What Is Low Sugar Wine?

What determines the sweetness and sugar levels of a wine? Fermentation! When less sugar is fermented, more stays in the natural fruit. Sweet white wines (Moscato, German Riesling, and Spätlese) yield a shorter fermentation time, making it sweeter on the tongue. Dry white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio) have a longer fermentation period. Because of this, not much of the natural sugar is left in the grape, producing a drier taste on the palette. These wines typically have 1-3 grams of sugar per 5-ounce pour. Sweet red wines (Tawny Port, Port, and Banyuls) are typically fermented with fruits other than grapes, think figs, dates, etc. These fruits have a natural sweetness that add sugar and flavor. Similar to dry white wines, dry red wines (Italian Chianti, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Zinfandel) are also lower in sugar (1-3 grams per 5-ounce), fermented for much longer, and more tannic. A few dry red wine varietals include Italian Chianti, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Zinfandel.

What Is Organic Wine?

To be labeled as an organic wine, producers need to go through a rigorous process of certification and the grapes need to be grown without the use of artificial or synthetic chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides.