Tired of feeling guilty after opening that delicious red wine? Worry no more – there’s now a way to indulge in a glass of merlot or cabernet without feeling guilty the next day! The new wave of low carb wines mean that you can enjoy a good night of ‘cheers’ without worrying about your waistline or health. Read on to learn more about drinking low carb wines without guilt!
Contents
- 1. Toast to Guilt-Free Low Carb Wines
- 2. Get to Know Low Carb Wines
- 3. Stocking Up Your Low Carb Wine >> Pantry
- 4. Food Pairing with Low Carb Wines
- 5. Salut! Enjoy Low Carb Wines Without Remorse
- My Answers
1. Toast to Guilt-Free Low Carb Wines
Do you ever feel guilty when opting to indulge in some wine? Eating and drinking less sugar is a near-universal goal, and it can be difficult to find delicious low-carb alternatives. Luckily, low-carb wines exist, and they’re worth a celebratory toast!
If you’re looking to dodge a few carbs, here are some wines to try:
- Dry White Wines
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer - Dry Red Wines
Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon
Not only are these wines low in carbs, but they also have great health benefits! Most are low in sugar and gluten-free, and depending on your selection, you’ll be getting a good dose of antioxidants. Cheers to that!
2. Get to Know Low Carb Wines
Drinking wine doesn’t have to be unhealthy and the key to that are low carb wines. With their significantly lower carbohydrate count, these wines are suitable for many people watching their sugar intake or having diabetes. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes these wines special.
What Low Carb Wines are all About?
Low carb wines are made from grapes where the carbohydrates and sugar have been removed during the winemaking process. This reduces the carbohydrate content by up to 90% when compared to other wines. That leaves you with a refreshingly crisp and dry drink with much lower risk of a sugar spike.
What to Look For in Low Carb Wines?
When you are selecting a low carb wine, there are few easy tips to keep in mind:
- Check the label – choose low carb wines that explicitly say “low carb”.
- Opt for dry over sweet – dry roses and light whites have less sugar than sweet whites and dessert wines.
- Look for ABV value – since carbs are often used to boost the alcohol content, wines with higher ABV tend to be lower in carbs.
The bottom line is that with careful selection you can still enjoy your favorite wines without impacting your health.
3. Stocking Up Your Low Carb Wine >> Pantry
When it comes to low carb wines, stocking up your pantry with quality options should be part of your priority list. Here are three staples that are perfect for those who love to drink but still care about their carbs intake.
Red Wine: When it comes to low carb wines, red is one of the best options. Most varieties of red wines come with under 3g of carbohydrates per 5-ounce serving. Whether you’re in the mood for an oaky cabernet or a smooth Merlot, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to practice moderation.
White Wine: Balance is key, and that’s why white wines should also be part of your low carb diet. With most varieties having less than 2 grams of carbohydrates per 5-ounce glass, you can enjoy a crisp, refreshing chardonnay without worry. Plus, you can pair it with any meal for a fancy dinner night in.
Sparkling Wines: If you’re looking for a bubbly treat, sparkling wines are also great low carb options. Plenty of types are less than 2 g of carbohydrates in a 5-ounce glass, so you can pop open a bottle of brut to celebrate any special occasion. Here are some other popular options you can add to your pantry:
- Champagne
- Cava
- Sparkling Rosé
- Prosecco
4. Food Pairing with Low Carb Wines
If you’re trying to reduce the amount of carbs you’re consuming, but don’t want to give up the occasional glass of wine, you’re in luck! Low carb wines offer you a healthier alternative, and can even help you pick the perfect food pairings for your next meal.
Mixing and matching to get the right flavor is key. For red wines, try to focus on:
- Light food items like fresh fruits or salads
- Foods that define an “umami” flavor like soy sauce, mushrooms, and cheese
- Vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and squash
On the other hand, for white wines, you should look at dishes like:
- Fish and seafood dishes that light sauces
- Cream-based dishes, like creamy pasta dishes
- Lemony-garlic sauces, such as white wine and garlic mussel dishes
Try out different combinations to determine which flavors bring out the most in your favorite low carb wines. Bon appétit – enjoy!
5. Salut! Enjoy Low Carb Wines Without Remorse
Let’s toast to better health with delicious, low carb wines without any of the guilt-tripping. It can be hard to resist some of those sweet ciders, perlweins, and sparkling wines, but save yourself from the extra calories without having to sacrifice on taste. Here are five different delicious low-carb wines you can enjoy without any remorse.
- Riesling – this zesty white wine has a mouth-watering mix of citrus and tropical fruit, with a pleasant sweetness that balances the slight acidity from the higher alcohol level. Plus, you’re looking at only 3 carbs per glass.
- Fume Blanc – this white varietal doesn’t always hit the spot, but when it does, get ready for some floral and citrus aromas, plus a flavor of white peach or sometimes even a hint of fig. It’s light-bodied, and contains 3 carbs per glass.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – the queen of reds, Cab Sav offers a hefty palette of ripe black fruits, herbs, coffee, and spices. Not as obviously acidic as its peers, it offers full-bodied flavor and only clocks in at 3-4 carbs per glass
If you’re sipping reds and can’t decide between the other selections, go for a Merlot. It’s easy to drink and has less tannins and acidity than a Cabernet, but has similar flavors of fruit, herbs, tobacco, and chocolate. It has a slight sweetness that’s perfect for those fewer carbs – with 4 per glass.
So, if you’re looking to elegance your meals with a generous glass of red or white, or just want to switch up your dinner party routine, these picks are where it’s at for low-carb drinkers. Here’s to tasteful indulgence!
My Answers
Q: What’s the best way to remain healthy while still enjoying a glass of wine?
A: There are lots of ways to stay healthy while still enjoying a glass of wine! One option is to switch to low-carb wines. Low-carb wines have fewer carbohydrates than other wines, which can help you stay on track with your dietary choices. Plus, they don’t skimp on flavor.
Q: What does “low-carb” actually mean?
A: Low-carb refers to the amount of sugar — and carbohydrates — found in a single bottle of wine. You may see terms like “dry” wine, or 1–2 grams of carbohydrates per 5-ounce pour. This can help you enjoy a good glass of wine without packing in too many unwanted calories.
Q: Are low-carb wines difficult to find?
A: Not necessarily! Low-carb wines are widely available in most wine stores, and you can even find them online, too. Plus, some of your favorite wineries may even make a low-carb alternative. Just be sure to do your research before picking up a bottle.
Cheers to low-carb drinks that you can enjoy guilt-free! Now you don’t have to sacrifice taste in order to enjoy your favorite beverage. Enjoy your favorite drinks with your favorite people and savor the flavor of healthier options with a smile. Cheers to good health!