Wine with Leslie: Weighing up calories and alcohol levels in wines from various regions

Alcohol levels in all wines have crept up in recent years, thanks largely to warmer summers and the popularity of riper styles

The average glass of wine contains around 90 calories, similar to a glass of Coke.

Anyone reading this column regularly will know I’m more of a maximalist than a minimalist, more a hedonist than an ascetic. I don’t give up things for lent or cut out food groups (isn’t wine a food group?). I believe we should take pleasure in everyday things, especially food and drink.

Having said that, I do want to continue to wear my expensive Italian jackets, so even I watch calories sometimes. I don’t do diets as such, but I do skip meals, and I try to reduce my wine intake whenever I notice my shirts getting tighter.