Does wine have high alcohol content? Where does it stand in the spectrum of alcoholic drinks? Most people believe that wine is a low alcohol beverage in all cases; this is a common misconception. As a matter of fact, different wines have varying levels of alcohol. It all boils down to your drinking preferences.
How’s Alcohol Content Measured?
Understanding how alcohol levels are measured in drinks is fundamental to accurately determine how much alcohol wine can have. The standard measurement of the alcohol content of drinks is alcohol by volume (ABV). ABV is the volume of ethanol as a percent of the total volume of the beverage.
If you live in the US, the alcohol content is measured in alcohol proof which is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume used in Europe. The traditional equipment for measuring alcohol content consists of two similar-looking but different contraptions: the alcoholmeter and hydrometer.
The amount of alcohol in a pure base spirit (distilled) is generally measured with the alcoholmeter. If the producer adds in sugar or other soluble substances, the hydrometer comes into play. The first contraption is what we use to determine AVB or alcohol proof and suited for pure, distilled spirits. On the other hand, for the measurement of potential alcohol content, an hydrometer is better.
Nowadays, most distilleries have thrown away their analogue devices and replaced them with cutting-edge digital alcohol meters. These are much easier and simpler to use.
What’s the Average Alcohol Content for Wine?
What provides wine with its distinct flavors and alcohol content is the very process involved when creating it. As a rule of thumb, the grapes utilized to make wine play a major role in the wine’s taste and composition.
The range in alcohol levels is the result of how each spirits producer makes his product. Alcoholic drinks rely on fermentation, a process by which yeast transforms sugar into alcohol. Making wine demands a longer fermentation process, which means the alcohol content is limited by the yeast.
A glass of wine might look more civilized and refined than a can of beer or a bottle of vodka as far as boozing up is concerned, however, do not let yourself be fooled. Although it is true that wine sits on the lower spectrum of alcohol levels boasting an ABV averaging out at 11.6%, there are some wines that can pack quite the punch.
Wines According to Alcohol Content
When choosing a wine, be it for personal enjoyment or as a gift, it is paramount to consider the alcohol levels. Moreover, when pouring wine, the alcohol content of that wine in particular needs to be known. Handle alcohol quantities responsibly on the basis of that wine’s specific alcohol amount. No one wants to have Uncle Joe drunk at that certain family reunion.
You can use ABV if you need a general idea of the alcohol present in most popular wine types. Here’s a simple breakdown for you to find out which wine types have less or more alcohol:
- Low alcohol content wines. These are under 12.5 percent and generally include sparkling, white and rose varieties. Italian Prosecco, German Riesling and Portuguese Rose are good examples.
- Moderately low alcohol content wines. Ranging from 12.5 to 13.5 these wines include sparkling, white, rose and red varieties. California sparkling, Spanish Verdejo, Spanish roses and Spanish Rioja come to mind.
- High and highest alcohol content wines. These cover all the way from 13.5 to 14.5 or greater. You will feel these faster. White and red wines dominate this group with wines such as Chardonnay, Spanish sherry, Pinot Noir, Chilean Merlot, Italian Amarone, etc.
Note that there are always exceptions and we have not listed all the wines here, nor are they all made the same. Make sure to look for the ABV percentage on your wine’s label.
Discover VenToSpain
Spanish wines are renowned for their high quality. When it comes to drinking wine there’s no accounting for taste, and that’s why we invite you to try our carefully crafted wine line VenToSpain.
Sources: www.flaviar.com, www.simplemost.com, www.winefolly.com
