Know Your Glassware: Wine Glasses

Using the right wine glasses certainly add to the enjoyment of consuming wine. Having experienced drinking wine from ordinary glasses, it made the experience a little less special. Plus, I had this feeling that I was doing something wrong. Not to be a snob or anything – I mean ordinary glasses can do if the situation calls for it – but the right wine glass with the right type of wine is something that all wine lovers must know because the glass shape can influence how the wine is perceived (its aroma, flavors, etc).

The type of wine glass you choose depends on the type of wine you plan to consume.

Red Wine Glasses – glassware for red wine are typically more rounded, which enhances the oxidization and subtly alters the flavors and aroma of the wine. Oxidation agrees with red wine, as the flavors are smoothed out after being exposed to air. There are two styles of red wine glasses:

· Bordeaux glass – tall glassware with a wide bowl (this shape directs the wine to the back of the mouth); suitable for full-bodied wines such as Cabernet and Merlot

· Burgundy glass – broader and has a bigger bowl than a Bordeaux wine glass; this shape is for the accumulation of flavors and aromas of more delicate red wines such as Pinot Noirs and the shape directs the wine to the tip of the tongue.

White Wine Glasses – white wine glasses are more varied than their red wine counterparts, from the long and narrow champagne flutes, to the wide and shallow glasses used to drink chardonnay. More full bodied white wines are consumed using glasses with wider mouths to enhance oxidation while more delicate white wines are best consumed using glasses with smaller mouths. Champagne flutes, in particular, have really small mouths compared to most other wine glasses to keep the wine sparkling longer.

Wine 101 - Wine Glasses How to Choose The Right Wine Glass

Choosing Wine Glasses

When it comes to getting the type of glass you want to drink with your wine, you may want to consider a couple of things. The two things to remember when considering a wine tasting glass consist of the size of the glass and the shape of the glass.

The most common shape of wine glass is the chimney shape. Broader on the bottom of the bowl, it tapers upward to a smaller opening.  The reason a broader bottom is important is that it allows you a better way to swirl the wine.  This is important to make sure the wine is mixed properly.

Size Doesn’t Matter

The size of the glass is not that important as long as it’s large enough for you to smell the wine. Many people like the burgundy style wine glasses while others like the convenience of a smaller glass.

Factors that will enhance your tasting experience include glassware that is clear and free of cuts.

Many glass manufacturers have designed specific glasses for specific wine types.  These are specially made so they can be very expensive but may be worth it to certain people.

Cleaning Wine Glasses

Avoid soap when it comes to cleaning the glasses, instead use hot water and rinse thoroughly.  Soap can get easily get trapped in the glass and you may taste more of it than the wine.

You should try to find wine glasses that are easy to clean.