Sipping a glass of wine with dinner or after a long day is something many people enjoy. When drinking it, though, you may not think about how it affects your daily nutritional intakes. The standard size for a glass of wine is 4 or 5 oz., so an 8-oz. serving is larger than what you are typically served as a bar or restaurant.
Red Wines
Three common types of red wine -- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir -- all contain roughly the same nutritional profile. An 8-oz. glass contains about 190 calories, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports in its nutrient data library. A glass of these reds also has about 6 g of total carbohydrates, most of which come in the form of sugars. They contain no fat and virtually no sodium.
White Wines
White wine varietals typically contain about the same number of calories as red wine, with 190 calories in an 8-oz. glass of Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. The Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc also contains fewer carbohydrates per glass, with about 5 g per 8 oz. Riesling, though, contains more sugar and has a higher carb content: about 9 g per 8 oz. The white wines also contain no fat.
Health Benefits
Moderate intakes of wine and other alcohol may offer some health benefits. Some scientific evidence suggests moderate wine drinking can reduce the risk of heart disease, MedlinePlus reports. In particular, red wine may offer health benefits because of its concentration of flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to cells. However, excessive intake of alcohol or alcohol abuse increases your risk for many serious and life-threatening conditions, among them certain types of cancer, pancreatitis, liver disease, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and stroke.
Recommended Intakes
The U.S. government recommends that women consume no more than one alcoholic beverage per day and men limit their intake to two. In terms of wine, a 4-oz. glass is considered one serving. That means drinking an 8 oz. glass equals two servings. Consuming alcohol in excess of these recommendations increases your risk for alcohol-related illnesses and also makes you more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol. Regular consumption of even small or moderate amounts of alcohol can cause an addiction, MedlinePlus warns.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Merlot
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Cabernet Sauvignon
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Pinot Noir
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Pinot Grigio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Sauvignon Blanc
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Library: Riesling
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