Have you ever been wine glass shopping and felt a little intimidated by how many different glasses there are? When I started drinking wine, we ran to the local grocery store, picked a bottle of wine and grabbed some cheap glasses. We have all been there, right? It does not matter what kind of glass we have, as long as it holds wine. As I began my sommelier training, I was overwhelmed by the number of different glasses there are and that each one has a specific purpose.
So, why does the glass matter?
As you probably know, tasting wine involves both smell and taste. We want a glass that will give us the best aroma and showcase the color and clarity of the wine. From flutes to Bordeaux glasses, to Brandy snifters, each glass has a job to do. Knowing which glass is best for your wine allows you to get the most out of your wine. But what is the best glass to have at home? Having 15 different glasses is not feasible for most of us.
The German wine glass company, Riedel, makes a plethora of glasses for each varietal of grape. According to the Riedel website, the most important aspects of the glass are the bowl size and shape and the diameter of the rim. Each glass is designed to “translate the message of the wine to the human senses.” Doesn’t that sound so romantic! Many companies have started making a “universal” glass which allows the drinker to enjoy white or red wine from the same glass. Having a larger bowl allows for aeration while a more narrow rim helps funnel the aroma up and out of the glass. A thin glass allows the drinker to experience and taste the wine and not the glass. The glass should also be large enough to allow the drinker to swirl the wine without being top heavy causing spills.
Still don’t believe me? Give this test a try.
You need a couple different glasses. Get a small plastic cup, you know those squatty clear cups that you are given at outdoor events, a universal wine glass, 17-20 ounces, and then a cheap wine glass that we all have stashed in the back of the pantry for “just in case.” Bring your wine to the correct temperature and taste it in all 3 glasses. I recommend starting with the universal glass, then move to the small, inexpensive glass and lastly the small plastic cup. Notice the difference in the taste of the wine from each glass. The wine will likely taste terrible and have lost all character in the plastic cup. Have no fear, just pour that wine back into your larger, universal glass, and enjoy.
Alayna is co-owner and an Advanced level Sommelier at Southern Vibes Tasting Room and Wine Cellar in Murabella. Give them a call or stop in for your wine needs.
