How Many Carbs Are in White Merlot Wine?
People watching their intake of carbohydrates are limited in what they can drink when they go out. Many alcoholic beverages are high in carbohydrates and calories. White merlot is a popular wine, similar in taste to white zinfandel. Carb-counters may wonder whether a glass of white merlot would be a good choice when they want a glass of wine. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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White merlot was introduced to the market in the 1990s. Fortant Winery, in the Languedoc region of France, began producing white merlot from the merlot grapes that grow well there. Winemakers were looking for a wine that might compete with the highly popular white zinfandel. The wine caught on, and producers in California began making it as well.
Production
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With its dark pink color, white merlot is categorized as a blush or rose wine. Sometimes you will find it in the white wine section as well. It is made from merlot grapes. White merlot's signature color comes from the grape skins, which are left in contact with the wine for a much shorter period than merlot wine. The wine takes on some of the color of the grape skins, but not as much as in production of merlot. It is a semisweet wine that tastes similar to white zinfandel but is often drier.
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Carbohydrate Levels
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Typically, red wines have more carbohydrates than roses or white wines. This is due in part to the amount of alcohol per bottle. Winemakers do not add sugar during the winemaking process. The carbohydrate levels come from alcohol. The exact amount of carbohydrates in a glass of red wine will vary by producer and by the size of your glass. A "serving" of wine is considered 3.5 oz., but most people drink a 5-oz. glass of wine. A 5-oz. glass of Sutter Home's white merlot has 122 calories and 8.9 g carbohydrates. That translates to 3 percent of your daily value. Other producers include Forest Glenn and Beringer. Carbohydrate counts for white merlot made by these producers are similar.
Price
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White merlots tend to be inexpensive. Prices range from around $5 up to $10 for a .750 ml bottle. Their low price points make them attractive options for people who don't want to spend a lot of money on a bottle of wine.
Considerations
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Although no labeling laws apply to wine as of 2009, most wineries are happy to give you specific information about their wines if you request it. Check the producer's website for an email address or phone number. As long as you only consume a moderate amount of wine, you should not be consuming an overwhelming amount of carbohydrates. If you are on a strict, low-carb diet for medical reasons, consult your doctor to decide which alcoholic beverages are the best choices.
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