Matching Wine Glasses to Wine
Wine glasses may appear all alike – a small chalice to hold a red wine,
white wine, rose or champagne, but in reality each wine glass is
designed specifically with a particular type of wine in mind. In this
guide we show how a merlot glass differs from a chardonnay glass, why
they are different and how these small differences in glassware design
have a profound effect on the tasting experience of the wine glass.
When it comes to having a cocktail or beer, speciality glasses exist
that enhance the drinking experience. A strong, powerful beer is served
in a strong, wide-mouthed mug, while a lighter, crispier beer is served
in a tall pilsner glass. But with wine glasses it is about much more
than enhancing the experience of tasting of the wine, but actually
enhancing the flavour.
The effect of the shape of the glass serves to enhance the aroma and
bouquet of the varietal’s characteristics. For example, having a larger,
wider mouth serves to enhance flavours more complex wines such as Pinot
Noirs; directing the flavours to the tip of the tongue. Whereas a
slightly smaller mouth helps direct stronger, bolder flavours like
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrahs to the back of the mouth.
With white wines the same principals apply. With wines like Chardonnay, a
wide and shallow glass may enhance the characteristics of this full
bodied wine by allowing oxidation, whereas a Riesling (a lighter,
crispier wine) a smaller mouth is desirable.
Finally, when it comes to champagne and sparking wines, the small mouth
and long tube serve to help retain the nature carbonation in the wine.
Serving champagne in a merlot glass would be a waste, as the wine would
quickly become flat almost 7 times as fast as it would in a champagne
flute.
