How to Choose Wine Glasses

You may be thinking, “Is my wine glass really that important?” The real answer is yes! Even subtle differences in glass design can have a big impact on how you enjoy your wine. The shape and style of a wine glass affect how much air comes into contact with the wine, how much aroma is released and reaches your nose, and, most importantly, where the wine first hits your tongue. 

All of these variables have an impact on the flavor you experience. Wine glasses are shaped differently to highlight different aspects of the wine. When choosing a wine glass, it’s best to start with the bowl shape, match it to the type of wine, and then move on to the stem and rim.

Wine Glass Options

How Does the Bowl Shape Effect Wine?

The width of the bowl of a wine glass influences how much of the wine’s surface area is exposed to air. It can affect how much of the aroma of the wine is perceived by your nose. Much of the wine is exposed to air in wide bowls, allowing a great deal of aroma to reach your nose. 

Narrower bowls, on the other hand, expose less wine to air and have less surface area to release aroma to your nose. Here is a simple guide to breaking down which bowl shape that is best for each wine:

Wide Bowls for Reds: Red wines, in general, require a large, wide bowl to allow their bolder aromas and flavors to shine through. Wider wine glass bowls allow more aromas to reach your nose while also aerating the wine as you drink, releasing more flavor.

Narrower Bowl for Whites: Because most white wines have more delicate flavors and aromas, a narrower glass helps direct these subtler aromas toward your nose. It also exposes less of the wine's surface area to the air, which aids in the preservation of white wines' chill.

Tall Narrow Flute for Sparkling: Who doesn't enjoy the playful bubbles in sparkling wine? Sparkling wine loses its carbonation when exposed to oxygen. Choose a tall narrow fluted bowl to best preserve all those beautiful bubbles and keep effervescence intact for as long as possible.

Should I Choose Stem or Stemless?

When it comes to choosing a stemmed versus stemless glass, it’s mostly personal preference. However, drinking from a stemless glass can raise the temperature of the wine because your hand is holding the bowl rather than the glass’s stem. Stemless glasses are less suitable for white wine consumption, but it’s really up to you and what you prefer for your wine drinking experience. 

What Is the Difference Between a Thin and Thicker Rim?

The thickness of the rim of a wine glass influences how the wine flows onto your tongue while drinking it, as well as how the wine tastes. Wine glasses with a thinner cut rim allow the wine to flow more easily onto your tongue. A thicker rim prevents the wine from flowing smoothly onto your tongue and can emphasize acidity and harshness.

Wine Expertise at Metro Wines 

If you don't want to worry about which glass goes with which wine, a universal glass is the way to go. It's the most versatile way to enjoy all of your favorite wines, including sparkling. If you’re looking for a wine shop, Metro Wine is the best option for all your wine needs in the Asheville region. 

We feature wines from all over the world, and our expert staff and sommelier will help you find that perfect bottle and glass type for any occasion. For more information, visit our shop or contact us today.