The Different Types of Wine Glasses and How to Choose the Right One

There are so many different types of wine glasses out there that choosing the right one can be confusing. Fortunately, several shapes are specifically designed to enhance specific styles of wine and help you enjoy your favorites with maximum flavor and aroma. Best way to find the Different Types of Wine Glasses.

The Different Types of Wine Glasses and How to Choose the Right One

When selecting a wine glass, it’s essential to consider the shape and size of the bowl. These factors influence how a glass swirls; wine tastes, and the aromas we smell when sipping.

White Wines, High Acid & Full Bodied

The glass you drink white wines in affects how they taste and smell. Whites like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc are often more aromatic than whites with lower acidity. A smaller bowl will preserve those aromas while allowing the wine to remain at a consistent temperature (chilled aromas are less pronounced).

Whites with higher acidity, like Oak-aged Chardonnay and Viognier, need a broader bowl to capture more complex aromas such as butter, biscuit, lemon tart, or tropical fruit. This glass helps you aerate these aromas and brings them closer to your nose, increasing their receptivity to your sense of taste.

Reds, Light & Medium Body / Pinot Noir & Burgundy

When selecting a red wine glass, choose one that will help bring out the most complex flavors and aromas of your favorite varietals. A wide bowl and slightly tapered rim will temper and soften the acidity, tannins, and other compounds in a lighter-bodied red, such as Gamay, Barbaresco, or Pinot Noir.

Bordeaux Glasses

A Bordeaux glass is a taller and more robust version of the traditional red wine glass, ideal for full-bodied, tannic wines with higher alcohol levels. The extra height of the Bordeaux glass and the slightly tapered rim round out the flavors of these wines and increase their ability to aerate, revealing more depth and complexity in the grapes’ distinctive aromas.

Port Glasses

The port glass is a classic tulip-shaped vessel that allows you to serve fermented beverages in smaller, three-ounce servings. The port glass’s narrow mouth and thick lips encourage savoring while minimizing harsh alcohol scents.

Champagne & Sparkling Wines

The traditional champagne glass is still an excellent option for serving sparkling wines, such as prosecco or pinot grigio. This glass style is also perfect for helping sparkling rose and rosé, rich in color but with low alcohol and a high level of natural sugar.

Stemless: These stemless wine glasses are a safer, less spill-prone alternative to traditional wine glasses. Their U-shaped profile and average rim make them perfect for drinking wine and lovely and savory varietals.

Crystal versus Glass: Both glass and crystal are made from lead, but crystal has a more crystalline structure than regular glass. This makes it more durable and resistant to breakage, whereas glass is more porous.

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