What Wine Glass Should I Be Using?

There are a number of ways you can enjoy wine. You can sip it from a solo cup, you can guzzle it via a mason jar, you can even grab a straw and drink it straight out of a bottle (no judgement here.) However if you are one of those people that has a cabinet full of wine glasses of all shapes and sizes and no idea which one is best, know you are not alone. Believe it or not, there are certain types of wine glasses that are meant to be used with specific varietals to maximize taste and enjoyment.

(Source: Wine Folly)

It’s All About The Shape

When it comes to drinking wine it doesn’t actually matter if your glass has a stem or not. That is more of a personal preference. What truly matters is the shape of the glass. The different wine glass shapes help collect and deposit flavors and aromas as the wine is transferred from the glass and into your mouth. Depending on the type of wine you are drinking, the suggested wine glass shape will differ. Even more so, we can get as specific as light vs. full bodied wines and find glasses for every varietal in between.

White Wine Glasses

The first thing you’ll notice when looking at different wine glasses is probably the size and shape. White wines are typically enjoyed in smaller bowled glasses. A lighter white like a Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc will have a smaller, more narrow glass top. While a more full-bodied white like a Chardonnay will have a larger, more rounded bowl.

The reason for this is that smaller glasses typically help preserve temperature as white wines are served much cooler than reds. Additionally, the glasses help deliver more aromas, showcase acidity, and preserve floral notes that can be found in white wine.

Red Wine Glasses

This is where things can get a bit more complex. There are SO many different red wine glasses to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. There are 3 primary red wine glasses that help deliver taste, aroma and tannins. These three are:

1. The “Standard” red wine glass- perfect for Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Malbec
2. The larger “Bordeaux” style glass- use with big reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Blends, and Cabernet Franc
3. An aroma collector “Bourgogne” glass- a great choice for lighter reds like Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Gammay

From there, we also have multiple shapes that are catered to the specific varietal you wish to enjoy. There are glasses made just for Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and more.

The purpose of red wine glasses is to help moderate the bitterness of the tannins present in some red wines as well as spicy notes while delivering a smooth wine tasting experience. The larger bowls help with collecting aromas, and the wide opening on certain glasses has been shown to help create a smooth taste.

Sparkling Wine Glasses

Champagne or sparkling wine is normally enjoyed in narrow flutes that keep the temperature cool and the bubbles flowing! There are three primary types of sparkling glasses that you can buy. You can go old school with a coupe or “vintage” glass, keep it simple with a stemmed or stemless flute, or buy a tulip glass which has a more narrow base and gets wider at the top.

Uncork & Wine Down

Regardless of what glass you choose, as long as you are enjoying the wine you’re drinking, you’re doing it right in our book. Share your go-to wine glass choice with us on social and be sure to tag ONEHOPE so we can see your photos!

Cheers,

The ONEHOPE Wine Team