Red Wine: Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of red wine have made it one of the most written about alcoholic beverages in recent years. Several studies have been done on its heart-healthy properties. However, recent research has also revealed that beer contains as many polyphenols as wine and that both, beer and wine, can have potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.

The benefits of drinking wine need to be weighed with the risks of alcohol addiction as well as binge drinking. In this article, we discuss the nutrition facts and potential health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation.

Glass of red wine held in a hand in a green background

Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart-healthy. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Red Wine Nutrition Facts

You can estimate the average calories in wine as per the amount poured into a glass. According to the USDA, one fluid ounce of red wine is 25 calories. A standard serving of table wine in the US is 5 fluid ounces, with about 12% alcohol content. [1] [2]

Nutrition Facts

Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red
Serving Size :
NutrientValue
Water [g]86.49
Energy 85
Energy [kJ]356
Protein [g]0.07
Ash [g]0.28
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]2.61
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]0.62
Calcium, Ca [mg]8
Iron, Fe [mg]0.46
Magnesium, Mg [mg]12
Phosphorus, P [mg]23
Potassium, K [mg]127
Sodium, Na [mg]4
Zinc, Zn [mg]0.14
Copper, Cu [mg]0.01
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.13
Selenium, Se [µg]0.2
Fluoride, F [µg]104.6
Thiamin [mg]0.01
Riboflavin [mg]0.03
Niacin [mg]0.22
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.03
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.06
Folate, total [µg]1
Folate, food [µg]1
Folate, DFE [µg]1
Choline, total [mg]5.7
Betaine [mg]0.3
Carotene, beta [µg]1
Vitamin A, IU [IU]2
Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg]6
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]0.4
Alcohol, ethyl [g]10.6
Sources include : USDA [3]

Calories in Wine

A standard serving of red wine (5 fl. oz) contains 125 calories. White wine is only slightly lower in calories, with 121 calories per standard serving. Also, it is important to note that red wine is usually served in a larger wine glass compared to white wine, and the serving poured could be more than 5 fluid ounces. A bottle of wine (750 ml) contains 25.4 ounces of wine, which works out to 5-6 servings of wine and comes to a total of 635 calories. [4] [5]

Carbs in Wine

According to the USDA, a standard serving of red wine contains 3.8 g of carbohydrates. There are no fats or proteins in wine and the estimated glycemic index of wine is zero. [6]

Alcohol Content (ABV)

The alcohol content in red wine generally ranges from 12-15 percent. However, some wine varieties like zinfandels and Shiraz wines can have ABVs as high as 18%. Let us look at the ABV in popular reds:

It is important to note that to make sure you are drinking the standard serving, you want to keep a check on the serving size of wines that have a higher ABV.

Health Benefits of Red Wine

The potential health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation include its cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help in improving longevity and promoting healthy gut bacteria.

Cardioprotective Abilities

Many recent studies have reported promising health benefits, especially associated with heart health, with moderate red wine consumption. The cardioprotective effects are mainly due to the polyphenols found in red wine, especially resveratrol in grape skins. These polyphenols reduce platelet aggregation and improve fibrinolysis, thus aiding in the prevention of blood clots. [7] [8]

Furthermore, a 2020 report published in the Nutrients journal reveals that small amounts of alcohol are safe and beneficial for the cardiovascular system. However, these studies are not conclusive and point out to the fact that the risks of alcohol dependency and side effects could far outweigh the benefits. [9] [10]

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The American Chemical Society has found that the phenols found in red wine prevent platelet aggregation, thus countering thromboses that can occlude the inner lining of the blood vessels. One study conducted in Europe showed that moderate consumption of wine was linked to a reduced inflammatory response due to its ethanol content. Also, in a large study of women (SWAN), those who drank in moderate amounts (1 glass a day) had significantly lower levels of all hemostatic and inflammatory factors examined compared to abstainers. [11] [12] [13]

Rich in Antioxidants

Red wine provides a rich source of antioxidants that include flavonoids and polyphenols, such as resveratrol, which studies have shown to be an active element in cancer prevention. A 2007 study revealed that individuals who consumed 13.5 ounces of red wine daily for two weeks significantly increased their antioxidant status and decreased oxidative stress in blood circulation. However, it is not recommended to have more than a standard drink of 5 fluid ounces per day. [14]

Other Potential Health Benefits 

  • Anticancer Potential: A 2018 study published in the journal Gene also suggested that red wine might be useful in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. The same research also highlights the stronger effect of mature wines in curbing cell growth, as compared to younger wines. [15]
  • Helps Improve Memory: Recent research suggests that resveratrol found in red wine and red grapes may help in preventing age-related memory loss. [16]
  • Neuroprotective Abilities: Resveratrol in wine also plays a neuroprotective role and enhances the degradation of plaques that can cause Alzheimer’s as per studies. [17]
  • Enhances Bone Health: The silicon content of red wine may protect bone density in postmenopausal women and older men. [18]
  • Diuretic Properties: Like other alcoholic beverages, wine has diuretic properties and flushes out the toxins from the body during urination. Moderate consumption of alcohol may prevent the formation of kidney stones. [19]

What is Organic Red Wine?

Organic red wine could be considered a healthier drink than normal wine as some believe that a considerable portion of antioxidants are destroyed if it is not processed organically. The presence of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides present in it, not being organic, robs its goodness. Organic wine bottles are usually also packed in environmentally friendly organic containers. For these reasons, organic wine is a more conscious choice rather than regular wine.

In the context of wines, a mere “Organic” label on the bottle does not certify that it is 100% organic. Organic red wines come in three categories.

  • 100% Organic: All the grapes used in these wines are organic. No chemical additives have been added to them for processing or preserving.
  • Organic: As per the United States or European Standards, at least 95% of the grapes must be organically grown. Some permissible amounts of chemical stabilizers and preservatives (mostly sulfur compounds) can also be used in them. These wines can contain up to 10 mg of sulfites and can still be called organic.
  • Made from Organic Grapes: This means that at least 70% of the grapes used in their manufacturing is organic in nature. They are not necessarily made through organic processing. They also contain a permissible amount of sulfites.

Manufacturing Processes of Red Wine: Organic red wine is made from organically grown wine grapes, processed in an organic way, so most of its natural goodness is preserved. In the organic process, the emphasis is laid on the use of wooden presses or similar tools so that a minimum amount of metals get into the wine. Organic red wine also does not use any artificial flavors or colors.

Who is Filling the Casks?

All top producers of regular wines are top producers of organic red wine as well. France and Italy have the most famous ones.

Who Certifies These Wines?

There are certain agencies like the ECOCERT, BIOFRANC, Nature et Progres, Terre et Vie, and others that do this certification. These are guided by USDA and NOP directives.

Organic red wine has received a great response and it seems that people have been waiting for this. However, manufacturers are still doing only a limited production. The reasons for this are numerous. First of all, the production of organic grapes is far less than that of normal grapes. Then, there is the question of preservation and stabilization. Since zero to very small quantities of chemical preservatives are used in organic red wines, they are subsequently less durable. So, the producers are not investing too much in their production.

Risks & Side Effects

Although research suggests that moderate wine consumption has potential health benefits, you can also get the same by eating a healthy diet. In other words, if you didn’t drink wine before, you don’t need to start simply for the health benefits. Side effects on drinking excessive red wine include nausea, dehydration, dizziness, slurred speech, as well as blackouts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who should not drink alcohol include women who are pregnant, individuals younger than 21 years of age, and people who are recovering from alcoholism or cannot control the amount they drink. Also, it should be avoided by people who are planning to drive or any other activity that required focus and skill. However, different countries have different rules on alcohol purchase and consumption. [20]

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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