Is sweet wine bad for you? The short answer is; it all depends on the rest of your your diet. If you drink more soda than water, and eat processed foods instead of fresh fruit and veg, then yes it is. Simply because it all adds up. On the other hand if you follow a healthy diet, there are no health issues whatsoever. That is as long as you only indulge from time to time.
However it sometimes happens that preferring sweet wines isn’t “cool” in wine circles. The first thing I’d say to you is “don’t be afraid of labels and snobs.” There’s nothing wrong with liking sweet wines…even for men. Sweet wines are for everyone, not just for the ladies.
However sweet wines contain high levels of sugar, either because it’s been added, or because the natural sugars haven’t all been turned into alcohol. Consequently they contain more calories, and less of the health benefits of their drier counterparts. For an article on what defines a sweet wine see here.
So does that mean you should only drink dry wines? Absolutely not! As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, try to satisfy your craving in moderation. If fruit and vegetables are the mainstay of your diet, a complete menu at McDonalds once a month will have no effect on your health. Of course that changes of you eat like this most of the time. It’s just common sense, there’s no need to consult a dietitian. The same applies to what you drink. If you regularly drink soda, (you shouldn’t) then yes sweet wines are bad for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the cheap products are always manufactured. That means they have high contents of sugar and acids to enhance the otherwise very poor quality of the juice. And you know what? They taste just fine fine, the chemists who put the drink together are good at their profession. But you’re just adding empty calories and junk to your body. However not all sweet wines are alike.
So What Can I Drink?
Of course I’m Italian, and if sweet wines are your thing, then go for an appellation wine from Italy. The appellations are known with an initialism which is D.O.C.G. It means controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin. The D.O.C.G imposes strict regulations on the ingredients, and above all, very strict quality controls by the authorities. You’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth in relative safety, apart from the calories which will always be higher than a dry wine. They may cost more, though not in an exorbitant way. Quality never comes cheap.
To see if you’re buying an appellation wine look for the paper band on the neck of the bottle which will always have the D.O.C.G. initialism. They can vary in color, but it will always have the emblem of the Italian republic and will look something like this:
If the paper band isn’t there, then it isn’t an appellation wine, and more likely than not it’s a manufactured product…the type that’s bad for you.
Drinking Wine Every Day Does This To Your Body
FAQ
Is it good to drink sweet wine?
Which is healthier dry wine or sweet wine?
Does sweet wine have more sugar?
Is sweet wine good or bad?
Also: sweet wine is good. Great, even. And despite some mass-produced brands giving the category a bad rap, dismissing a wine simply because of its sugar content is to miss out on a whole world of drinking delight. The best sweet wines are deeply complex in both aroma and flavor.
What are the health risks of sugar-sweetened drinks?
Sugary drinks can cause cavities, weight gain, and also habituation to sweet taste, among other things. It is recommended to replace soft drinks with water.
What happens if a wine is too sweet?
If rain and hail aren’t a threat, there’s always the risk of unfriendly rot, or even birds that will eat your crop. In wineries where sweet wine is not the lone style produced, vintners often must weigh potential losses when they decide whether to create a sweet or dry wine. When sugar levels get too high, it also inhibits the yeast.
Should you drink sweet wine during a meal?
While you most likely won’t want to drink sweet wines throughout an entire meal, you can still play around with pairing sweet wines and savory foods when the mood strikes — bright acidity and a bit of sugar can work wonders with salt, fat, and heat.