How to select the appropriate wine glass? Wine in paper cups at parties or picnics or the generous tumblers at your local wine bar are all good. But what if selecting the correct wine glass was as important in order to enjoy it to the fullest. Yes, it’s true; that an elegant, comfortable and well-designed glass can make the experience of wine that much more pleasant. Glassware is extremely important to wine appreciation—it influences how you perceive the colour, aromas and taste—so the quality is absolutely key. There are many different glasses for different styles of wine. Different shaped glasses are used to accentuate the unique characteristics of different styles of wine. Red wine glass: Glasses for red wine are characterized by their rounder, wider bowl, which increases the rate of oxidation. As oxygen from the air chemically interacts with the wine, flavour and aroma are believed to be subtly altered. This process of oxidation is generally considered more compatible with red wines, whose complex flavours are said to be smoothed out after being exposed to air. White wine glass: White wine glasses vary enormously in size and shape but are narrower than red wine glasses. Wide mouthed glasses function similarly to red wine glasses, promoting rapid oxidation which alters the flavour of the wine. White wines which are best served slightly oxidised are generally full flavoured wines, such as oaked chardonnay. For lighter, fresher styles of white wine, oxidation is less desirable as it is seen to mask the delicate nuances of the wine. To preserve a crisp, clean flavour, many white wine glasses will have a smaller mouth, which reduces surface area and in turn, the rate of oxidisation. Champagne flute: A tall glass with a long stem and a narrow bowl on top. Adding to the aesthetic appeal of champagne, the flute is designed to be held by the stem to help prevent the heat from the hand from warming the liquid inside. The bowl itself is designed in a manner to help retain the signature carbonation in the beverage. This is achieved by reducing the surface area at the opening of the bowl giving it a narrow mouth. Bordeaux glass: tall with a broad bowl, and is designed for full bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah as it directs wine to the back of the mouth. Burgundy glass: broader than the Bordeaux glass, it has a bigger bowl to accumulate aromas of more delicate red wines such as Pinot Noir. This style of glass directs wine to the tip of the tongue. Sweet wine glass: The small shape of these dessert wine glasses concentrates the aromas of these sweeter wines, allowing you to enjoy the complex flavours as a digestive, or as a reward after a long day. Dessert wine glass is designed to emphasize acidity of sweet wines, thus balancing the wine’s sweetness and luscious finish. The unusual curved design accentuates the apricot aromas typical of wines made from grapes affected by botrytis (noble rot).
Sherry glass: Generally used for serving aromatic alcoholic beverages, such as dessert wines, sherry, port, aperitifs, liqueurs because these wines are usually consumed in small quantities. All purpose glass: A single quality glass can be used for reds, whites or rosĂŠs; just be sure not to overfill when serving. These glasses have medium bowls and a slight taper at the top. They are perfectly acceptable, but may disappoint a wine connoisseur. All in all select a glass that is elegant yet non-fussy, that doesn't demand attention on its own but enhances the quality of the wine and elevates the mood. Posted by Wine Kart