The Right Glass for the Job
While there is a lot to think about when it comes to your wine selection, you should also make sure you are getting the most from each sip with the right varietal glass. One glass type can never provide the optimum experience for all styles of wine. A wine's bouquet, taste, balance, and finish are all influenced by the shape of the glass from which it is consumed. While there are many wine glass makers, I am partial to Riedel, Chef & Sommelier, and Lehmann, for their exceptional quality and construction.
When stocking your wine bar at home, you want to make sure to have at least 3 glass types: white wine, red wine, and champagne. A red wine glass will be the largest, with a deep bowl and larger diameter rim. This allows the wine to breathe and express itself while in the glass. (Decanters are also useful for “opening up” the wine before serving by exposing the entire bottle to air, best done 45-60 min before serving) White wine glasses are a bit smaller in size, with a smaller bowl and smaller diameter rim which is meant to focus the aromas, as whites are typically less intense on the nose. Lastly, a champagne flute is the skinniest of wine glasses and is meant to preserve the rising bubbles, while also keeping the wine chilled.
You of course can drink wine out of any vessel you choose, but the experience will be enhanced if you use glassware that compliments the grape and everything that has gone into it.
