WineDeals

We’re all familiar with the basic shape of a wine glass, a base, stem and bowl. This basic design allows us to hold the glass by the stem and not transfer heat from the hand to the wine. Also it makes it easier to swirl the glass and to look at the wine without the hand or finger marks getting in the way.

There are different styles of wine glass for different types of wine that have been developed to help us better appreciate those wines.

Red wine glasses are generally bigger, taller and have a wide, round bowl. This gives the wine a bigger surface in contact with the air allowing it to breathe and develop its aroma.

Red wine glasses can be split into two main types. The bowl of the Bordeaux glass is taller and directs the wine to the back of the mouth. This type of glass is better for drinking full bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The Burgundy glass has a slightly larger bowl and is wider at the rim. This directs more delicate wines like Pinot Noir to the tip of the tongue.

White wines glasses are smaller and narrower with straighter sides. The reduced surface area of the glass helps to keep the wine cool.

Champagne flutes are taller and narrower than white wine glasses. This shapes reduces the area of the wine in contact with the air and helps to prolong the characteristic carbonation.