As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that wine is not typically full of sugar and carbs. In fact, the amount of carbohydrates in wine can vary depending on the type and style of wine.
Let's start with red wines. Red wines get their color and flavor from the skins and seeds of the grapes, which also contribute a small amount of carbohydrates. On average, red wines contain around 1-2 grams of carbohydrates from the extract of the skin and seeds. These carbohydrates primarily come from the natural sugars found in the grapes.
When it comes to leftover grape sugars, red wines generally have very low levels. The fermentation process converts the majority of the grape sugars into alcohol, resulting in minimal residual sugars in the final product. Therefore, red wines typically contain 0-2 grams of carbohydrates from leftover grape sugars.
Now let's move on to white wines. Like red wines, white wines also contain carbohydrates from leftover grape sugars. However, white wines tend to have slightly higher levels of residual sugars compared to red wines. On average, regular white wines can contain 0-4 grams of carbohydrates from leftover grape sugars.
It's important to note that the specific carbohydrate content may vary between different types of white wines. For example, off-dry or semi-sweet white wines will naturally have higher sugar levels compared to dry white wines. This is because some residual sugars are intentionally left in the wine to provide a touch of sweetness.
I must point out that these carbohydrate levels are generally considered to be low in the context of a balanced diet. However, individuals who are following a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet may need to be mindful of their wine consumption due to the presence of carbohydrates.
Personally, I have encountered situations where customers who are conscious of their carbohydrate intake have asked about the sugar content in wines. It's important for me as a sommelier to have a good understanding of the carbohydrate levels in different wines so that I can provide accurate information and recommendations to these customers.
While wine does contain some carbohydrates, it is not typically full of sugar and carbs. Red wines generally have lower carbohydrate levels compared to white wines, primarily due to the fermentation process that converts most of the sugars into alcohol. However, it's worth noting that certain styles of white wines may have slightly higher levels of residual sugars. wine can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.