Does Wine Glassware Matter?
Picture this: you’re chillin’ at home, about to start another Netflix binge, and you’re craving a glass of wine to quench your thirst. While you would normally pour up your favorite red into a coffee mug, you’re looking to spice things up and enjoy your wine as if you were in a fancy 3-star restaurant.
Suddenly, questions come rushing to your mind: “Can I sip red wine from a white wine glass? How much do I pour so I can swirl it properly? Does it absolutely NEED to have a stem?”
In short, “No. About halfway. Yes.”
Thanks for coming to my TEDTalk.
Seriously though, before I go further, please know that you are free to drink wine from whatever container you choose - a mason jar, a martini glass, a can, a stemless wine glass, a coffee mug, or take it to the head if that’s what your spirit is led to do. But if you want to truly embrace the aromatics of a Viognier, indulge the rich spiciness of Syrah, or be tickled by a glass of a creamy Cremant, it’s a good idea to have the proper equipment to do so.
Wine glasses come in all shapes and sizes, and they all serve their own unique purpose - but you don’t have to spend your life savings on great glassware. I’ve found some of my favorite wine glasses (like those expensive Riedel ones!) from places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Target. The most important thing to keep in mind is the shape of the bowl, because it will play a role in how the wine comes in contact with the air, how flavors and aromas are expressed, and most importantly, how the wine tastes.
Here, I’m going to break down why certain glassware is recommended for red, white, and sparkling wines. I’ve also thrown in a few recommendations to add to your collection, so get your coins ready!
RED WINE
With red wine glasses, it’s often encouraged that they have a decent size bowl – not only so you can get your swirl on before drinking it, but because the rim of the glass can enhance the taste. According to Wine Folly, here are three types of red wine glasses you can choose from:
Large “Bordeaux” glass - Often recognized for its rather large bowl, big, bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Bordeaux blends can be enjoyed in this glass.
“Standard” Red glass - This glass is for your every day, medium-bodied red wines like Malbec, Shiraz, and Sangiovese.
“Aroma” Collector glass - This one meant for lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Valpolicella.
My recommendations:
Hip Large Red Wine Glass (Crate & Barrel, $6.95/each)
SOPHIE (ShopRaylo.com, $35/set) - *Currently sold out, but check back for restock!
Williams Sonoma Estate Pinot Noir Wine Glasses (Williams-Sonoma, $49.95/set of two)
WHITE WINE
Aromatics are typically the star in white wines, so the bowl is either going to be slender or larger, depending on the body (or weight) of the wine.
Light-bodied wine glass - this glass will have a smaller rim, and is meant for wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio, and Albarino to keep the wine cold and preserve acidity.
Full-bodied wine glass - Chardonnay, Viognier, and even orange wines can be enjoyed in a glass with a bigger bowl because of its creamy texture.
My recommendations:
Glass Ballooned White Wine Glasses (Target, $25/set of four)
Camille Long Stem White Wine Glass (Crate & Barrel, $13.95/each)
Libbey® Glass Signature Greenwich White Wine Glasses (Bed, Bath & Beyond, $39.99/set of four)
BUBBLES
You’re probably thinking: I need a Champagne flute to enjoy my bubbles! Aht, aht! While flutes are great for entertaining and celebrating, they aren’t always necessary.
Coupe - These are still festive and cute, but aren’t as fragile as flutes. If your palate is sensitive to bubbles, this glass can help tame them.
White wine glass - Yes, you read correctly! A white wine glass can help you embrace all of those yummy notes of brioche, toast, and citrus often found in a glass of bubbly.
My recommendations:
Faceted Crystal Coupes (The Wino Shop, $39.99/set of two)
Estelle Colored Wine Stemware - Coral Peach Pink (Estelle Colored Glass, $75.00/set of two)
