Many people wish they could sip wine while also losing weight at the same time. Now, you might be in with a chance of that happening – at least, in a way.
Recently I’ve noticed many people are talking about low calorie wines. They often pop up on social media, or are featured on TV segments. When it comes to talked-about tipples, low calorie wines seem to be something that’s becoming more popular.
This could be for a number of reasons. Some may want to lower their alcohol intake to better their health, while others may want to look at alternatives to aid weight loss.
There are many reaons why people may want to cut back on the booze and, as someone who didn’t drink a drop for years, I find the concept quite interesting.
Maybe this is because, if I could have sampled lower alcohol wines when I was younger, I would have been more willing to try. It took me a long time to find drinks that I enjoy and now I’m more open to trying things.
So, to mark National Wine Drinking Day, I decided to carry out a taste test to discover why the industry is looking to expand in the area to offer people something a little different. Even though you can’t compare the drinks to full-bodied wines, you can still pour yourself a glass and enjoy something rather lovely.
McGuigan Mid Sauvignon Blanc
The first wine I tried was the McGuigan Mid Sauvignon Blanc, which comes in at £7.25. According to the product description: “With less than 75 calories per 125ml serve and an ABV at 7%, we have created a range that allows you to make healthier choices without sacrificing the pleasure and taste of a great glass of wine.”
I have to say, as the first wine I tried, I was pleasantly suprised by how nice this was to drink. Before I carried out this experiment, I didn’t really know what to expect, but what I sampled was a cool, refreshing glass of wine.
You obviously don’t get such a strong alcohol kick, but I really enjoyed the citrus notes. It was easy to drink, and I felt like I was having a weekend treat, without drinking anything too heavy.
I had something to enjoy at the end of the day that I knew wouldn’t leave me with a headache. All in all, a pleasant option if you’re looking to cut back on the booze. 7/10.
Casillero Del Diablo BeLight Sauvignon Blanc
As soon as I picked this up, I could tell it was more heavily marketed as a “low calorie” wine. It’s said to only be 65 calories per serving, and is a lighter option for those trying to cut back.
This wine has an alcohol content of 8.5% and, for me, you could tell that it had more alcohol. It was much more noticable as soon as you sipped the wine but, for some reason, I didn’t find it as easy to drink.
While still being pleasant, it was my least favourite of the three I tried. Being a developing market, there weren’t lots of low calorie choices to sample in my local supermarket, though there are many more options when you look around online.
But, I carried out the experiment as an average shopper, and this wine always seemed to be on the supermarket shelf. While I wouldn’t rush to buy it again, I’d happily have a glass if someone served me a drink.
For me, it just didn’t go down as smoothly as the others. But, as a lighter option, it’s worth giving a go. 6/10.
Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc
Coming in at £8.50, this was the most expensive of the options I tried but, for me, it was the best. This wine boasts an alcohol content of 9.0%, but it didn’t feel too boozy.
It was fragrant, crisp and super easy to drink. In fact, I’ve already bought another bottle to have again. For me, this one was the option that didn’t feel like I was cutting back in any way – it was just really nice to drink. 8/10.
Results
At the end of the day, when it comes to wine, it’s subjective and everyone has different taste and preferences. But, if you’re looking to reduce your alcohol consumption or cut calories, I’d say they’re all worth giving a try.
It’s important to enjoy life and indulge a little, and sometimes we all enjoy a tipple or two. But, if you can raise a glass while also being a little healthier, that sounds like a win win to me.