When deciding if you want to try a new wine, you may take a few things into account. Obviously, varietal preference, cost, and sweetness level play a large role in your decision but have you ever taken into account the alcohol by volume percentage, or ABV%? I certainly have.
What is the ABV% of wine?
ABV is used to measure the alcohol content in a given volume of wine. The wine’s ABV% is typically labeled on the bottom corners of a wines label or on the wines rear label. The ABV% of wine can range from 5% to 20% or higher. The higher the ABV%, the higher the concentration of alcohol the wine contains.
Which wines have the highest alcohol content?
Fortified wines, such as Sherry and Port will have the greatest alcohol content, ranging 20% and up. Fortified wines are wines that have an additional spirit, like Brandy, introduced to the wine during production. It’s no figure these wines have a higher ABV% than most. As a general rule of thumb, red wines tend to have a higher ABV than white wines due to the amount of sugar found in red grapes. Grapes used for red wines are harvested at the peak of ripeness, when their sugar levels are highest. During the wine making process, sugar is converted to alcohol. Thus, the more sugar there is available, the greater potential there is to convert that sugar into alcohol.
Red wines with an 14+ ABV%:
- Shiraz
- Sherry
- Port
- Red Zinfandel
While red wines are known for their high ABV’s, there are a few white wines that are infamously known for bringing the heat…or should I say, the alcohol? Chardonnay’s and Sauvignon Blanc’s rarely disappoint. You can expect an ABV% of 13.5% and up from either of those varietals. No wonder I keep a few bottles of each on hand.
Which Wines Have the Lowest Alcohol Content?
Moscato’s and some other sweet wines, like Riesling, can have as little as 5% – 8% ABV. Sweet wines tend to have a lower alcohol content because these wines contain more sugar. In wine production, wine converts sugar to alcohol. Wines that have more sugar remaining in them after wine fermentation means that less sugar was converted into alcohol during wine fermentation. On the other hand, dry wines tend to have a higher alcohol content because more sugar was pulled from the wine during fermentation and converted into alcohol.
Alcohol Content by Winemaker
Please note, that these are general guidelines that apply to most wines but, I encourage you to check the ABV% listed on each wine bottle. Each winemaker can influence the alcohol content of their wine. I have enjoyed Moscato’s with an 15% ABV so there is absolutely room to divvy outside the norm.
What wine brand have you enjoyed that produces wines with alcohol content outside of the standard for ABV%? Leave them in the comments below, I would love to give them a try!
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