By David Setley
Happy New Year! The first weeks of January are when we are most motivated to implement those New Year’s resolutions which, for many, is to adopt a healthier routine of diet and exercise. Giving up alcohol, thus embarking on “Dry January,” is a practice followed by some people. Others simply want to know if wine has a place in a healthy diet.
For those seeking the flavors of wine without the alcohol, I have good news. In years past, no-alcohol wines lacked that distinct alcohol flavor, but the process of making them has changed. No-alcohol wines are now produced using traditional fermentation and aging processes, but there is a final low-temperature, spinning cone process that removes the alcohol while safeguarding the delicious wine aromas and flavors.
One brand of no-alcohol wine that you might consider is Fe Wines, from California, available in multiple white and red varietals. For a sparkling no-alcohol wine, Gruvi-Dry Secco is a nice semi-dry bubbly made in Colorado that is packaged in 4 packs of 10-ounce mini bottles. For a sparkling rosé that won’t disappoint, look for Spring in a Bottle, a product of Wolffer Estates from Rheinhessen, Germany. It’s a delicious alcohol-removed option that may be the best thing to ever happen to “Dry January”.
When I earned my doctorate in business, my mom would introduce me as “my son, the doctor, but not the kind that helps people.” I think she was simply trying to distinguish my credentials from a medical degree, as I hope to have helped my students over the years, However, mom was right. I’m not the kind of doctor that can give you medical advice regarding your wine consumption. Looking into the topic, however, provided many angles to consider.
There are scientifically supported benefits to moderate consumption of wine. Studies reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2000 gave evidence that moderate wine consumption (defined as 1-2 glasses per day) led to a reduced risk of premature death by almost one-third. Wine drinkers as a group were found to have significantly lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer than non-drinkers. This seemed to be related to the effect of alcohol dilating blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow. Wine also appeared to increase levels of HDL, the “good cholesterol,” and lower levels of LDL, the “bad cholesterol.” Another 2000 study from the University of Crete in Greece claimed that two compounds in wine — phenols and resveratrol — can be effective in reducing the occurrence and/or growth of breast cancer cells and liver cancer. Additionally, a report published in the June 2000 edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association supported the claim that another compound in wine, quercetin, inhibits the growth of oral cancer cells. A 2022 article on winepros.com. titled, “10 Health Benefits of Wine,” reiterated the studies above and added the antioxidant effect of wine, especially red wine, in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The key is moderation, which is generally considered one 5-ounce serving per day for females and two servings for males. Sorry, ladies, this is because men have higher levels of alcohol-digesting enzymes and can tolerate more.
There may also be long-term effects of chronic or excessive drinking. According to Gateway Foundation, excessive consumption of alcohol can seriously compromise the liver. As many as 35 percent of chronic drinkers will develop alcoholic hepatitis, and up to 20 percent will suffer from cirrhosis. Additionally, wine consumption can contribute to higher blood pressure. For most moderate drinkers, the effects do not typically have long-term implications. However, frequent binge drinking can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Excessive consumption can damage the heart muscle and may result in a higher risk of heart disease. I cannot stress enough the importance of moderation.
Back to our New Year’s resolutions. If you are trying to lose weight, you may be looking for lower-calorie wines. Kendall Jackson makes its famous Chardonnay in a low-calorie version. At only 85 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates, this is clearly an option for diet-conscious consumers. In addition, it is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Fit Vines produces wine with health in mind too. The numbers vary slightly based on varietal and alcohol percentage but range from about 0.06 to 0.09 grams of sugar, 2.8 to 4.4 carbohydrates, and 112 to 121 calories per serving. However, there are many wine options that are lower in carbohydrates and calories, even if they don’t openly advertise it as part of the label.
Overall, the majority of dry white, red, and rosé wines with less than 10 grams per L of residual sugar have less than 1.5 carbohydrates per 5-ounce glass. Sweeter wines with 35-50g/L are higher in carbohydrates, generally between 5-8 per serving. The number of calories is dependent on residual sugar and the percentage of alcohol (ABV). For those dryer wines with low residual sugar, the range for a 5 oz serving is 97-125 calories. Sweeter wines with 35-50 g/L of residual sugar are higher in calories at 112-150 per serving.
Of course, if you are trying to lose weight, be aware that the alcohol in wine activates the hypothalamus and amygdala of our brains which, among other things, control hunger sensations. Drinking alcohol can fool your brain into thinking you are hungry, undermining your diet efforts.
So, if your 2024 resolution involves wine and health, some rules of thumb are: 1) moderation is key, 2) choose dryer wines with lower carbohydrates and, 3) when possible, go for those with lower alcohol. Of course, as you evaluate your health choices, talk to your healthcare provider. I found the information mentioned above quite interesting, however, Mom was right. I’m not that kind of doctor.
I hope this gives you some helpful information as you decide if wine fits into your health goals. As always, I appreciate your comments and questions. Reach me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop into the store. Be healthy and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
