The choice of glass when tasting a wine is a very important element of the experience that can make all the difference. The glass is not merely a container, but a fundamental instrument that influences how we perceive a wine: it concentrates the aromas towards the nose, maintains the ideal temperature of the wine without transmitting the heat of the hand, and distributes the wine evenly in the mouth.
A good wine glass must meet the following characteristics:
Colorless and transparent: without engravings, colors or reliefs to be able to appreciate the color of the wine and its nuances clearly, without distortions.
Fine glass: the edge must be as thin as possible so that the characteristics of the wine can be expressed correctly and the wine can enter the mouth smoothly.
Stem: essential to hold the glass while keeping the wine without heating up.
Red wine glasses
The bowl should be rounded, wide and deep so that the wine can oxygenate and the circular movement or swirl of the wine inside the glass can be done without spilling it.
The most suitable glasses are:
Bordeaux: tall and classic glass. It has a wide bowl and narrows slightly towards the top. It is ideal for wines with body and structure, marked tannins and notable acidity, such as Priorat wines. Its design balances the astringency and highlights the fruit aromas.
Burgundy: glass with a large volume and wide chalice, which means more contact surface between the wine and the air. It is specifically designed to enhance complex and mature wines. It facilitates their oxygenation and allows the expression of the aromas.
White wine glasses
They are smaller than red wine glasses. Their design helps keep the wine fresh and concentrates the fruit aromas without the need for excessive oxygenation.
The most suitable glasses are:
Chardonnay: it has a U-shaped bowl, slightly narrower and rounded than red wine glasses and a long stem. This glass highlights the characteristics of white wines, minimizing acidity, maintaining freshness and allowing the aromas to express themselves easily.
Sparkling wine glasses
Long stem, to avoid warming the wine with your hands. In terms of design, there are several options depending on what we prioritize.
The most suitable glasses are:
Flute: the most popular and classic. It is elongated and narrow, ideal for maintaining a cool temperature and for the bubbles that form to last longer. It allows the wine to maintain its effervescence, but somewhat limits the perception of the aromas.
Tulip: conical in shape, it is wider in the center and slightly narrower at the edge. It allows the wine to breathe, concentrates the aromas of the wine at the top and favors the expression of the aromatic notes. It is a glass suitable for wine tastings, as its design allows a very accurate evaluation of the wine.
Chardonnay: a glass that more and more sommeliers and wineries prefer for certain sparkling wines because it allows a better perception of the aromas and appreciation of the complexity of the wine, especially for quality sparkling wines made following the traditional method and with aging.