Why are there so many different types of wine glasses?!?

It’s hard not to wonder why it matters and what the purpose is for all the different shapes and sizes of wine glasses but there is a reason that makes sense. Let me explain.

Size Does Matter…

Each different shape and sized wine glass is used for a specific type of wine that is designed to enhance the wines unique flavors and characteristics. Using the right kind of wine glass will actually change the way the wine tastes, making it better or worse.

This is not one of those wine-snobby things to say. It’s science. There was actually a study done in 2015 by a medical group in Japan that utilized advanced imaging technology to capture the behavior of ethanol vapors in various shaped glassware. The findings demonstrated how the shape of a glass influences the concentration and distribution of vapors – aka the wine’s aromas – at the rim, providing insights into the relationship between glass design and the sensory experience of wine.

Now, if you prefer to drink your wine from a coffee mug, mason jar, or straight from the bottle, that is a you thing. Sip how you please. But for the sake of science and learning more about wine, let’s get into how the shape of a wine glass – and which ones to use for what wines – can enhance your next bottle.

The differences in wine glasses go far beyond red and white wine. There are varietal-specific types of glasses. For the sake of simplicity, I won’t pour into all of them.

Wine Glasses for Red Wine

Red wines have more tannins so they need to be exposed to air so the wine will open, releasing its flavors and aromas. The larger glass allows the air to come into contact with a larger portion of the surface area of the wine, especially when you swirl.

Generally, red wine glasses have large, round bowls and wide rims. This design allows more of the wine’s surface area to come into contact with air, intensifying aromas and flavors while softening tannins. There are of course varietal-specific red wine glasses such as…

Burgundy Glass: This glass has a wider, shorter bowl with a narrower top. This directs the wine to the tip of the tongue and brings the aromas closer to the nose. It is ideal for lighter, more delicate reds like pinot noir and gamay.

Bordeaux Glass: A taller broad bowl that tappers off at the rim. The height of the glass (not the stem) allows more air to reach the wines surface, perfect for full-bodied reds like cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, merlot

Best Wine Glasses for Red Wine

Wine Glasses for White Wine

White and rosé wines are best served in medium-sized glasses that are more u-shaped with smaller bowls. They are typically smaller than red wine glasses.They don’t need to open like red wines do so you want to keep the fresh fruit characteristics closer together and directed towards the top of the glass so when you sip you’re sipping in the aromas as well.

Best Wine Glasses for White Wine

Wine Glasses for Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines might be the most important wine to serve in its specified glass – a tall, thin flute glass. The reason being is the shape of the flute impacts the bubbles and the aroma. Having the more condensed glass allows the bubbles to “live longer”  when you’re sipping. If sparkling wine is served in a larger glass the bubbles burst too soon since they have a larger surface area to travel to. There’s another school of thought that suggests serving sparkling wines in a larger wine glass is actually better than a flute because it helps the sparkling wine to open its aromas more. This is true but the bubbles are definitely lost. I find the sparkling wine goes flat this way. I personally prefer the flute over the larger glass. But try it, see which way you prefer.

Best Wine Glasses for Sparkling Wines

The Types of Wine Glasses for Fortified Wines

Fortified wine’s like Port wine, Brandy or Sherry are best served in small glasses, aka dessert wine glasses. These wines are high alcohol so the small glass helps to emphasize the fruit in the wine rather than alcohol. I find it’s also a good way to manage the amount of alcohol you’re sipping. Take tiny sips, my friend, tiny sips.

Best Wine Glasses for Fortified Wines

The most important factor is enjoying your wine. While proper glassware can enhance the experience, don’t let it overshadow the pleasure of the wine itself.

Many people prefer stemless wine glasses, I get it, they fit in the dishwasher and take up less space. But, there is a purpose for stemmed wine glasses. Holding a wine glass by the stem, which is the proper way to hold a glass, helps to maintain the wine’s temperature. In turn, helping to maintain its flavor profile.