I want to drink cabernet but one that is lowest in sugar. What red wines are low in sugar content? Any help would be appreciated. John
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
The answer is in fact fairly straightforward. You can start with the assumption that nearly all red table wines are dry; that is, they contain only a trace of measurable sugars. This applies to all the familiar types labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah/Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and so on. It also includes European classics sold under the name of the appellation from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Tuscany, Piedmont, and far too many other denominations to list here. The bottom line is that red wines with some sugar content are the exceptions. Examples would be those which actually say "sweet" or "semi-sweet" on the label, or late-harvest wines. A popular sweet red would be Italian Lambrusco (except for the Secco version) as well as Brachetto d'Acqui and Recioto della Valpolicella. Canadian Icewine from Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc would qualify. Then there's red Port, a fortified wine of higher alcohol, perhaps the most familiar sweet red wine, and a few others usually thought of as dessert wines. So if you only want dry reds, these are the ones to avoid, as delicious as they may be!
