Wine is a sophisticated beverage choice that can enhance the dining experience, while beer is a more casual and widely available option with a diverse range of styles. Consider your personal preferences, dietary needs, and the occasion when choosing between wine and beer.
| Metric | wine | beer |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Typically 9% to 14% ABV for unfortified wines, averaging around 14%. Fortified wines range from 16% to 24% ABV, averaging around 18%. Red wines tend to have higher ABV (12%-15%, averaging 13.5%) than white wines (5%-14%, averaging 10%). Some wines can range from 5.5% to 25% ABV. | Typically 3% to 7% ABV, but most range from 4% to 8%. Light beers are around 4.2% ABV, while craft beers can reach 10% ABV. Stronger beers like Double IPAs and imperial stouts can reach 15% ABV or higher, with some reaching up to 41% ABV. 'Alcohol-free' beers may contain trace amounts, around 0.5% alcohol. |
| Calories per Serving | A standard 5-ounce (145 ml) glass contains approximately 120-130 calories. Dry white wines (e.g., Vinho Verde) have ~100 calories, regular red or white wines (e.g., Pinot Noir) have ~120 calories, and bold, high-alcohol red wines (e.g., Zinfandel) have ~130 calories. Sweet wines can have up to 200 calories. A 125ml glass of demi-sec champagne has about 101 calories, while a dry champagne ('brut') has around 89 calories. | A 12-ounce (355 ml) serving of regular beer generally contains 150-180 calories. Light beer: ~100 calories (12 oz). Craft beer: 180-300 calories (12 oz). Lagers and Pilsners: 100-150 calories (12 oz). IPAs: 180-200 calories (12 oz). Double or Imperial IPAs: 250-300 calories or more. Non-alcoholic beer: Typically between 80-90 calories. |
| Price per Bottle/Pack | Not available | Not available |
| Sugar Content | Red wine has approximately 1 gram of sugar per 5-ounce glass, while white wine has about 1.4 grams. Sweet wines can have as high as 8 grams per serving. Dry wine can have as low as 1-2g of carbohydrate in a 200ml glass, whereas a particularly sweet wine could have over 10g of carbs. | Not available |
| Origin/Region | Wine's history traces back to ancient times, with evidence in Greece via the Middle East and Caucasus region around 7,000 years ago. Key wine-growing regions were established by the Phoenicians in Spain, Italy, Croatia, and the Black Sea. Regions like Rhône in France have a history of co-fermenting grapes. | Not available |
| Ingredients | Made from grapes, yeast, and sometimes includes additives like sulfites. Red wines are fermented with skins, seeds, and stems. | Not available |
| Acidity (wine) | Ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 pH, with most wines between 3 and 4 pH. White wines typically have a pH level of 3.0 to 3.4, while red wines are between 3.3 to 3.6. Total acidity of red wines is about 0.6 to 0.7% TA (6 to 7 grams/Liter), and white wines have a higher TA between 6.5 to 7.5 g/L. | Not applicable |
| Bitterness (beer) | Not applicable | Not available |
| Serving Temperature | White wines are best served at 8-10°C (44-50°F). Red wines are best served at 15-18°C (60-64°F). Sparkling wines: between 5-8°C (40-46°F). Dessert wines: Ice wine: 10ºC (50ºF), Port: Tawny Ports at 12-14°C (55°F to 58°F), Vintage and Ruby Ports at 15-18°C (60°F to 64°F). | Not available |
| Shelf Life | Unopened wine can last for years, even decades, depending on the type. Less expensive wines should be consumed within two years after bottling, while organic wines should be consumed within three to six months. Fine wines can last up to 20 years if stored properly. Once opened, wine should be stored corked in the refrigerator and consumed within three to seven days. Sparkling wine should be consumed within hours after opening. | Not available |
| Common Allergens | Common allergens include sulfites, histamine, lipid transfer proteins, egg whites, chitosan, gelatin, isinglass, casein, and gluten. Red wine contains high levels of histamine. People with sulfite allergies will likely need to avoid red wine. | Not available |
| Organic/Sustainable | Organic and biodynamic wines are grown without pesticides or artificial additives. Fining agents and sulfites, however, are still added to green wines. | Not available |
| Tannins (wine) | Red wines have the highest tannin content due to fermentation with skins, seeds, and stems. White wines have significantly lower levels. Tannins contribute to the wine's structure and mouthfeel, creating a drying sensation. High-tannin wines are described as astringent and bitter. | Not applicable |
| Carbonation (beer) | Not applicable | Not available |
| Body/Mouthfeel | Wines can be light-bodied (like Pinot Grigio), medium-bodied (like Merlot), or full-bodied (like Cabernet Sauvignon). Wines with high acidity feel crisp and refreshing. The mouthfeel refers to the sensations felt in your mouth as you drink. Tannins interact with proteins in the mouth to create a sense of viscosity. | Not available |
| pros | ['Antioxidant properties (especially in red wine)', 'Can be aged to develop complex flavors', 'Adds structure and balance to meals'] | ['Varies widely in flavor and style, offering options for different preferences.', 'Can be lower in calories compared to some wines, especially light beers.', 'Widely available and often more affordable than wine.'] |
| cons | ['Can trigger allergic reactions due to sulfites, histamines, or other allergens', 'Higher alcohol content can lead to higher calorie intake', 'Tannins can cause a drying sensation some find unpleasant'] | ['Higher calorie content compared to some light alcoholic beverages.', 'Can have a high carbohydrate content due to being made from fermented grains.', 'Stronger beers can lead to rapid alcohol consumption due to higher ABV.'] |
| user_feedback | {'positive': ['Enjoyable flavors and aromas', 'Enhances the dining experience', 'Offers a variety of styles to suit different tastes'], 'negative': ['Can cause headaches or congestion in sensitive individuals', 'Potential for spoilage if not stored properly', 'Acidity can be too high for some palates'], 'value': ['Offers a complex tasting experience', 'Can be paired with food to enhance flavors', 'Provides a sophisticated beverage option'], 'quotes': ['"This juicy palate is full of flavours of plum, raspberry, cedar, star anise and sour cherry."', '"This wine is well balanced with a beautiful acidity\u2026"']} | {'positive': ['Refreshing and enjoyable, especially in social settings.', 'Craft beers offer a wide range of complex flavors.', 'Light beers provide a lower-calorie option for casual drinking.'], 'negative': ['Some beers can cause bloating or digestive issues.', 'High alcohol content in some beers can lead to quicker intoxication.', 'The taste can be acquired, and some may find it bitter.'], 'value': ['Offers a diverse range of options from light lagers to complex craft brews.'], 'quotes': ['"A cold beer on a hot day is one of life\'s simple pleasures."', '"I enjoy trying different craft beers to explore new flavors and brewing techniques."']} |
| ratings | {'overall': 'Not available', 'performance': 'Not available'} | {'overall': 'Not available', 'performance': 'Not available'} |