Oenophiles, listen up: There’s more to a great glass of wine than choosing a vintage that ages to perfection and dissecting all the nuances of a particular varietal. Don’t get us wrong, those details are very important, but whether you prefer red, white or rosé, experts agree that the type of wine glass you pour your wine into is just as important to the drinking experience. “We hear about people trying paper or plastic, and it’s just wrong,” Jed Boyar, a buyer at a New York-based Dandelion winesays the Observer. “It must be glass for wine to shine. The most important glass is the one in your hand — but only if it’s glass!”
Of course, wine glasses are not a one-vessel-fits-all situation. The right glass often depends on the specific type you drink (if you love pinot noir, for example, look for a pinot-approved red wine glass), but we have some tips to make the selection process a little easier. While price point and an ergonomic stem for a mid-sip grip are factors to consider, the size and shape of the bowl of the glass is crucial.
For starters, a wine glass with a larger bowl and wide opening is generally good for a medium to full-bodied red like cabernet sauvignon or Bordeaux. Why? The wider opening can help enhance the wine’s aromas and evaporate the ethanol, creating a smoother sip. Bright reds are best served in a slightly shorter glass with a large bowl, while rosé is generally best served with china with a short, round bowl and narrow opening. (The tapered, tulip-like shape can help drive all these aromas.) Conversely, white wine lover will want to look for glasses with smaller bowls to raise the acidity and keep the vino colder longer.
As for bubbles? Believe it or not, the pros tend to stay away from the standard Champagne flute. “I usually choose a white wine glass over a traditional flute or sparkling wine glass,” explains Pauline Lhote, head of winemaking at Chandon. “The larger opening allows you to experience and appreciate the wine’s aromas and flavors more fully.”
To help, several pros share the wine glasses they swear by. From winemakers and sommeliers to beverage directors, these folks know a thing or two about good wine. According to these in-the-know experts, the best wine glasses are those that are versatile enough to work with a handful of different wines. If you’re looking to expand your collection, there are also some specific options to check out. But regardless of which one works with your wine preference and budget, the options below are certainly worth toasting. bowl!
