How to Choose the Right Wine Glasses

Why it is Important to Have the Right Glassware

Technically you can drink wine out of any glass, but if you are looking to really taste wine then you need the right glassware.

The right glassware allows you to see the colour of the wine properly. This is all a part of the tasting experience. It will also allow the aroma of the wine to be released properly and give you space to enjoy it. Selecting the right glass will depend on both the size and the material of the glass.

Parts of a Wine Glass

There are four main parts of a wine glass.

• The foot of the glass is the base that allows it to stand upright.
• The stem is where you hold the glass. It stops your hands from warming the wine and avoids smudges on the glass.
• The bowl is the actual cup of the glass. This is where the most variation exists between wine glasses because the different sizes are suitable for different wines.
• The rim of the wine glass is important because it enhances the experience of drinking the wine. A thin rim that is smooth to the touch will let the wine flow out of the glass easily.

White Wine Glasses

White wine glasses usually have a smaller bowl. This is because they preserve the floral aromas and bring out the acidity of the wine. The smaller glass also helps to maintain the cool temperature and will deliver the aroma to you.

A full-bodied white wine such as Viognier or Chardonnay will work well in a larger bowl. This will also emphasize the creamy texture of the wine. A lighter white wine is served from a glass with a smaller opening which makes the finish of the wine slower.

Red Wine Glasses

Red wine should be served in a larger glass with a wider mouth. The largest glasses are best with a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux. These are usually called Bordeaux glasses. A smaller red wine glass may be used for lighter wines such as a Pinot Noir. These are often called Burgundy glasses.

The large bowl of the glass directs the wine towards the tongue ready to taste it. Red wine glasses are also taller than a white wine glass as this maximises the flavour. A Bordeaux glass delivers more aroma to the nose without the strength of the alcohol and the wider opening makes it taste smoother.

Sometimes spicy red wines may be served in a smaller glass as the flavours are softened when they hit your tongue more slowly.

Sparkling Wine Glasses

A sparkling wine is usually served from a tulip-shaped glass or flute. This is because the upright, narrow glass retains the carbonation and flavour of the drink.

Flutes create a steady stream of fizz and preserve the bubbles in the wine. A tulip-shaped glass or a narrow mouthed white wine glass will usually help you to enjoy the aroma and taste of the wine more.

Rose Wine Glasses

As rose is similar to white wine, it is acceptable to serve rose wine in a white wine glass. However, there are specific glasses that are more suitable for rose wine. Generally, a short bowl with a slight taper or a flared lip is the best for these wines.

The flared lip allows the wine to run out of the bowl straight onto the tip of the tongue. This is where our taste buds are most sensitive to sweet tastes, which you will find many of in rose wines. A more full-bodied rose wine can be served without the flared lip.

Dessert Wine Glasses

When serving dessert wines and fortified wines such as Port, a small glass with a narrow mouth is best. This reduces the evaporation of the high alcohol wines.

As these wines are extremely sweet, the small glasses direct the wine towards the back of the mouth which avoids an overwhelming sweetness. The smaller glass is also more suitable for such a high level of alcohol.

How to Choose the Right Material

There are several materials used to make wine glasses:

• Crystal: this is very strong and can therefore be spun into thin glassware. This has the effect of creating a very smooth rim and refracting the light well. This helps you to better enjoy the colour of your wine.
• Lead Crystal: this is known to have the best light refracting properties that truly make the wine shine.
• Durable Crystal Blends: blending crystals with materials such as magnesium makes the crystal very durable.
• Acrylic: whilst these are not technically glass, they are great for taking outside during the summer. The rim will be slightly thicker than glass.
• Glass: this is a little more durable than crystal and is a cost-effective option for wine glasses, but it will have a thicker rim.

The main decision will depend on whether you are able to maintain fragile crystal glasses. They are the best for tasting wine but may not be the best to purchase if you are worried about them breaking.