teroldego. This light-colored wine features cherry and berry notes with a mild acidity, making it another standout in the lower-calorie category.
Quality Offerings from Established Brands
The renowned winery Rodney Strong continues to impress with its latest releases. Known for its commitment to quality and reasonable pricing, Rodney Strong’s wines showcase the best characteristics of various grape varieties and growing regions. The Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte’s Home Sonoma County 2023 ($18) exemplifies the grape’s potential with a complex blend of lime, herbs, and peach notes.
The Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley 2024 ($25) offers a rounder, softer expression with lemon, peach, and white plum flavors. Their Rodney Strong Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 Limited ($37) presents an impressive array of flavors, featuring lemon and pear notes with a toasty aroma.
For red wine enthusiasts, the Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma County Limited 2023 ($37) delivers a beautiful presentation of berry flavors framed by subtle oak, while the Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Sonoma County Limited 2022 ($37) stands out for its sturdy construction and abundant fruit flavors of cherry and cassis, complemented by hints of chocolate.
Recent tastings also included selections from Champagne Piaff, led by fifth-generation winemaker Maxime Mansard. The Champagne Piaff Brut N/V ($50-60) impresses with a creamy, yeasty nose and ripe apple notes, while the Champagne Piaff Rosé Brut N/V ($50-60) showcases a beautiful strawberry color and delightful cherry notes.
As the trend towards lower-calorie wines continues to grow, consumers can explore a variety of options without sacrificing flavor. With established brands and new entrants alike adapting to these demands, the wine market appears poised for a transformation reminiscent of the light beer phenomenon.
Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been writing a weekly, syndicated wine column since 1985. For more insights and wine recommendations, visit their blog at moreaboutwine.com or contact them at [email protected].