Enjoying a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is a relaxing way to end the day, but many people wonder how it fits into a healthy eating plan. Whether you are counting calories or just making informed choices, knowing the calorie content in everyday drinks can help. A standard 5-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon contains around 120 to 125 calories, which is typical for dry red wines and can fit into most diets.
The calorie count can change based on serving size and alcohol level. Wines with higher alcohol or added sugar have more calories. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually low in sugar, making it a good option for those watching calorie intake. For more nutrition details, visit this wine nutrition facts resource.
Key Takeaways
- One glass of Cabernet Sauvignon has about 120–125 calories.
- Alcohol and sugar content affect the calorie amount in each glass.
- Choosing Cabernet Sauvignon can be part of a balanced diet.
Calorie Count in a Glass of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice for wine lovers. Calorie content can change based on serving size, alcohol level, and the brand or region.
Standard Serving Sizes and Calories
A standard serving of Cabernet Sauvignon is 5 ounces (about 148 ml), containing 120–130 calories. Most of these calories come from alcohol, with only a small amount from sugar.
The calorie count increases with higher alcohol content or larger serving sizes. For example, some Napa Valley versions range between 120 and 150 calories per 5-ounce glass.
| Serving Size | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 5 oz | 120–130 |
| 6 oz | 144–156 |
| 8 oz | 192–208 |
A 250 ml “large” glass can contain up to 150 calories. Most people use the 5-ounce serving as the standard for calories in Cabernet Sauvignon.
How Cabernet Sauvignon Compares to Other Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon has a moderate calorie count compared to other wines. Sweeter red wines, like Port or dessert wines, have more sugar and higher calories per serving.
Dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio usually have fewer calories, about 110–120 per 5-ounce glass. Chardonnay and Merlot are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in calorie count.
Rosé and sparkling wines can sometimes be lower in calories, especially if dry. The calories in a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon place it in the middle among common wines.
Calories by Popular Brands and Variations
Calories in Cabernet Sauvignon differ between brands and styles. Wines with higher alcohol percentages have more calories. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol usually has more calories than one at 12.5%.
Popular brands like Barefoot, Robert Mondavi, and Kendall-Jackson usually range between 120 and 130 calories for a 5-ounce pour. Wines from warmer regions or labeled as “Reserve” might have slightly higher alcohol, adding a few extra calories.
Some bottles are marketed as “low calorie” with less alcohol and sugar, sometimes dropping to 110 calories per serving. Checking the label or winery’s website helps if you need exact numbers for calories in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Factors Affecting Calorie Content
Calories in Cabernet Sauvignon depend on alcohol content and the amount of sugar left in the wine.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Alcohol is a main source of calories in red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) between 13.5% and 15%. Each gram of alcohol provides about 7 calories.
Higher ABV wines have more calories. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon with 13% ABV has fewer calories than one with 15% ABV. Even a small increase in ABV can raise the calorie count by 10-20 calories per 5-ounce glass.
Most standard glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon contain between 120 and 130 calories, mostly from alcohol. Reading the wine label for the ABV percentage can help you choose bottles with lower calories. Learn more about how ABV affects calories in Cabernet Sauvignon at this detailed guide.
Residual Sugar and Sweetness Level
Residual sugar is the sugar left after fermentation. In dry wines like most Cabernet Sauvignon, this sugar is low, usually less than 3 grams per liter. Sugar adds about 4 calories per gram.
Sweeter styles of Cabernet Sauvignon may have more residual sugar, raising their calorie content by 10-20 calories per glass compared to very dry wines. The sweetness level can often be found in the wine’s description or technical sheet.
To control calorie intake, choose a variety labeled as “dry.” This keeps residual sugar—and calories from sugar—minimal. For more about sugar’s role in Cabernet Sauvignon calories, visit this nutrition reference.
Cabernet Sauvignon Nutrition Facts
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine with a low calorie count for an alcoholic beverage. It contains mostly carbohydrates and provides little to no fat or protein, with only minimal vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient Breakdown
A standard 5-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon contains about 122 to 125 calories. These calories mainly come from alcohol and a very small amount of sugar.
Here’s a typical macronutrient profile per 5 oz (148 ml) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 3-4 g |
| Protein | 0-0.2 g |
| Fats | 0 g |
| Sugar | <1 g |
Most calories are from alcohol, not sugar or fat. Dry Cabernet Sauvignon often has 1 gram or less of sugar per glass. There is virtually no fat, and protein is almost nonexistent in this wine. For more nutritional details, see FatSecret’s nutrition facts page.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Cabernet Sauvignon is not a significant source of most vitamins or minerals.
- Iron, potassium, and magnesium are present in small amounts.
- A 5 oz glass may contain about 5% of the daily value for potassium and smaller percentages for other minerals.
The wine does not provide important amounts of vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, or B vitamins. Trace elements like manganese and copper may be found, but they are not meaningful for daily needs. For a breakdown of the nutrient content, visit MyFoodData’s nutrition facts.
Comparison to Other Alcoholic Beverages
Cabernet Sauvignon is lower in calories than some cocktails, sweet wines, or heavy beers, but similar to other dry red wines.
A glass of Chardonnay or Merlot usually contains about the same number of calories, with most falling in the 120 to 130 calorie range per 5-ounce pour. Sweet wines, dessert wines, and some cocktails can have over 200 calories per serving.
Beer typically has more carbohydrates per serving, while spirits like vodka or whiskey are higher in alcohol but lower in carbs if served neat. Cabernet Sauvignon is a moderate choice in both calories and carbohydrate content. More information on how Cabernet Sauvignon compares to other drinks.
Health Considerations and Dietary Impact
Cabernet Sauvignon adds calories to a meal and also provides antioxidants found in red wine. Serving size and frequency matter for anyone watching their weight or health.
Calories and Weight Management
A standard 5-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon contains about 122 to 130 calories depending on alcohol content and residual sugar. Most calories come from alcohol and a small amount from carbohydrates. For example, a 5-ounce serving has around 3.8 grams of carbohydrates and virtually no fat or protein.
Since wine calories come mostly from alcohol (7 calories per gram), higher alcohol content means more calories. Choosing a wine with less alcohol or a smaller pour can help control calorie intake. Dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon usually have fewer calories than sweet or fortified wines, such as Port, due to lower sugar content. For those tracking calories or managing weight, Cabernet Sauvignon can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. For more guidance on calorie content, visit this detailed guide.
Antioxidants and Potential Benefits
Cabernet Sauvignon contains antioxidants, including resveratrol and flavonoids, from the grape skins used in fermentation. These compounds are linked with possible heart health benefits when consumed in moderation. The potential benefits come from the polyphenols found in red wine.
These nutrients are present in small amounts, and wine should not be relied on as a main source of nutrition or antioxidants. Positive effects are only associated with modest amounts. Drinking large quantities of red wine can pose health risks and outweigh any benefits, so moderation is key. Studies suggest benefits may be seen at one glass or less per day for women and up to two glasses for men.
Guidelines for Moderate Consumption
Health authorities define moderate alcohol consumption as up to one glass (5 ounces) per day for women and up to two for men. Drinking more than this can lead to health problems like liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased cancer risk.
If you are counting calories or following a diet, include wine in your daily calorie total. People with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications should consult a healthcare provider before drinking wine.
Pregnant women, those with a history of alcohol abuse, and people under the legal drinking age should avoid alcohol. Following guidelines and being mindful of portion sizes can help limit health risks while still allowing people to enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Practical Tips for Calorie Reduction
You can reduce calories while enjoying cabernet sauvignon by making smart choices about the wine and paying attention to serving size. Even small changes can lower calorie intake from wine.
Choosing Lower Calorie Wines
Not all cabernet sauvignon wines have the same calorie content. The main factors are alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar. Wines with a lower ABV, such as 12% instead of 15%, usually have fewer calories per glass.
Choose labels that say “dry” cabernet sauvignon, as these have less sugar and usually fewer calories. Most dry cabernet sauvignon wines average between 120–130 calories per 5-ounce glass, but some are as low as 110 calories if the alcohol content is lower. Check the bottle’s back label or the maker’s website for nutrition details, or see this guide on Cabernet Sauvignon calories for more info.
A simple comparison table:
| Wine type | Average ABV | Calories per 5 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Cabernet Sauvignon | 12-13% | 110-120 |
| Standard Cabernet Sauvignon | 13-15% | 120-130 |
| Sweeter Red Blends | 14%+ | 130-150 |
A wine with a lower ABV and little residual sugar is the best bet for keeping calories in check.
Serving Size Strategies
Serving size has a big impact on calorie consumption. Restaurant pours may be larger than the standard 5-ounce serving, leading to more calories. Measuring your pour at home can help manage intake.
Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup to pour exactly 5 ounces. Smaller wine glasses can make moderate portions look fuller and more satisfying.
If having several drinks, alternate with water between glasses. This helps with hydration and makes it easier to slow down and keep calorie intake under control. For more tips, review calorie guides such as this overview of calorie ranges in cabernet wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon contains a moderate number of calories, with most coming from alcohol. The amount of carbohydrates is low, and other red wines may offer slightly different calorie counts.
What is the calorie count for a standard serving of Cabernet Sauvignon?
A standard 5-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon has about 122–125 calories. This may change slightly depending on the wine’s alcohol by volume and sweetness.
How does the calorie content in Cabernet Sauvignon compare to other red wines?
Cabernet Sauvignon is similar in calories to most common red wines. For example, Pinot Noir also has around 120 calories per glass.
Can you specify the calories found in a 750ml bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon?
A full 750ml bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon has about 610 calories. This is equal to five standard 5-ounce servings.
Are the carbohydrates in Cabernet Sauvignon significant per glass?
A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon contains about 3.8 grams of carbohydrates. Almost all of these carbs come from small amounts of natural grape sugar that remain after fermentation, and there is no dietary fiber.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon considered a high-calorie red wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon is not considered a high-calorie red wine. Most red wines, including Cabernet, are moderate in calories compared to other alcoholic drinks. Only dessert or fortified wines are much higher in calories.
What red wine varietal offers the lowest calorie option per glass?
Among popular reds, Pinot Noir is one of the lowest calorie options, with an average of 120 calories per glass. Most dry red wines have similar calorie counts, usually differing by only a few calories.
