Wine glasses for every occassion
Professional wine tasters and sommeliers know it is vital to choose the appropriate wine glass depending on the type of wine they are sampling. As is apparent, wine glasses have three basic parts: the bowl, stem, and foot. What is not so apparent is how the parts and their combination can influence the perception or interpretation of the wine’s sensory information. Here’s what to consider before your next wine excursion.
Red Wine Glasses
Red wine glasses generally have a wider bowl allowing the grapes to mix well with oxygen. The larger bowl allows the aroma and flavors of the wine, such as Merlot or Syrah, to be fully expressed after blending thoroughly with air. The principle behind the aeration of wine using a red wine glass is similar to one of the reasons a wine decanter might be used for a bottle of red wine; allowing oxygen to completely penetrate the liquid. The length of the stem can also have a bearing on how the wine is received on the palate. A longer stem will cause the red wine, with its entire flavor, to be directed to the back of the mouth. Conversely, a wider bowl and shorter stem will guide the wine toward the tip of the tongue. The accumulation of aroma in a wider bowl and the direction of flavor to the tongue are more desirable effects when sipping a subtle wine such as Pinot Noir.
White Wine Glasses
White wine glasses are often narrower at the top of the bowl and possess a longer bowl overall. There are many different styles of white wine glasses but the effects they attempt to achieve are the same. White wines, in contrast to red wines, are full of delicate flavors and are typically lighter in aroma. To accentuate these characteristics, white wine glasses allow less oxygen to mix with the wine thus preserving more of the varying flavors. Some full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay, are best enjoyed slightly oxidized and so are served in a white wine glass with a slightly larger bowl.
Champagne Flutes
Another type of white wine glass is the champagne flute. The flute shape of the bowl accomplishes three distinct functions. First, the narrow flute keeps the oxygen exposure of the champagne relatively low. Second, it allows the champagne to maintain its level of carbonation, one the most desirable characteristics, for a longer period of time. Third, the longer flute-shaped bowl adds aesthetic appeal to the wine by allowing a greater distance for the bubbles to travel. Finally, the longer stem of the champagne flute and other white wine glasses allow a greater area for the drinker to hold thus preventing body warmth from heating the wine.
Sherry Glasses
Sherry glasses aren’t just for serving sherry but can include such sipping beverages as port, liqueurs, and aperitifs. Similar to the concept of white wine glasses, sherry glasses have shorter, narrower bowls preventing rapid oxidation. In addition, they are smaller in size than both red and white wine glasses. The International Standardization Organization set the volume of sherry glasses at 4.1 fluid ounces. So, next time you want to fully enjoy your favorite wine or alcoholic beverage, take a moment to choose a vessel that will amplify your wines most pleasing characteristics.
