Wine is a beloved beverage that’s enjoyed all over the world, but not all wines are created equal. If you’re someone who’s watching their sugar intake, you might be wondering which red wine has the least sugar. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best low-sugar red wines on the market, as well as provide you with some delicious recipes to try out.
Low-Sugar Red Wines
When it comes to red wine, the amount of sugar can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. However, there are some red wines that tend to have less sugar than others. Here are a few options to consider:
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a popular red wine that’s known for its light, fruity flavor. It’s also a great option for those looking for a low-sugar wine. On average, Pinot Noir contains around 0.68 grams of sugar per liter.
Merlot
Merlot is another popular red wine that’s often enjoyed for its smooth, easy-drinking flavor. It’s also a relatively low-sugar option, with an average of 0.85 grams of sugar per liter.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that’s often enjoyed with meals. While it does contain a bit more sugar than Pinot Noir or Merlot, it’s still a relatively low-sugar option, with an average of 1.18 grams of sugar per liter.
Recipe 1: Low-Sugar Red Wine Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of low-sugar red wine (such as Pinot Noir)
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- Sliced fruit (such as oranges, apples, and strawberries)
- Seltzer or sparkling water
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and brandy. Stir to combine.
- Add the sliced fruit to the pitcher and stir again.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, add seltzer or sparkling water to the pitcher to give the sangria a bit of fizz.
- Serve the sangria over ice and garnish with additional fruit slices, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- Large pitcher
- Knife for slicing fruit
- Serving glasses
Serving Suggestions:
This low-sugar red wine sangria is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including cheese and charcuterie plates, grilled meats, and fresh salads.
Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different types of fruit in this sangria recipe. You can also switch up the juices or add a bit of honey or agave nectar if you’d like a sweeter flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have brandy on hand, you can substitute it for rum or triple sec. You can also use any type of low-sugar red wine that you prefer.
Storage:
This sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to stir it well before serving, as the fruit and juices may separate over time.
Tips:
To make this sangria even more festive, you can rim the glasses with sugar or salt before filling them with the drink. You can also freeze some of the fruit slices ahead of time to use as ice cubes in the sangria.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sangria up to 1 day in advance. Just be sure to stir it well before serving.
Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, you can use any type of low-sugar red wine that you prefer.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the brandy from this recipe for a non-alcoholic version. Just be sure to add a bit of extra juice or sparkling water to make up for the lost liquid.
Recipe 2: Low-Sugar Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 bottle of low-sugar red wine (such as Merlot)
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the short ribs to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add the red wine and beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the short ribs back to the pot along with the chopped rosemary.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
- Braise the short ribs in the oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the short ribs to a serving platter.
- Use a spoon to skim any excess fat from the top of the sauce in the pot.
- Serve the short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 short rib
Calories: 380
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2-2.5 hours
Equipment:
- Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot
- Tongs for handling the short ribs
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
These low-sugar red wine braised short ribs are perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Variations:
If you’d like to add a bit of sweetness to this dish, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce before braising the short ribs.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have fresh rosemary on hand, you can substitute it for dried rosemary. You can also use any type of low-sugar red wine that you prefer.
Storage:
These short ribs can