Wine Glass Basics

You wouldn’t think so but the type of wine glass you use makes a big difference in how your wine tastes. More than that, it also affects the aroma and appearance as well. And we don’t want anything to mess all that up, don’t we?

The size, shape, and thickness of the glass all affect how much fruitiness or tannins you taste. They have the effect of directing how much of the aromas get to your nose. They direct the wine to specific parts of your tongue.

You may recall from school somewhere that your sense of taste is also a function of your sense of smell. Ever notice that when your nose is stuffed up from a cold, you can’t taste much? That is why. You need your nose to taste. So if a wine glass directs more aromas to your nose, the taste of the wine will be enhanced.

Parts Of A Wine Glass

First is the bowl. That’s the most important part of the glass since it contains the wine! The top of the bowl is the rim.

Second is the stem. This is how you hold the glass - not by the bowl.
By the way, there are stemless glasses out there. While trendy in appearance, I am opposed to using them for three reasons. One is that you have to hold the bowl in your hand and thus warm up the wine. Second, it is more awkward trying to swirl it. Third, you will get fingerprints and smudges on the glass which makes the wine look ugly.

Third is the base. Can't balance the glass without it!

Size And Shape

Yes, size does matter! White wine is served in a smaller glass that holds about 10 ounces filled to the top. Red wine is served in a larger glass that holds at least 12 ounces or more. This is imperative for swirling the wine to release the aromas.

Next, shape matters, too. There are three basic shapes:

A red wine glass is more balloon shaped with a wide bottomed bowl and narrower top. The wider bottom allows for more aeration to enhance the flavors and aromas. And the narrower top will trap those flavors and aromas.

A white wine glass is more tulip shaped with a bowl narrower at the bottom. This concentrates the aromas and helps keep the wine cooler.

A sparkling wine glass is very narrow with varying shapes like tulips, flutes, or trumpets. These are meant to keep the wine cool and to hold in the bubbles longer. Flutes are by far the best for this.

The best wine glass shape can vary based on the grape varietal as well. There are glasses specifically shaped for cabernets, pinot noirs, chardonnays, etc. Each is shaped a certain way to enhance the characteristics of that varietal.

Need to know more?

Take a look at the Riedel Glassware wine glass guide. They are the granddaddy of fine wine glasses. There, you will see a long drop-down list of wines and the different glasses for them. You wouldn't think that there are so many but there are. Check out Wine Enthusiast. They offer free shipping on all Riedel glassware and decanters.

The thickness is another feature that can enhance or detract from a wine’s flavor and aroma. The rule is that thinner is better. This allows you to catch more of the aroma as you sip the wine. Remember what I said above about your nose affecting your taste.

By the way, some finer glasses are not perfectly smooth but are very slightly coarse on the inside. This has the effect of better releasing the aromas when you swirl and taste. Finally, a thinner bowl is more transparent for appreciating the wine’s appearance.

A word about rims. A thick rim will force you to draw air into your mouth to drink. This detracts from your ability to smell the aromas. Also, the rim should be smooth and not rolled. Rolled rims force the wine to dribble. You want the wine in your mouth and not on your shirt. It’s really not that bad but you get the idea.

A word of warning. As nice as the thinner crystal glasses are, they are FRAGILE. I had one shatter in my hands just wiping it dry with a dishtowel. Ruined my whole day! So be very gentle with them. And keep them out of the dishwasher.

So How Do I Decide Which To Buy?

Now, the glasses you will buy will be based on:

How many will you use at one time.

What kind of wines you will be drinking.

Space to store them. If space or money is a premium, one set of 12 to 14 ounce balloon shaped glasses will suffice but you will need a separate set for sparkling wines. If you can, get one set for whites and another for reds.
A good thing to have for your glasses is a wine glass rack. Similar to what you see in bars, you just slip them in and out of the slots whenever you need them. That frees up your cabinet space as well. Some regular wine racks have slots for glasses also. I have one of those myself. Nice.

Your budget. While crystal glasses are wonderful, they are priced accordingly. Perhaps a small number for special occasions or a small group will suffice.
If you are looking for cheap wine glasses, just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Certainly, they can serve the purpose. But to truly appreciate all a wine has to offer, a finer glass is needed. It’s up to you.

Finally, a word about colored or patterned glasses. They may look pretty on the shelf, but keep in mind that you can’t appreciate the appearance of the wine through them. But, if that doesn’t matter, then go for them.

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