In this article, you will learn 12 different low-alcohol wine options (red and white).
Low alcohol is defined as 11% or below.
Contents
Typical alcohol levels in wine
Most wines fall between 12-15% alcohol by volume (ABV), with variations depending on the type, region, and winemaking process.
Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava tend to be on the lower end, around 10-12%, while fuller-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah often range between 13.5-15%.
Sweet wines, like Port or Sherry, are typically higher due to fortification, sometimes reaching 18-20%.
Dessert wines like Moscato d’Asti or Ice Wine are exceptions, often much lower in alcohol, ranging from 5-9%.
Factors like grape variety, sugar levels in the grapes, and fermentation methods influence the final alcohol content in a wine.
Why choose low-alcohol wines?
Low-alcohol wines are a great option for people who want to enjoy wine with less of a buzz or fewer calories.
Choosing low-alcohol options also allows you to enjoy an extra glass without feeling too heavy or tired.
These wines are also easier to pair with food because their lower alcohol levels don’t overpower delicate flavors.
Many low-alcohol wines, like Moscato d’Asti, are naturally sweet or sparkling, making them fun and approachable for new wine drinkers.
They’re perfect for casual sipping, brunches, or outdoor gatherings when you want something light and refreshing.
Why low-alcohol wines are lower in alcohol
Low-alcohol wines have less alcohol because they use grapes with lower natural sugar or undergo shorter fermentation.
Alcohol is produced when yeast converts the sugar in grapes into alcohol during fermentation; fewer sugars mean less alcohol.
Cool-climate regions like Germany or Northern Italy grow grapes that ripen with less sugar, leading to naturally lower-alcohol wines.
Some wines, such as Moscato d’Asti, stop fermentation early to retain sweetness and reduce alcohol.
Winemakers also lower alcohol levels by using blending techniques or modern methods, such as de-alcoholization, which removes a portion of the alcohol.
These processes help create flavorful wines with a lighter alcohol profile.
Lower the alcohol levels in wine by making a spritzer
Making a wine spritzer is an easy way to reduce the alcohol content of any wine while keeping it refreshing and enjoyable.
Simply mix equal parts wine and sparkling water or soda water in a glass over ice.
This dilutes the alcohol without compromising the flavor, and you can adjust the ratio to your preference.
Personally, I like to add lots of ice to a wine glass and add wine and soda water in 2:1 ratio.
Best low-alcohol white wines
Low-alcohol white wines are light, refreshing, and easy to sip.
The following list includes still, sparkling and dessert wines:
1. Moscato d’Asti (5.5%)
Moscato d’Asti is a sweet, lightly sparkling wine from Piedmont, Italy.
By law, Moscato D’Asti can only contain 5.5% ABV, so the fermentation process is stopped leaving much of the natural sugars remaining in the wine
It has flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and orange blossom, with a soft and fruity profile balanced by gentle acidity.
The light body and natural sweetness make it perfect for sipping with desserts or enjoying as a refreshing treat on its own.
A medium glass (5 oz) contains about 110-120 calories, making it a lighter option for those with a sweet tooth.
2. Asti Spumante (7-9%)
Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine from Piedmont, Italy, made from Moscato grapes.
It differs from Moscato d’Asti because it tends to be higher in alcohol and it has more sparkle (fizz).
It is sweet and bubbly, with flavors of honey, peach, and white flowers, balanced by crisp acidity.
Its lively bubbles and sweetness make it perfect for celebrations, especially as a dessert wine or paired with pastries.
A medium glass contains about 120-140 calories, making it festive yet light.
3. Riesling (German Kabinett or Spätlese, 7-9%)
Riesling from Germany, especially Kabinett or Spätlese styles, is a versatile, low-alcohol white wine.
It has flavors of green apple, pear, and lime, with a touch of honeyed sweetness and bright acidity.
The light to medium body makes it an excellent match for spicy dishes or seafood.
A medium glass contains about 110-130 calories, depending on the sweetness level.
4. Clairette de Die (7-8%)
Clairette de Die is a sparkling wine from France’s Rhône Valley, made with Muscat grapes.
It’s sweet and floral, with flavors of lychee, honey, and white peach, supported by gentle bubbles and soft acidity.
Serve it chilled as an aperitif or pair it with light desserts like fruit tarts.
It’s an interesting low-alcohol choice for celebrations.
A medium glass has about 110-130 calories.
5. Ice Wine (7-11%)
Ice wine is a luxurious dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen on the vine, with the best quality wines produced in Canada and Germany.
It’s intensely sweet with flavors of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits, balanced by bright acidity.
Best served as a dessert on its own or with creamy cheeses, it’s rich yet surprisingly low in alcohol.
A medium glass has about 130-150 calories, reflecting its concentrated sweetness.
While many ice wines are between 7-9 % ABV, please note that I have seen Canadian ice wines online with 11% ABV, so ensure to check the label before buying.
6. Pinot Grigio (9-13.5%)
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine known for its crisp and refreshing taste.
It typically has flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and subtle floral or mineral notes.
This wine pairs well with seafood, light pasta dishes, salads, and creamy cheeses.
With only about 120 calories per 5-ounce glass, it’s a lighter option for those watching their intake while enjoying a delicious glass of wine.
The majority of Pinot Grigio is above 11% ABV, but I have seen Pinot Grigios as low as 9% ABV (El Sabio Pinot Grigio 2024 from Chile).
7. Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) (9-10%)
Pét-Nat is a naturally sparkling wine made with minimal intervention, often produced in France and other artisanal wine regions.
It has a rustic, funky flavor profile with notes of fresh fruit like apple and citrus, along with a touch of yeasty bread.
Its lower alcohol and unique bubbles make it ideal for casual sipping, picnics, or pairing with light snacks like charcuterie.
A medium glass contains about 100-120 calories, making it a trendy and approachable low-alcohol choice.
8. Prosecco (10-12.5%)
Prosecco is a light, sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto region, known for its fresh and fruity character
With flavors of green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus, it has a crisp acidity and a light body that makes it very easy to drink.
It’s perfect for celebrations, brunches, or as a base for cocktails like Bellinis.
At around 120-130 calories per medium glass, Prosecco is a festive yet refreshing option.
Note that most Prosecco wines that I have found/bought were 11% ABV or higher, so ensure to check the label’s ABV before buying.
Best low-alcohol red wines
There are less low-alcohol red wine options than white. That said, you can still find tasty low-alcohol options.
This list includes regular, sparkling and dessert wines.
1. Brachetto d’Acqui (5-6%)
Brachetto d’Acqui is a slightly fizzy red wine also from Piedmont, Italy. It’s known for its vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and rose petals, with a sweet, fruity character and mild acidity.
The light body and gentle bubbles make it a fun choice for pairing with chocolate desserts or as a romantic celebratory drink.
A medium glass has approximately 110-125 calories, offering a tasty, low-alcohol indulgence.
2. Lambrusco (8-10%)
Lambrusco is a lightly sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
It’s fruity and refreshing, with flavors of red berries like cherry and strawberry, mild acidity, and a light to medium body.
It’s a fun wine to pair with pizza, cured meats, or even spicy dishes.
A medium glass contains approximately 100-120 calories, making it a good low-calorie option.
3. Pinot Noir (9-14%)
Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine known for its smooth texture and bright flavors.
It has notes of strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, with a soft finish.
Perfect for pairing with a variety of foods, it’s loved for its balance and elegance.
While most Pinot Noir are above 10% ABV, there are low-alcohol Pinot Noirs out there.
So, it is worth asking your local wine merchant or checking the ABV on labels for Pinot Noirs.
4. Occhio di Pernice (a type of Vin Santo) (10.5%)
Vin Santo is a traditional Italian dessert wine made from partially dried grapes.
Most styles of Vin Santo have a higher alcohol content, usually ranging from 14-17%.
However, some lighter, low-alcohol versions of Vin Santo, such as specific styles in the Chianti region, can be much lower than this.
Occhio di Pernice (Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC), is a pale rosé style wine made from at least 50% Sangiovese with a mix of local red and white grape varieties permitted to fill in the remaining 50%.
Occhio di Pernice means eye of the partridge and refers to the salmon red color of this lightly vinified Vin Santo.
It has flavors of dried fruit, caramel and pastry notes.
The wine must have a minimum alcohol level of at least 10.5% and be aged for at least 3 years prior to release.
It is often aged for longer and can be expensive, but you are paying for quality.
Note that 10.5% is the minimum, so they can have higher levels than that. Check before buying.
Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).
