Glassware

Parts of the 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 a couple of reasons. First, it is more awkward trying to swirl it. Second, you will get fingerprints and smudges on the glass which disturbs the appearance of the wine.

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

THE CONTENT DETERMINES THE SHAPE

When developing a glass, the design ideas are not born on a drawing board, but shaped by trial and error with the help and support of the world's greatest palates.

A person interested in wine is led by color, bouquet and taste, but often the glass is not considered as an instrument to convey the message of the wine. Over the years some interesting scientific explanations have been used to explain why the shape of a glass influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages. The first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine displayed completely differently characteristics when served in a variety of glasses. The differences were so great that experienced connoisseurs were made to believe that they were tasting a different wine. The grape variety is the key factor in determining the relationship between fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol.

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 bowl will be fuller and rounder with a larger opening to allow you to dip your nose into the glass to detect aroma. And, the complex aromas and flavors of red wine demand a glass with a larger surface area so the wine comes in contact with more air.

For red wine, you may want both a Bordeaux and a Burgundy glass. A Bordeaux glass is taller, yet the bowl is not quite as large. It is designed for full bodied, heavier red wines such as Cabernets and Merlots. The tallness of the glass allows the wine to proceed directly to the back of the mouth to maximize its flavor.

A Burgundy glass is for lighter, full bodied wines such as Pinot Noir. It is not as tall, but the bowl is larger than the Bordeaux glass, directing the wine to the tip of the tongue to taste its more delicate flavors.

A white wine glass bowl will be more U shaped and upright allowing the aromas to be released while also maintaining a cooler temperature.For white wine, you may also want two types of wine glasses, one for younger, crisp whites and one for more mature, fuller whites.

The wine glass for younger whites has a slightly larger opening directing the wine to the tip and sides of the tongue to taste its sweetness.The glass for more mature whites will be straighter and taller to dispense the wine to the back and sides of the tongue to taste its bolder flavors.

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.

A dessert wine glass should be smaller to direct the wine to the back of the mouth so the sweetness doesn't overwhelm. Dessert wines generally have a higher alcohol content, making the small glass perfect for a smaller serving.

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.

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.

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.