Want to Know How Many Carbs in Red Wine?

Many individuals today are looking to reduce the carbohydrates in their diets. When you consume carbs, your body releases insulin. The more carbs you consume, the more insulin your body needs. Insulin has the power to suppress your body’s metabolism and create hormonal changes that push calorie storage in your fat cells. Unfortunately, it can also create hunger. Lower your carbs, and you begin to notice some weight loss and a healthier body. Unfortunately, though, limiting your carbs can have a big impact on what you eat and drink, and many foods may suddenly become off-limits. Does that mean you’re going to have to cut back on your red wine intake? After all, people will still think about how many carbs in red wine, so it’s good to know what you’re drinking.

Don’t Dump Those Bottles yet!

There’s no one answer to how many carbs in red wine. There are carbs in most red wines, yes, but that doesn’t mean you should completely eliminate them from your diet. In fact, even if you’re on a fairly strict plan, like a keto diet, you’ll find you have room for at least one glass of red wine a day. The serving size for a glass of good red wine is five to six ounces. At that, you’ll be taking in around 3.5 - 4 grams of carbs, but that can depend a bit on the type of wine you’re consuming. Different wines contain different amounts of carbs because of the residual sugars left. A dry wine like a Pinot Noir will typically contain just 3.5 grams of carbs per five-ounce serving. A sweeter red wine like a Red Port, though, would contain as much as 10 grams of carbs, depending on the brand. As a result, it’s incredibly possible to select a red wine that won’t use up your daily allowance of carbs. 

Making the Right Choice

As you try to select a red wine that fits perfectly into your daily allowance, there are a few things you can do. First, be aware of labels like “dessert” or “late harvest” to better curb your carb intake as you enjoy red wine. Wines with those labels tend to contain more residual sugars, which will increase the carb count. 

Second, you may want to make a red wine spritzer to help decrease your carb count. Use two ounces of your favorite red, then mix it with ice and club soda. A few garnishes and you have a drink you can enjoy without the guilt. 

Finally, be sure to enjoy plenty of water with your red wine. Alcohol consumption can speed up dehydration if you’re on a fairly restrictive diet, so alternate your glass of wine with a glass of water. 

Select the Right Red for You

Ready to select the perfect red wine with just the right amount of carbs? Take a look at our complete selection now.

 

How Many Calories are In a Glass of Red Wine?

For many people who are exploring wine for the first time or for those who are working toward a healthier lifestyle, understanding how a glass of wine fits into their daily calorie count is nothing short of an absolute must. After all, while an evening glass of wine may be delicious and have some other kinds of health benefits, it also adds to your overall calorie count. People often wonder about how many calories in a glass of red wine. The answer is more complicated than you think. 

Why Not Just Look at the Label?

Virtually every food and beverage product throughout the United States has a nutritional label on the package. At a glance, you can see exactly how much of your recommended daily allowance of a variety of vitamins and minerals come in even a candy bar. You can’t always do that with alcohol, though. The reason behind this actually dates back to the days of Prohibition. While the foods and beverages you see on grocery store shelves are all regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and thus required to carry a nutritional label, alcoholic beverages are not. They’re regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TBB. That agency makes no requirements about nutritional labels, so many brands simply don’t include them because they create added paperwork and expense to the process of production. 

So, How Many Calories in a BOTTLE of Red Wine?

If you can’t simply look at the label, how can you understand the calorie count in your beverage? It starts with learning two key pieces of information about the red wine you’re consuming. The first is the alcohol content itself. On the whole, alcohol has about 7 calories per gram. The higher the alcohol content in the wine itself, the higher the number of calories. 

The other factor that fits into this equation is the type of red wine you’re drinking. That’s thanks to the sugar content in the wine itself. Every wine has a certain amount of residual sugar. For example, a sweet dessert wine with a higher sugar content might have more calories than a very dry red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon. People wondering about how many calories in a glass of red wine might want to steer clear of the super sweet wines.

In general, there are about 530 - 630 calories in a bottle of red wine that contains 12 - 14% ABV. A 5-ounce glass, then, contains somewhere between 100 and 150 calories. Lighter-bodied red wines have fewer calories while a full-bodied choice will have additional calories. In most cases, though, you’re talking about a ten to twenty calorie difference between your wine choices. 

Meeting Your Goals While Enjoying Red Wine

You can still meet your calorie goals and enjoy a glass of red wine. It’s important to remember, though, that as with any alcoholic beverage, wine might change your eating habits. It may tempt you to enjoy a salty or fatty snack because of the alcohol. You can stick to your routine and enjoy a glass, though, but only purchase high-quality dry red wines. So, if you’re wondering how many calories in a glass of red wine, dry wines have less sugar, so you’ll naturally have fewer calories per glass. Higher quality wines, too, tend to have less sugar. Finally, stick to the recommended pour of five ounces. That will help to limit your overall calorie intake. 

Sticking to your daily calorie intake while still enjoying a glass of red wine is more possible than ever with our complete line of red wines. Check them out today!

Why You Need to Try an Oregon Red Wine Next

Understanding and becoming interested in wine is a bit like going on a journey. You’ll want to visit lots of different places, and it may be tough to understand exactly which was your favorite before you’ve seen everything. No matter how overwhelming the world of wine may be, ensuring you give everything a try is an absolute must if you want to create a rich wine drinking experience. Oregon red wine is a little different. It’s an experience you absolutely want as your journey continues. 

Why Red Wine?

Red wine has always been known for its rich flavors and fragrances. Higher in tannins than white wines, you’ll find reds to be far more complex than others. There are lots of choices in red wines, just like there are in whites. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Pinot Noir are all good starting places to explore red wines. Every bottle means a new taste experience like dark fruits, berries, cherries, and even leather and tobacco. Each means a creamy, velvety experience that will change the way you look at wine. While Oregon wine country is known to produce a variety of red wine options, the best Oregon red wine is the Pinot Noir.

 

Oregon = Perfect Pinot Noir

While many describe Pinot Noir as complex, most look at Oregon Pinot Noir as virtually perfect. Wondering why this state creates such incredible Pinot Noir? There are actually several reasons. 

The Climate: Pinot Noir requires a very careful temperature. The grapes don’t stand up well to particularly cold climates. Late spring frosts aren’t good for these grapes either, as they bud in March in some cases, and a frost will easily damage them. Likewise, they’re not suitable for hotter climates. Even Napa Valley is far too warm for these grapes. They need warm summers and cool winters without any real temperature extremes. The growing space in Oregon for Pinot Noir grapes is the Willamette Valley region, which is rather close to the Pacific Ocean. In this space, it’s rare to see temperatures below freezing, so those temperature extremes that can be so problematic to this type of grape just aren’t really present here. 

The Moisture: In addition to the right climate, Pinot Noir grapes require quite a bit of water from the rain to gain proper growth. There’s a limit to what they can take, though. Too much rain means mold with these grapes. This makes Oregon the absolute perfect spot to grow them because the state averages 48 inches of precipitation in the winter and spring months. In the summer, things are a bit drier. That mix of rain and drier weather helps these grapes grow well. Further north, the grapes would get far too much rain. Any further south and the grapes would suffer because they might not get enough moisture. 

The Ground: The soil quality can also affect Pinot Noir grapes. They grow best in soil that has good drainage so that standing water isn’t a possibility. They also need fertile ground that has texture for that necessary run-off but that isn’t so rocky the grapes can lay down a solid root system. In Oregon, the dirt is just perfect. It has the right amount of nutrients these grapes need to grow combined with the perfect texture. 

 

The Best Growing Regions

Just as you might find in France, Oregon has a number of spaces that are better for Pinot Noir than others. There are, in fact, six areas of the state that are perfect for Pinot Noir. These areas are called AVAs, or American Viticultural Areas. These are specified vineyard zones that are rated based on geography and climate. The zones include:

• Eola-Amity Hills: The low hills in this area lead straight south into Salem, and along 221 highway, you can see the 1200 acres of Pinot Noir grapes. These varieties tend to be rich with both plum and currant flavors. 
• Chehalem Mountains: There are 1600 acres of Pinot Noir grapes here just southwest of Portland. The overtones in these grapes are usually cherry, black tea, and cinnamon. 
• McMinnville: Coming in at just 600 acres of Pinot Noir grapes, this is one of the smaller AVAs. The vineyards here face south, and the wines are quite rustic. You’ll find both plum and pine notes as well as other herbs. 
• Dundee Hills: The oldest vineyards in the area are located here. There are 1700 acres of Pinot Noir grapes, and the flavors you’ll find in these varieties typically include both raspberry and black tea. 
• Ribbon Ridge: This AVA is in the Chehalem Mountains, but it’s on the southern side of the mountains, which means it has a different soil type and often experiences different weather. There are nearly 500 acres of Pinot Noir grapes planted here, and the flavor overtone is intensely cranberry. 
• Yamhill-Carlton: Located southwest of Ribbon Ridge, there are 1200 acres of Pinot Noir grapes here, and the low rolling hills not only make for a picturesque location, but also warmer temperatures in the afternoons. As a result, you’ll find a fruitier version of Pinot Noir that features black cherry and other fruit options. 

 

A Note About the Flavor Profiles

Each AVA offers its own flavor profile, but on the whole, Oregon Pinot Noir tends to be a medium-bodied choice. They usually have a high level of acidity with lower levels of residual sugars. Most have a 13% alcohol content. Many have a fairly fruity taste but earthy notes like truffle tend to round things out. You may also find hints of vanilla and cinnamon if the winery uses oak in the barrelling process. 

As with any wine, you’ll want to let it breathe for at least a half hour after opening. 

Pairing an Oregon Pinot Noir

Most wines pair well with a variety of foods, and an Oregon Pinot Noir is no different. Steak, duck, salmon, and even roasted chicken go well with this wine. Pasta dishes with robust sauces do as well. This is the perfect wine for pizza night too. If you’re sticking to appetizers, it pairs well with mild and medium cheeses, salami, and chorizo. It also makes the perfect partner for rustic breads, olive pate, and olive oil. 

Looking for the ideal Oregon red wine or Pinot Noir? Check out ours!

What Wine Matches Your Personality?

There is a general belief that wine drinkers make their wine choices based on their personality. For example, a person who is organized and logical will usually select Chardonnay, which is considered a structured, reliable, and consistent wine. If you are wondering what wine matches your personality, we’re about to explore that here.

What wine matches your personality? People who are friendly, charming, loyal, and attractive tend to select Pinot Grigio. This wine also has similar features to Chardonnay. It is subtle, safe, and a versatile white wine option for any event. Lovers of Pinot Grigio tend to be romantic and love excitement in their life. They love to meet new people and can be seductive. 

People who are extroverts, logical, and determined may select Merlot. This bold, fruity wine with black currant flavors is well structured, organized, and loves to stand out from the crowd.

People who are introverts, who avoid conflict, who are reliable, and who live a quiet life are more likely to have wine personalities that select Pinot Noir. This fruity easy-going wine is versatile and can be enjoyed with all types of food and at any event. Individuals who like Pinot Noir are known to make smart decisions and prefer a sophisticated light-bodied wine.

Individuals who are stoic and come across as hard to please are more likely to order Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine made from a grape with thick skin and high tannin levels, which gives it a strong character. This full-bodied wine with modest acidity is best sipped with meals.

People who drink Riesling are typically easy-going, genuine, kind, and usually avoid conflict. They quickly adapt to all types of situations without any fuss - much like the wine. You can count on Riesling to never disappoint you because it pairs well with most foods.

Wine personalities of those who order Chardonnay ooze with confidence, and have a particular style and behavior. They are bold and recognize what they like. They are into the latest trends and tend to embrace new things. They can be chatty, and they love a bold, fruity wine.

White Zinfandel is a great wine for free-spirited party lovers. These individuals are adventurous, flirty, love to try new things, and have a great sense of humor. This deep bold wine is bright, refreshing, and dry. It complements the personality of someone who wants to experiment, while at the same time enjoying the finer things in life. 

Malbec, while not as popular as Pinot Noir or Merlot, is still a favorite among people who work hard, want things done right, and strive for success. Malbec is easy to recognize because of its deep color and savory flavors. It is a great option for hard-working people who like a glass of wine with plenty of body and strong flavors.

Champagne drinkers tend to have a very positive outlook on life and live life to the fullest. In addition, these individuals are empathic and will usually lend a helping hand whenever needed. Champagne drinkers tend to like the finer things in life and love to impress. 

CONCLUSION

Do any of these descriptions sound like you or someone you know?  Or you may be atypical and unique with none of these stereotypical personality descriptions fitting the wines you like.  These personality traits and types of wine are just general thoughts.  So, what wine matches your personality? Are you ready to try something new or do you stick with what you know?

Visit Pacific Rim & Company to view the wonderful selections we offer, including:

• 2021 Dry Riesling
• Single Vineyard Tasting Pack
• 2018 Rainstorm Pinot Noir
• 2018 Silver Totem Cabernet Sauvignon

 

What Wine Goes Well with Dessert?

Dessert and wine have long been a perfect combination for almost any meal, and Pacific Rim wines continue that tradition. Our wine choices can enhance the taste and create an additional flavor profile for this important meal course. What wine goes well with dessert, though, and which Pacific Rim wine should you order now for your next dinner party? 

• Chocolate Desserts: Nothing pairs quite as well with a chocolate-based dessert as a red wine. Cocoa beans have a naturally fruity flavor, and that is accentuated by the fruity underpinnings in a red wine. The key, though, is to match intensities. Sometimes the strong flavors of both can overwhelm each other, creating a final course for your dinner that is just too much. 
• Citrus Desserts: A Riesling ice wine pairing is ideal for a citrus dessert. Rieslings naturally balance both apple and citrus flavors, so they’re light and crisp, matching the notes in your dessert. 
• Fruit Desserts: Apple and pear based desserts tend to work really well when you have an option that offers a higher level of acidity and sweeter flavors. A Chenin Blanc would work well here, as would a sweet Riesling. 
• Creamy Desserts: If you have a creamier dessert, you’ll want something that has a heavy level of acidity to cut the extreme sweetness of the dessert itself. You’ll want to consider a Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling for these kinds of options. 
• Spiced Desserts: Those dishes that feature lots of baking spices like cinnamon and cloves are usually sweet and spicy, so you’ll likely want to pair them with a dessert wine like red dessert wine or something equally as sweet to help compliment the flavors of the dish itself. 

Not sure which of our wines to pair with your next dessert? Consider our custom case membership and choose 6 bottles of Pacific Rim so you can try a variety of options with the dishes you plan to prepare in the near future.