How to choose wine glasses
It’s no secret that choosing the right wine glass can make a big difference to your wine tasting experience. But it’s not just about the aesthetics of the glass itself – the shape, type and volume all have a big impact on the aroma, taste and overall enjoyment of the wine. Whatever type of wine you’re into, this article will give you the lowdown on how to choose the best glasses for red and white wine, as well as champagne and prosecco. Let’s take a look together.
Wine tasting is a specific ritual in the wine-growing community, governed by certain rules and traditions. True gourmets know very well that careful selection of quality wine and its correct serving are the way to perfect taste, which will ensure the maximum gastronomic experience. Newcomers who are just getting to know the world of wine also like to enjoy quality wine from quality glasses designed for them. But if you’re stuck for choice when it comes to wine glasses, then you’ll love our article that will guide you through what wine glasses are out there and how to choose the best one for your needs. Get inspired!
THE PERFECT WINE GLASS? THE KEY IS THE VOLUME AND THE SHAPE
If you want to enjoy the unique character of each wine, focus on the shape of the glass, which plays an important role in terms of taste and aroma. The glass not only influences how we perceive the wine with our eyes, but also has a major impact on its aroma and final taste. There are a number of different glass shapes, each type designed to enhance the specific characteristics of each wine variety. For example, the wider glasses help the aromas develop through oxygenation, while the narrow ones concentrate the aromas inside. But we’ll get to that in a moment.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RED AND WHITE WINE GLASSES
What is the difference between white and red wine glasses? The difference is mainly in the sizes. While for red wine it is a good idea to choose a larger glass with a wider and rounder cup, which allows better oxidation of the wine and the development of its full flavour and aroma, for white wines it is ideal to use smaller cups, which maintain the optimum temperature of the wine and at the same time sufficiently concentrate its colourful aroma. Red wine glasses are designed to help enrich the taste experience of wines with higher tannins and heavier aromas, while white wine glasses are designed to accentuate the freshness of fruit wines.
Experienced winemakers simply know very well that serving all varieties in one universal wine glass is simply against all winemaking rules. Each wine needs a specific glass, which has a positive effect on its vitality and the resulting enjoyment of the consumption itself.
Did you know that in our e-shop you can find dozens of different glasses for all types of wine at the same time, and every year we expand our portfolio with a brand new shape? We are one of the few manufacturers to offer a wealth of designs that appeal to both classic and modern style fans. All the glasses can be found here.
TYPES OF WINE GLASSES
So how to choose the ideal wine glass? In the wine world, there are several types of wine glasses, including:
Glass for red wine
These glasses are characterized by a wide bottom and a flared neck, so they are also ideal for full-bodied and aromatic wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. The wide bottom allows for better oxygenation of the wine, which helps to release its complex aromas. Its shape makes the wine blend better with the air, intensifying its final flavour.
Glass for white wine
These glasses are usually both smaller and narrower and therefore maintain the optimal temperature of the wine. It is thanks to its shape that the aromas are concentrated in the glass, guaranteeing a pleasant tasting experience. White wine glasses are great for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Riesling, where freshness and aromaticity are important. The narrower neck also helps to emphasize acidity and purity of flavor.
Champagne and prosecco glasses
These glasses feature a tall and slender shape that promotes the sparkling wine’s bubbling, fresh taste and aroma. Most often you will see the flute or coupe type. The flute is preferred for its ability to hold bubbles and concentrate aromas, while the coupe is slightly better at capturing the true flavour of champagne or prosecco.
Glasses for rosé wine
These glasses usually have a medium volume and a wider neck, which helps to better oxygenate and release aromas. Rosé glasses tend to be designed to bring out the fruity and floral notes typical of this style of wine.
Tasting glass
These glasses are mostly small and designed to enjoy the wine in all its glory. They are a great choice for tastings where it is important to record every aspect of the wine, from colour to aroma to taste.
In our assortment we offer the Turbulence collection, which has a very specific design – the sculpted chalice of the glass contains decanting curves that allow the wine to be decanted much faster and, more importantly, more efficiently. All you have to do is gently twist the glass in your hand. This is what oxygenates the wine in a moment, making it easier to develop its full aroma and flavour. The entire Turbulence collection, which is designed for all types of wine.
Equally important is the volume of the glass, which is mainly responsible for the efficient decanting of the wine. The volume of red and white wine glasses should differ considerably. Red wines should be served in glasses of at least 400 ml, a volume that allows enough wine to be poured and swirled around to release its aromas as much as possible. Interestingly, the largest wine glass has an impressive 1,000 ml and is intended mainly for Burgundy wines. For white wine, on the other hand, we should choose smaller glasses with a volume of around 300 ml. Champagne, prosecco and all other sparkling wines should ideally be served in glasses up to 200 ml.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A WINE GLASS
Whether you prefer a white wine or prefer to enjoy the notes of a red, always pay attention to the smallest details. Not only will the aromas and flavours of the wine stand out perfectly, but you’ll take your dining aesthetic to a whole new level. Let’s go through some handy tips together that will definitely come in handy when sourcing wine glasses.
Whether you prefer a white wine or prefer to enjoy the notes of a red, always pay attention to the smallest details. Not only will the aromas and flavours of the wine stand out perfectly, but you’ll take your dining aesthetic to a whole new level. Let’s go through some handy tips together that will definitely come in handy when sourcing wine glasses. In addition, thanks to our extremely environmentally friendly production, it is also environmentally friendly. All our products proudly bear the Crystal.ECO label.
Invest in quality
Although some glasses are not among the cheapest, always remember that it is definitely not worth it to skimp on quality. The best wine glasses are made from lead-free crystal, which provides excellent optical properties as well as a lilting tone when the glasses clink (and the more clinking the glass is, the better the quality, of course). Such glasses tend to be light and thin-walled, which adds to the comfort of each drink. You can find a wide selection of lead-free crystal glasses at reasonable prices in our e-shop.
Get uniform collections
If you want to have the perfect dining experience at all times, invest in a uniform set of glasses. Preferably from one collection that offers both elegant wine glasses and stylish pieces for soft drinks, spirits or beer. After all, there’s nothing worse than serving drinks from differently shaped glasses at a festive moment, which is a major etiquette faux pas, among other things. So treat yourself to harmony and elegance in all the details – your festive table deserves it!
WE CAN ADVISE YOU IN OUR SHOP
Bet on the right design and shape
There are many different designs of glasses, but it is always important to make sure that the glass you choose fits well in your hand. A great choice is a long stemmed glass, which helps keep the wine at the right temperature by keeping your hands from touching the glass and heating it up. If you’re not sure which type of wine glass to choose, don’t hesitate to ask the experts at specialist shops or the winemaker directly.
Consider also the practical aspects
As some glasses are too fragile, it is important to check that they are dishwasher safe. You should also consider whether to get clear or decorated glasses. In the case of spraying, painting, decal or screen printing, the decoration can be damaged after several washing cycles (thus requiring only hand washing), whereas with engraving or panto, the risk is minimal.
Are you hesitating about which type of glass to choose? Visit one of our stores, where we will be happy to advise you on your choice. As well as helping you find the right glass, you’ll find plenty of other inspiration here. When and where to come and see us.