As many of us continue to stay home, we've discovered new ways to stay connected with our friends and family — which can often take the form of virtual happy hours. But, for those of us who choose to drink, the effects of too many boozy FaceTime or Zoom dates can take its toll. While cutting out the spirits completely is one way to go, we couldn't help but wonder: is there a healthier way to still enjoy a tasty glass of wine? So, we consulted a doctor to find out.
"Not all alcoholic beverages are created equal," New York-based Internist and Gastroenterologist and Adjunct Professor at Touro College Dr. Niket Sonpal, MD, tells Refinery29. "Wines can vary in terms of sugar content, calories, and alcohol content." However, with a rise in organic, biodynamic, and sustainably-sourced vino, there are plenty of options available for the health-conscious vino. Another thing to look out for? Sulfites, which you may have noticed on wine labels but aren't totally sure what they are. "Sulfites are chemical compounds used in winemaking to preserve the wine. If you have a sensitivity to them, you can experience headaches, hives, and other discomforts," Dr. Sonpal adds. "If this is the case with you, opt for a dry red, which is lower in sulfites." (Wine delivery sites like Winc are making it easier to shop low-sulfite and low-sugar options.)
While these factors can help you choose a better-for-you bottle, it's important to remember that alcohol should always be consumed in moderation — just because something is better doesn't mean it should be consumed in excess. Ahead, we break down a few of the best varieties to sip responsibly.
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Pinot Noir
"Dry reds like pinot noir are usually the healthiest, and white wines are usually sweeter and tend to have more calories per glass," Dr. Sonpal explains. Why? They tend to contain higher levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which provide trace antioxidant benefits.
Zero-Sugar Sparkling Wine
You don't need a special occasion to pop some bubbly. However, if you're going to go the sparkling route, make it an additive-free, zero-sugar option like Usual's Brut.
Dry Rosé
Bright, fruit-forward, and pink? Rosé has a lot going for it as the de facto bevy of summer soirées, but it can sometimes come back to haunt you the morning after as they tend to be sweeter than other wines. Enter this dry, organic, and vegan Grenache/Syrah blend that is a true delight to sip.
Pinot Grigio
Dangerously easy-to-drink white wines are a hangover waiting to happen when one glass ends up being three. However, if you're looking for a less boozy option, Pinot Grigio and Riesling tend to be lower in alcohol than other white varieties. They're also refreshing mixed equal parts with sparkling water.
Orange Wine
Ready for something unexpected? Orange wines have been trending hard over the past couple years, and are a great option for fans of natural wines with promise of antioxidant properties. Our pick? This biodynamic, unfiltered, and sulfite-free variety.