Having an over-abundance of different wine glasses for each and every wine, might be great for the dedicated wine lover, but what about those of us who are causal wine drinkers? Is it really necessary to serve white wine in white wine glasses and red wines in red wine glasses?
According to the experts – yes it does.
While there isn’t any real scientific data pointing to the fact that the shape of the wine glass really makes a different to the taste, the wine world does agree that the shape helps in the concentration of the flavour and aroma. It also helps emphasize the wine’s special characteristics.
Red wine glasses have a larger bowl and shorter stems. The theory is that the larger, rounder and wider bowls allow the wine to breathe and become aerated. By increasing the rate of the oxidation, the air chemically interacts with the wine and improves the taste.
White wine glasses, on the other hand are slightly taller, have a narrower bowl and a longer stem. A narrower bowl will help preserve a crisp, clean flavour. In the case of sparkling wine, an even smaller rim is used to keep the wine sparkling longer in the glass.
Experts agree that white wines are best served in smaller amounts so that they stay chilled longer.
Shopping for wine glasses doesn’t need to be expensive. If you have a selection of white, red and champagne flutes for special occasions, you’re probably covered.
So there you have it, the skinny on how the shape of the wine glass can make a difference to the taste! Of course having lots of different wine glasses for winemakers is just plain fun!
The Wine Butler would like to remind all it’s customers, to always drink responsibly.