Are you a wine lover who is conscious about what you consume?
Do you want to know if organic wine is a healthier option for you?
If so, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of organic wine and answer the question on everyone’s mind: does organic wine contain less sugar and less alcohol?
We’ll also dive into the world of low sugar and sugar-free wines, and how they can benefit your health.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite vintage, and let’s uncork the truth about organic wine.
Does Organic Wine Contain Less Sugar And Less Alcohol?
Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. The grapes are also harvested by hand and fermented using natural yeasts. This lack of manipulation in both the field and cellar leads to a wine that is arguably more real, and definitely more natural.
One of the benefits of organic wine is that it typically contains less sugar and less alcohol than conventional wines. Organic wine grapes are much healthier and therefore produce heartier skins and higher concentrations of all of those good for you anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. This means that organic wines are free of residual traces of vineyard additives such as chemical laced pesticides and herbicides. Certified organic wines also have less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful cellar additives such as flavoring agents or caramel coloring. These additives plus higher sugar levels are what typically lead to headaches. So going organic may help prevent that future headache.
Additionally, natural wines tend to be lower in alcohol than other wines because they have a lower sugar content and a purer alcohol forms from the fermentation. This also means natural wines are lower-carb. Less alcohol and no added chemicals could also mean less of a hangover.
What Is Organic Wine?
Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. The grapes are also harvested by hand and fermented using natural yeasts. This means that organic winemaking practices avoid using chemicals and promote biodiversity in our environment. Organic farming and winemaking practices also avoid the use of additives such as refined sugar, sulphuric acids, and fining and clarification agents.
The lack of manipulation in both the field and cellar leads to a wine that is arguably more real, and definitely more natural. Organic wine is most often the best expression of both the grape and also the terroir, the land and environment in which it is grown. Additionally, organic wines are free of residual traces of vineyard additives such as chemical laced pesticides and herbicides. Certified organic wines also have less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful cellar additives such as flavoring agents or caramel coloring.
Organic wine can also contain up to 80% more resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant) than conventional wine, and significantly less sulfites, an additive used to make all wines that can cause allergic reactions in certain people. Overall, organic wine is a healthier choice due to its lack of chemicals and additives, lower sugar content, and higher concentrations of beneficial antioxidants.
The Benefits Of Organic Wine
There are numerous benefits to drinking organic wine. Firstly, organic wine is the best expression of both the grape and also the terroir, the land and environment in which it is grown. This is because organic farming practices can include the use of cover crops, green manures, animal manures, animal grazing, water conservation, use of renewable resources and crop rotations. These practices have many benefits including helping to fertilize the soil, maintaining better quality topsoil long-term, naturally managing weeds and insects, reducing presence of harmful bacteria or molds, and promoting biodiversity.
Organic wines are also healthier than conventional wines. In general, organic wine grapes are much healthier and therefore produce heartier skins and higher concentrations of all of those good for you anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. Organic wines are free of residual traces of vineyard additives such as chemical laced pesticides and herbicides. Certified organic wines also have less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful cellar additives such as flavoring agents or caramel coloring. These additives plus higher sugar levels are what typically lead to headaches. So going organic may help prevent that future headache.
Moreover, studies have shown that drinking wine in moderation can have health benefits. Organic wines have more antioxidants than conventional wines, especially red wines which are rich in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in grape skin and juice. Antioxidants help your body fight off toxins and free radicals that can damage your organs and cells. Resveratrol has been shown to promote longevity and health by increasing the activity of sirtuins, proteins that protect your body against aging diseases.
Organic wine can also improve brain health by reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. The high levels of resveratrol in wines help keep blood vessels open to ensure the proper delivery of glucose and supply to the brain.
Lastly, organic wines tend to be lower in alcohol than other wines because they have a lower sugar content and a purer alcohol forms from the fermentation. This means that they are lower-carb and may result in less of a hangover.
Does Organic Wine Contain Less Alcohol?
Yes, organic wine generally contains less alcohol than conventional wines. This is because many conventional wineries add sugar during the fermentation process to speed up production and increase alcohol levels. Organic winemakers, on the other hand, rely solely on the natural sugar content of the grapes, resulting in a lower alcohol content.
Furthermore, natural wines tend to have a lower alcohol by volume (A.B.V.) level than conventional wines, making them easier to process the next day. However, it’s important to note that some natural wines do have higher alcohol content, so it’s always best to check the labels before purchasing.
The Rise Of Low Sugar And Sugar-Free Wines
With the increasing popularity of low-carbohydrate diets like keto, sugar-free and low sugar wines are becoming more sought after. Many wine companies are now producing wines with little to no sugar, and some even go as far as labeling their wines as “sugar-free.” These wines are made by allowing full fermentation to occur, resulting in a wine that is dry and free of residual sugars. Some wineries may also add sulfites to prevent full fermentation and preserve some residual sugars, resulting in a wine that is low in sugar.
One such winery that produces sugar-free wine is Dry Farm Wines. Their ketogenic wine is free from carbs, added sugar, additives, and artificial coloring. It is also lower in alcohol and mycotoxin-free, making it a popular choice among those following a low-carb or keto diet. UN’SWEET is another brand that produces zero-sugar wine that is 100% natural and gluten-free.
Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the carbohydrate and calorie content of their wine. This has led to a rise in demand for low-sugar and sugar-free wines. While it may be challenging to find these wines in traditional wine shops or supermarkets, they can be found online or at specialty stores.
How Low Sugar Wines Can Benefit Your Health
Low sugar wines can benefit your health in several ways. Firstly, reducing your sugar intake can help reduce your risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Low sugar wines are a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake due to chronic conditions, weight management, or diet plans. They are usually low-carb and lower in calories, making them a better option for anyone watching their calories.
For diabetics, monitoring sugar consumption is crucial as the body struggles to effectively regulate sugar levels. High sugar intake can be particularly harmful to diabetics and damage their kidneys. Therefore, low sugar wines are preferable for diabetics as they do not interfere significantly with the body’s capacity to effectively metabolize sugar and manage insulin levels.
Moreover, high-sugar wines are known for making hangovers worse. Alcohol with higher sugar content leads to worsened hangovers as sugar and alcohol are processed through the liver. Low sugar wines can help prevent a future headache and lessen the severity of a hangover.
Organic wines also tend to contain less sugar and alcohol than conventional wines. Organic wine grapes produce heartier skins and higher concentrations of anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. This means that organic wines are free of residual traces of vineyard additives such as chemical laced pesticides and herbicides. Certified organic wines also have less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful cellar additives such as flavoring agents or caramel coloring.
