How to Pick the Right Glass for Your Wine

How to Pick the Right Glass for Your Wine
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types of wine glasses available? Does the wide selection confuse you so much that you want to just grab the nearest plastic cup, pour in your favorite wine, and call it a day? Believe it or not, there is actually a science to choosing the perfect glass for your wine. Whether it’s a robust red, a crisp white, light rose, a sweet dessert wine, or a great glass of bubbly, the correct glass can make your wine drinking experience better than it would be otherwise. So, if you’d like to learn the basics about how to pick the proper wine glass, you’ve definitely come to the right place. For your convenience: We've prepared just what you need to get you started. And we promise: it’s not as complicated as it might seem. 

First, The Basics

It’s always important that you do not fill the glass to the very top. After all: You can always pour more wine later. Room at the top of the glass allows the extra needed space for the wine aromas to properly circulate where they can be better enjoyed. Remember: Aroma always equals flavor.  And you might also be surprised to know that a stemmed glass, although aesthetically pleasing, isn't generally necessary. Often, it’s more about the shape of the vessel, rather than the structure of an added stem, that matters most. However, when drinking chilled wine, the stem does decrease the holder’s hand heat from unnecessarily warming the beverage. In addition, a stem allows the user to more easily swirl the drink. So, stems — besides being beautiful — do serve a purpose. Beyond the basics, there are also “universal glasses” that can be purchased almost everywhere. This is especially helpful if your cupboard space is limited, or you just prefer simplifying such details. These glasses offer what the manufacturers claim is a shape that is conducive to all types of wines. They are best described as coned, or tulip-shaped glasses that arguably work well with all wine types. However, if you have room to store a selection of different glass shapes, many believe the subtle wine drinking benefits are worth the extra investment.  And then there are the glass shape types within each wine subtype. For example: Even among wine colors — whether red, white or rose — the glass shapes will vary. Why? Besides color, it also matters if you are drinking a full-bodied or light-bodied wine. Yes, the nuances make a difference in wine glass selection, too.

Here are a few wine glass specifics: 

Red Wine Glasses

In order to reduce the bitter taste of red wine tannins, it’s wise to choose a wider mouthed glass than one would use for white wine. Generally speaking: A wider bowl keeps the aromas farther from the nose and allows for a smoother red wine-drinking experience. In addition, the wider opening helps with oxidation. Many believe this improves the flavor because the oxygen mellows out the otherwise intense flavors of red wine complexity.  For a full-bodied red, like a cabernet sauvignon, try a larger vessel — often called a Bordeaux glass — for a more pleasant flavor.  For a medium-bodied red — like a syrah — a standard red wine glass is the perfect ticket. For a red wine with floral tones — like a pinot noir — try a Bourgogne glass, which has a large bowl for carefully capturing all those beautiful aromas.  Red Wine Glasses

White Wine Glasses 

When choosing a white wine glass, note that smaller bowls are generally desirable. This shape allows the wine to remain cooler, as well as preserve floral aromas — since the bowl is closer to the nose while sipping. It also limits oxidation, which could negatively impact the nuances of a more subtle wine.  In addition: A stemmed glass works well to keep the white wine cool from the user’s warm touch. If you have a fuller-bodied white wine — like an oak-aged chardonnay — the mouth should be slightly wider. This will offer a creamier texture to the wine drinking experience by contributing to the oxidation process. 

Rose Wine Glasses

Here’s where the stem, or no stem, a theory also comes into play. Many believe that the stem allows the rose to remain cool from the heat of the user's hand. So, because the temperature is a factor here, you might want to consider a stemmed glass for rose, too. A rose glass generally has a flared lip, allowing the wine to better reach your sweet taste buds first. This is especially a great glass when enjoying a younger rose, which is not quite as sweet as its more mature rose counterpart.  Rose Wine Glasses

Dessert Wine Glasses 

Generally more petite in overall size, with a substantially smaller opening, this glass works perfectly while drinking sweeter dessert wine. By sending the wine more easily to the back taste buds, this glass ensures the beverage is not perceived as being overly sweet.  In addition, the smaller glass size is conducive to the typically higher alcohol content of dessert wine. This glass is just perfect for enjoying an after-dinner moment, while slowly sipping a sweet dessert wine. 

Champagne and Prosecco Flutes

With the primary goal of keeping the beautiful bubbies active, the flute is the best choice for chilled Champagne or Prosecco. The flute has a tall slim bowl that helps preserve the essential, and enjoyable, carbonation, and the long stem assists in preventing the heat from one’s hand from warming the drink. In addition, the flute is always aesthetically pleasing, as well as a classic choice, when enjoying a festive glass of sparkling wine.  Now that you have found the perfect glass to pour the bubbly, why not fill it with an incredible, chilled, Zonin Prosecco? This is always a refreshing way to celebrate a special occasion with friends or to liven up your Eggs Benedict at brunch.  To learn more about our fine Prosecco, and why it’s such a popular choice, keep up with our blog and make your order today.