It's All About the Shape of Your Wine Glass

Wine Glasses – It’s All in the Shape

Do you ever wonder why there are so many different wine glasses? Well, its not just a stylistic difference. Each wine glass shape serves a different purpose in your wine tasting experience. 

The shape of your wine glass is designed to maximize the flavors, aroma, and overall development of the wine varietal as it opens in your glass. Let’s look at some basic wine varietal glasses and how their shape impacts your drinking experience.

Red Wine Glasses

Red wine glasses have a rounder fuller bowl with a larger opening allowing the red wine enough surface area to bring out the flavor and aroma characteristics. The complex flavors and aromas of a red wine require the additional surface area so the wine comes in contact with more air.

For red wine glasses, two basic types of glasses are Bordeaux and a Burgundy glass. The bowl of a Bordeaux glass is not quite at large, but has a taller stem. This is the perfect glass for big bodied red wines such as Merlot and Cabernet varietals. The height of the glass positions the wine to go directly to the back of your palate for maxim flavor.

A Burgundy glass is more suited for a Pinot Noir – a lighter full bodied wine.  A Burgundy wine glass is shorter, but has a more rounded bowl than a Bordeaux glass. This directs the wine to the tip of the tongue so you can enjoy its delicate flavors. No home is complete without a set of red wine glasses.

White Wine Glasses

White wine glasses have a taller more “U-shaped” bowl. This upright design allows the aromas to be released while maintaining a cooler temperature.  With white wines, your glass will depend on the age and flavors of the wine. A young crisp wine is more enjoyable in a wine glass with a larger opening to direct the wine to the sides and tip of the tongue. This is where you can enjoy the sweetness of the drink.

For fuller, more mature white wines, a glass that is taller and straighter will dispense the wine to the back and sides of the tongue so you can taste the bolder flavors. Every white wine lover’s home should not be without a quality set of white wine glasses.

Champagne Glasses

For champagne (or sparkling wine), an upright and narrow flute is recognized as your traditional glass. This design allows the wine to retain its carbonation and capture the flavor.  Whether you like a sweeter or a brut (dry) champagne, the same glass can be used. However, a flute tends to flair outward at the top making it slightly different from a traditional champagne glass.

Besides making a great glass to have around for celebrations or weekend mimosas, personalized champagne glasses make a thoughtful gift for newlyweds or anniversaries.

As you can see, your wine glass can shape the experience of a bottle. Your personal preference of size and shape does not have to match your varietal of choice. When enjoying wine in your home, we believe there are no rules except having good wine, good food, and good company.

For more wine glass options, visit our shop to see the selection of wine glasses for your wine enjoyment. Be sure to ask us about personalization for gifts or wholesale pricing for bulk orders.

Cheers!

Katie

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