If you don’t believe that a wine glass can make or break your wine, then read on to learn more about the types of wine glasses. While a universal glass may be good, there are certain wine nuances that may be lost with these. Here’s a rundown of grape varietal wine glasses and what it can do to enhance the taste of the individual wine types.
Since wines are best enjoyed with their enhanced aromas, the nose being a major factor to consider for one to fully understand the taste of wine, using the right glasses to highlight this is a must. According to a Japanese research in 2015 showed the astonishing difference of the ethanol evaporation depending on the type of glass used.
A wine glass is composed of four parts – the base, the stem, the bowl, and the rim. The base is what gives the glass its stability. From there, the stem elongates the glass while giving the customer something to hold on to without raising the temperature of the wine within. It also prevents fingerprints from getting on the bowl of the glass.
Selecting the right type of wine glass all comes down to vapor. Studies show that the shape of a wine glass can have a noticeable effect on the nose and finish of the wine because of how the glass lets off ethanol.
A top the stem sits the bowl. The bowl is arguably the most important feature of the glass. It should be large enough to comfortably swirl the wine without spilling or splashing it, and it should be tapered to retain and concentrate the aroma of the wine. Full-bodied red wines need room to breathe and to release their aroma; therefore, a larger bowl is needed when serving these wines. Conversely, white wines are typically served in smaller glasses, ones that are shaped like a “U” and narrower than a red wine glass.
This gives the wine enough room for the aromas to be released but also helps in maintaining the cooler temperature of the white wines. Finally, flutes are often used to serve sparkling wines, as they help the bubbles last longer.
The uppermost part of the bowl is where the rim lies. A thinner rim is less distracting to drinkers as they sip their wine, and a smooth rim will not impede the wine as it flows from glass to mouth. Thicker, rounder rims are the sign of a cheaply made glass, and while the glasses serve their purpose, they may be more distracting to the drinker.
When it comes to picking the best glass for red wine, think oxygen. When wine is subjected to oxygen, or allowed to “breathe,” the subtle flavors reveal themselves. New delicate flavors and aromas develop (and remember how vital smell is).
Because red wines have a fuller body and more intense flavors than their white counterparts, it’s crucial to pick a glass in which your red wine can breathe. Wine glasses with a broader bowl and wider opening allow red wine to oxidize and develop as you drink. The opening also enables you to dip your nose inside to detect the aroma
In contrast to red wines, light-bodied wines go best in narrow-bowled glasses and the bowl is more u-shaped and upright than a red wine glass. This is because the smaller glasses can preserve and enhances the fruity flavors by maintaining a cooler temperature.
Also, because white wine glasses are shorter, the space between the drinker’s nose and the wine is reduced, meaning you can truly experience the aroma of the wine.
However, because white wines are so diverse, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, fuller-bodied white wines or oaked white wines, such as Chardonnay, suit a glass with a wider bowl. This is because the glass directs the wine to the back of the tongue, allowing you to taste the bolder flavors more intensely.
Rose Wine Glasses
The best rose wine glass depends on whether you are drinking a young or mature rose. Below we go through the characteristics of a flared lip glass or a glass with a slight taper. There are two categories of rose glass wines: the flared lip glass or a glass with a slight taper. Flared lip directs the wine first to tip of tongue where taste buds are most sensitive to sweetness. Enhances the sweetness of crisp wine; balances flavor and minimizes any bite. Short bowl that is rounded at the bottom with a slight taper instead of a flared lip
It’s Time to Raise a Glass
Like pairing food with wine, choosing the right types of wine glasses can help bring out the notes, flavors, and textures of wine.
When selecting wine glasses, first pay attention to the body of the wine you’re serving. If it’s a full-bodied red, choose a Bordeaux glass. If it’s a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, pick a glass with a wider brim.
There are many factors that can affect your wine drinking experience, and choosing the right wine glass is just one way to get the most out of your bottle.
This is just the beginning of the conversation of this beautiful and complex subject and we promise to come back with a second part where we go into more details and describe the particularities of all type of wine glasses.
Talk to you next time!