Pourfection: The Right Wine Glass for the Perfect Sip
When we pour a glass of wine, we look at the color and clarity, we swirl the wine and look at the legs, we smell the aromas and analyze what we smell, then taste it and do the same. But we get so wrapped up in the wine itself that we never really think about the glass that is in!
You may be thinking, “but wait, does the glass actually matter?” The short answer is maybe, but we know the world of wine goes way deeper than simple answers. The type of glassware you use can have a significant impact on the taste and overall experience of the wine.
Wine glasses are designed to showcase the unique qualities of different wines, from the aroma and flavor to the color and texture. Today, we’ll explore the history of wine glasses, which glasses go with which wines, the glass making process, and a comparison of materials used to make glasses.
The History of Wine Glasses
Some form of glass has been around for about 5,000 years, but it didn’t look anything like the glass we know today. It wasn’t until around 1500 BC that Egyptians began to use glass as a vessel for liquid, as opposed to creating jewelry from it. Not until 1 AD would wine be changed forever thanks to the invention of glass blowing. As glassmaking techniques improved in the Middle Ages, wine glasses began to take on more elaborate shapes, with long stems and rounded bowls. Venice became the mecca of glass.
In the 18th century, wine glasses became more elegant and refined, with the introduction of stemware. The stem allowed the drinker to hold the glass without warming the wine with their hands, while the bowl was designed to enhance the aroma and flavor of the wine. Stemware became increasingly popular in the 19th century, with the introduction of crystal glassware.
Today, wine glasses come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each designed to enhance the unique qualities of different wines.
Anatomy of a Wine Glass
Let’s break down the design of a wine glass. Though we generally don’t give it much thought, each part of the glass plays a role in the wine tasting experience.
Foot: The base of the wine glass. The sole purpose of the foot is to allow the glass to stand.
Stem: The stem connects the base to the bowl; however, its purpose extends beyond that. The stem plays a part in temperature regulation by giving the consumer something to hold. Holding a glass by the bowl can cause a couple of issues:
1. Makes assessing the wine more difficult due to the bowl being covered with fingerprints
2. Constant contact with the bowl can transfer body heat, causing the liquid inside to heat up. Holding the stem allows the glass to be held without risk of warning the wine beyond it’s optimal temperature.
Bowl: This is arguably the most important part of the glass, as it holds the wine. The bowl exposes the wine to air, and when swirled, it allows the aromas to develop fully. The wider the bowl, the more aeration the wine receives.
Rim: The rim, or the mouth is the opening of the glass. This is where your lips some into contact with the wine. The rim can come in varying thicknesses, but the more thin, easier to sip.
Which Wine Glass to Use for Which Wine?
The shape and size of a wine glass can greatly impact the taste and aroma of the wine. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right wine glass for different types of wine:
Red Wine Glasses
Red wine glasses are typically larger and wider than white wine glasses, with a rounder bowl and a wider opening. This allows the wine to breathe and develop its full aroma and flavor. When it comes to bold reds, circulation is the key that unlocks the aroma door. Some popular red wine glasses include:
Bordeaux Glass: This glass is designed for full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, malbec and of course, Bordeaux. It has a tall bowl and a wide opening, which helps to aerate the wine and bring out its rich flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This glass is almost identical to the Bordeaux glass, but not as tall.
Burgundy Glass: This glass is designed for lighter-bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noir. It has a wide, short, rounded bowl that allows the wine to breathe and develop its delicate aromas. The narrow top sends the wine to the tip of the tongue.
Zinfandel Glass: This glass is designed for medium-bodied red wines, such as Zinfandel. It has a shorter, more narrow bowl as it does not require aeration, and a slightly wider opening than the Bordeaux glass, which helps to enhance the fruit flavors of the wine.
White Wine Glasses
White wine glasses are typically smaller and narrower than red wine glasses, with a tulip-shaped bowl that helps to concentrate the aroma and flavor of the wine. Some popular white wine glasses include:
Chardonnay Glass: This glass is designed for full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay. It has a wider bowl and a slightly tapered rim, which helps to enhance the buttery and oaky flavors of the wine.
Sauvignon Blanc Glass: This glass is designed for lighter-bodied white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc. It has a smaller bowl and a slightly flared rim, which helps to accentuate the crisp and acidic flavors of the wine.
Riesling Glass: This glass is designed for sweet white wines, such as Riesling. It has a shorter, narrow bowl and a slightly flared rim, which helps to accentuate the floral and fruity notes of the wine by sending the wine to the back of your tongue, not the front, where sweetness would be detected and intensified.
Sparkling Wine Glasses
Sparkling wine glasses are typically tall and narrow, with a flute shape that helps to preserve the bubbles and effervescence of the wine. Some popular sparkling wine glasses include:
Champagne Flute: This glass is designed for Champagne and other sparkling wines. It has a tall, narrow bowl that helps to preserve the bubbles and showcase the effervescence of the wine.
Tulip Glass: This glass is designed for Prosecco and other sparkling wines. It has a slightly wider bowl than the Champagne flute. This helps to enhance the aroma and flavor of the wine.
Port Wine Glasses
Port wine glasses are quite a bit smaller than other glasses. They have a wide bowl and a narrow rim, basically a mini red wine glass.
Note that these are not the only variations of a wine glass; there are scores of them. Don’t fret if you don’t have the specific glass for all of the wine you drink – use what you have. When deciding which glass to use, here are a few general guidelines to aid your decision:
Red wine: Choose a larger, wider glass with a round bowl – this will help to enhance the aromas and flavors of the wine, as well as allowing it to breathe.
White wine: Choose a smaller, narrower glass with a tulip-shaped bowl – this will help to preserve the delicate aromas of the wine and keep it cool.
Sparkling wine: Choose a tall, narrow flute – this will help to preserve the bubbles and showcase the effervescence of the wine.
The Glass Making Process
Wine glasses are typically made using a process called glassblowing. This involves heating a mixture of silica sand, soda ash, and limestone to a high temperature, then blowing air into the mixture to create a bubble. The bubble is then shaped and molded using various tools and techniques, before being cooled and annealed to make it durable.
Some of the key steps in the glass making process include:
1. Gathering: The glassblower gathers a small amount of molten glass onto the end of a blowpipe.
2. Shaping: The glassblower shapes the glass using various tools and techniques, such as blowing air into the glass to create a bubble, and using a wet newspaper to shape the glass.
3. Annealing: The glass is slowly cooled to room temperature in a kiln, which helps to make it strong and durable.
4. Decorating: The glass can be decorated using various techniques, such as etching, engraving, or painting.
Materials Used to Make Wine Glasses
Wine glasses can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and characteristics.
Glass
Glass is the most common material used to make wine glasses. It is durable, easy to clean, and does not affect the taste of the wine. Glass can also be molded into a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for wine glasses. However, glass can be fragile and may break if mishandled.
Crystal
Crystal is a type of glass that contains minerals, typically lead oxide, which give it a higher level of clarity, brilliance, and weight than regular glass. They are often thinner and more delicate than regular glass, and can enhance the aroma and flavor of the wine. However, crystal can be more expensive than regular glass, and may require special care and handling.
Leaded crystal is a type of crystal that contains at least 24% lead oxide. The addition of lead oxide makes the glass softer and easier to cut, allowing for more intricate designs and patterns.
Regular crystal, or unleaded crystal, is made with other minerals, such as zinc oxide or barium oxide, instead of lead oxide. While regular crystal is still a type of glass that has many of the same properties as lead crystal, it is generally considered to be of lower quality and may not have the same level of clarity, brilliance, or weight as lead crystal.
One of the main differences between leaded crystal and regular crystal is their refractive index, which is a measure of how much the glass bends light. Leaded crystal has a higher refractive index than regular crystal, which gives it a greater level of brilliance and sparkle. This is why lead crystal is often used for high-end glassware such as wine glasses, decanters, and vases.
Another difference between leaded crystal and regular crystal is their durability. Leaded crystal is softer and more malleable than regular crystal. It is easier to cut and shape, but also more prone to chipping, cracking, and clouding over time. Regular crystal, on the other hand, is generally more durable and less prone to damage.
Plastic
Plastic wine glasses are a popular alternative to glass or crystal, especially for outdoor events or parties. These wine glasses are lightweight, shatterproof, and can be reused multiple times. However, plastic may affect the taste of the wine, and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as glass or crystal.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel wine glasses are another popular alternative to glass or crystal. They are durable, lightweight, and shatterproof, making them ideal for outdoor events or travel. Stainless steel wine glasses can also keep wine at a consistent temperature for longer periods of time. However, stainless steel may affect the taste of the wine and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as glass or crystal.
It’s important to consider the type of wine you’ll be serving. Also consider the shape, size, and material of the glass. Whether you prefer glass, crystal, plastic, or stainless steel, there is a wine glass out there that will help you fully appreciate the complex and nuanced flavors of your favorite wines.