Low-Cal Wines for Spring and Summer

Guilt-free Guide to Summer Wines.
(Yes, some wines are lower in calories
than others.)

Wine has no cholesterol, sodium or fat, and is low in carbohydrates. Studies show a glass or two of wine a day has little effect on weight and may lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Choosing wines with a lower alcohol percentage results in fewer calories consumed. You might not have guessed this, but alcohol does have more calories than sugar. In wine terms, this means a slightly sweet German Riesling with just 7% alcohol will still have fewer calories than a dry, robust Syrah with 14%.   Here's a handy formula for calculating calories in your glass: Alcohol Percentage x Ounces of Wines x 1.6 (A five-ounce glass of wine with 12% alcohol has about 96 calories.)

Here's a four-pack to help you attain your six-pack!
Try all four of our favorite low-alcohol,
low-cal wines for just $120

Soleil Rouge Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir 2012 ($26) We loved this exotic strawberry rhubarb Rosé of Pinot Noir at the recent industry tasting called "In Pursuit of Balance." Reserve Wine Club Members got to try their now sold-out Foret Pinot Noir last month, and this Rose is its lighter, less-expensive cousin. It's complex to compliment the bright tangerine acidity and nervy finish. Only 327 cases.

Comptche Ridge Mendocino Pinot Noir 2010 ($52) Unusually bright and floral aromatics greet you immediately out of the glass. Aerate the wine and you will experience classic earthy, loamy aromatics redolent of forest duff and warm soil. The entry is sappy and intense, leading to a distinctively pure mid-palate structure with woody tannin - beautiful wine without too much alcohol.

Paix Sur Terre Paso Robles Ugni Blanc 2013 ($33) The 2013 Ugni Blanc is the first varietal Ugni Blanc ever released in the Paso Robles AVA. Only one little acre on the West Side of Paso produces a lovely crisp and clean Mediterranean-style white wine. Also known as Trebbiano, it packs loads of fresh citrus, fennel seed, sea foam and chive.  The palate echoes the citrus notes with hints of lime and lemon pith with secondary notes of fleur de sel and crushed rock. Only 40 cases.

Field Recordings Santa Ynez Valley Chenin Blanc 2012 ($25) Completely sold out from Field Recordings, this unfiltered Chenin Blanc has beautifully balanced aromas of Anjou pear, Meyer lemon, spiced apple and almond cookies followed by a striking palate of cardamom, Key Lime pie and spruce. This delicious white wine has incredible food pairing flexibility as well. We suggest cheese pairings such as a light airy Gruyere soufflé, a diet-conscious spaghetti squash sprinkled with Parmesan or herb-crusted goat cheese on toasted garlic crostini.