How Much Alcohol Is in Wine?

Many people love a glass of wine with their meal, at a celebratory toast, or for other social events. There are various types of wines and each has distinct qualities. One area where wines differ is in their alcohol content. Joe Canal’s, a discount liquor shop in Lawrenceville, NJ, offers a large selection of wines. Here, we discuss how much alcohol is found in popular styles of wine.

How Alcohol Content Is Measured in Wine

Alcohol levels in wine are measured in terms of ABV, or alcohol by volume. The ABV in wine directly correlates with the amount of sugar in the grapes at the time of harvest. Since grapes are the main ingredient in wines, the higher the sugar levels in the grapes, the higher the potential alcohol is in the wine.

Since red wines are made with dark grapes, which have higher sugar content than light grapes, these drinks tend to be heavier or stronger-tasting. Another factor is the environment in which the grapes were grown. The climate and fermentation process are primary factors in determining the sugar content and amount of alcohol in your glass.

Different Wine Types and Their Alcohol Content

Most wines have anywhere from 11 to 13% alcohol content, while some may have as low as 5%, and some as high as 20%. Fuller-bodied wines that are made with riper grapes — typically red wines — tend to be on the higher side of alcohol content, while wines made with grapes removed from the vine much sooner, such as white wines, contain less alcohol. Some popular types of wine and their accompanying ABV values include:

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are usually on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of alcohol content. Some common sparkling varieties and their alcohol content are:

• Italian Prosecco: Less than 12.5% ABV
• California Sparkling Wine: Approximately 12.5 to 13.5% ABV
• Champagne: Ranges from 12.5 to 13.5% ABV

Rosé

Somewhere between sparkling and white wine lies rosé. The ABV may differ among brands, but most rosés, including the Spanish, French, and Portuguese varieties, all dwell between 12.5 to 13.5% ABV.

White Wine

The selection of white wines is seemingly never-ending, meaning a wide range of values on the ABV scale. The following represent two white wines that rest on either side of the alcohol content spectrum:

• White wine variations below 12.5% ABV: Muscadet, German Riesling, Australian Riesling, Italian Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc
• White wine variations above 12.5% ABV: Australian Chardonnay, California Chardonnay, French Muscat, and Spanish Sherry

Red Wine

In most cases, red wine is considered the heaviest type of wine. Wines made with aged grapes, as reds are, will tend to have a higher ABV. Some classic reds and their contents are:

• French Boudreaux: A moderately low alcohol content for red wine, with only 12.5% ABV
• Italian Chianti: Often ranges from 12.5 to 13.5% ABV
• California Cabernet Sauvignon: Alcohol content varies between 5 and 14.5% ABV
• California Pinot Noir: Lingers around 14.5% ABV
• Italian Amarone: More than 14.5% ABV, as one of the highest of the red wines

Overall, an easy way to evaluate the alcohol content in wine is to remember that the darker its color, the more likely it has a higher ABV value. You may also look at the ripeness of the grape, as riper fruits generally have a higher alcohol percentage.

Let Joe Canal’s Cater to All of Your Wine Needs

Knowing the alcohol content of wine is essential for drinking safely and truly enjoying a tasting, social event, or other activity. If you are near Lawrenceville, NJ, and are looking for a wide selection of wine, consider shopping with Joe Canal’s for your wine needs. Additionally, the team at Joe Canal’s is knowledgeable about the ABV content in wine, beer, and other alcohol. Individuals interested in learning more about the alcohol content in wine can contact us today.