Types of Wine Glasses

The type of wine glass that you serve your wineThe smaller and elongated bowl also allows the
in can have a dramatic impact on the flavor andwine to stay chilled while you are enjoying your
quality of the wine. There are many factorsdessert. These glasses are also great for wines
associated with wine glasses that may add orthat are sweet and may be drunk in smaller
subtract from the wine's flavor, appearance andamounts. This type of glass is also appropriate for
quality. There are also some glassware basics thatBardolino, Chianti, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano
should be considered when choosing glasses.and Zinfandel. If you frequently enjoy white
For a home wine-connoisseur, you may need towines, you may enjoy an all-purpose glass that is
take your wine glass selection very seriously. Fordesigned for different white wines.
those individuals that enjoy a variety of differentRed wine glasses are usually noted as having a
types of wine, you may opt for an all-purposelarge bowl and wide mouth. These glasses are
wine glass. These are tulip shaped and holdsimilar to the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine glass.
approximately 8 to 12 ounces and are appropriateThe Bordeaux wine glass is designed specifically
for most types of wine. There are, however,for these red wines. They have a large and round
specific types of glasses that you may bebowl, which allows the wine to breathe, which
interested in purchasing if you enjoy a particularbrings out the different aromas that the wine has
type of wine on a regular basis. You do notto offer. Allowing the red wine to sit in the glass
necessarily need a special glass for each type ofwill have a similar effect that decanting has on a
wine, but if you routinely enjoy a particular winewine. These glasses are tall and shoot the wine
and you have the storage and budget, then youstraight to the back of your mouth where most
may be interested.red wines will react with the back of the palate.
So what are the differences in white and redThe Burgundy glass is also a good wine glass that
wine glasses? There are several differences andis appropriate for reds and full-bodied wines. They
each affect the bouquet of the wine as well ashave an even larger bowl than the Bordeaux glass
help to maintain the appropriate temperature ofand focuses the wine to be absorbed at the tip
the wine. And of course, white wines are bestof your tongue. This allows the drinker to enjoy
served out of glasses designed for white winesthe sweetness of this wine. This glass is also
and red wines are best served out of glassesappropriate for your Pinot Noir wines and is best
designed for red wines.for gathering the delicate bouquet of your red
The white wine glass has a narrow mouth, whichwine.
allows the wine to maintain its chilled temperature.Red wine glasses also allow you to drink your red
The reduced surface area of the glass does notwines at room temperature. The larger bowl is
allow air to permeate the wine as much as itdesigned to allow the wine to cool after it is
does in a wide mouthed red wine glass. Theexposed to the heat of your hand. If you enjoy
reduced amount of air means that the air will notred wine on a regular basis, you may be
warm the wine. The smaller bowl of the glass alsointerested in buying a set of these glasses.
means that there is less contact by the heat ofWhen purchasing wine glasses, you will want to
the hand, which can also warm the wine.look for clean and clear glasses. This will allow you
Chardonnay glasses feature a narrow rim of glassto examine the wine and check its clarity and
that helps to direct the wine to the middle of thecolor. A clean glass is absolutely necessary for
palate. This applies the fruit flavors and acidity.enjoying wines and after washing you will want to
The longer bowl of the glass keeps the wineremove any soap residue that is left on the glass.
chilled and captures the aromas of the wine. ThisThin glasses are also the best, as a rolled rim will
type of glass works well for Sauvignon Blanc,cause the wine to dribble into your mouth while a
Chablis, White Bordeaux and Burgundies, Whitethin glass presents less obstruction between you
Pinots and Viognier.and the wine. Stems are also necessary, as you
Sangiovese and Riesling glass feature a smallerdo not want to hold the bowl of the glass. The
bowl and even narrower rim. The smaller bowl isglass should also have a tapered rim, which will
due to the fact that these wines are usuallykeep the wine from spilling when you swirl. It will
consumed in smaller quantities as dessert wines.also help to capture the aroma of the wine.