Anyone who has spent an evening in a good wine bar knows that the glass is part of the experience. The way a wine is served affects how you smell it, how it feels in your mouth and simply how enjoyable it is to drink. With the festive season approaching and more dinners and gatherings at home, it is a good time to look at the glasses in your cupboard.
You do not need a different glass for every grape. But understanding a few basics will help you choose glasses that make the most of the wines you like.
Why The Shape Of The Glass Matters
A wine glass has three parts: the bowl, the stem and the base. The bowl is where most of the difference lies. A wider bowl gives the wine more contact with the air and leaves room for aromas to gather. A narrower bowl concentrates those aromas and helps keep cooler wines cool for longer.
The stem is there for a reason too. Holding the glass by the stem keeps your hand from warming the wine and keeps fingerprints off the bowl, so you can see the colour clearly.
Glasses For Red, White And Sparkling Wine
Here is a simple guide to the main shapes:
- Red wine glasses: usually larger, with a wide bowl. This gives fuller reds room to open up. Lighter reds such as Pinot Noir are often served in a very round, balloon-shaped glass.
- White wine glasses: generally smaller, with a narrower, more upright bowl. This helps keep the wine chilled and focuses fresh, fruity aromas. Fuller whites, such as oaked Chardonnay, can work well in a slightly wider glass.
- Sparkling wine glasses: the tall, narrow flute shows off the bubbles and keeps them lively. Many people also enjoy Champagne, Prosecco and other sparkling wines in a tulip-shaped glass or even a white wine glass, which allows more of the aroma to come through. Classic options like these crystal champagne flutes are a festive favourite.
- Rosé: a standard white wine glass works perfectly well. Our post on rosé wine pairing has ideas on what to serve with it.
The Case For An All-Purpose Glass
If you have limited space or are buying your first proper set, a good all-purpose glass is a smart choice. Look for a medium-sized, tulip-shaped bowl that narrows slightly at the top, with a capacity large enough that a normal serving only fills it about a third of the way. This leaves room to swirl the wine and enjoy the aroma. A set such as these clear stemmed crystal wine glasses works for red, white and rosé alike.
Glass Or Crystal?
Crystal and crystalline glasses can be made thinner and clearer, and many wine lovers enjoy the fine rim and the way they catch the light. Ordinary glass is usually more robust and affordable, which makes it a good choice for everyday use and parties. Stemless glasses are practical and less likely to tip over, though your hand will warm the wine a little faster.
Caring For Your Wine Glasses
- Check whether your glasses are dishwasher safe. Fine or hand-blown glasses are often best washed by hand in warm water with very little detergent.
- Rinse well, as soap residue can affect the aroma of the wine.
- Dry and polish with a lint-free cloth to avoid water marks.
- Store glasses upright, as resting them on the rim can damage it.
The right glasses will not change the wine in the bottle, but they can help you enjoy it more. If you are hosting a tasting evening, our guide to wine tasting for beginners is a great place to start. Browse our full range of wine glasses to find a set that suits your table. Please enjoy wine responsibly.