The whole variety of glasses is not just the desire of glass manufacturers to increase their income. The fact is that each wine needs its own glass, which will enable it to fully open. It is like a diamond setting. The tilt of the head depends on the correct shape of the glass, and a sip of wine goes to the desired receptors of the tongue, where it is comfortably perceived. The taste and aroma depend on the glass. As has long been known, a section of the tongue close to the root is responsible for the feeling of bitterness. Receptors at the tip of the tongue respond to sweets. Sour is felt in the lateral areas. Also, a glass is needed to feel the whole bouquet, as the wine, getting into the glass, comes in contact with oxygen. Consequently, volatile substances accumulate in the upper part, the shape of which is responsible for the sensation of aroma.
Good glasses for red wine as well as for white are made of crystal or thin glass. There is a rule - the more valuable the wine, the thinner the walls of the glass should be. Only transparent walls without patterns allow you to fully appreciate the deep color of aged wine. There should be no bulges on the rim. The height of the legs should be at least the width of the palm. This is important so that the wine bowl does not heat up from the heat of the hand.
True sommelier applies a wide variety of glasses for different types of wines.
What set of glasses for wine should be in every home?
Universal glasses for red wine, for example, such as "Bordeaux", with a volume of 250-300 ml. This option is for wines such as Sauvignon, Cabernet and Merlot. For wines from Pinot Noir, Barolo and Barbaresco, the type “burgundy” is suitable. Its tulip shape with a tapered top will help reveal a noble aroma.
Glasses for white wine are always smaller than for red, and more elongated. The form is universal and suitable for all types. The leg should be extended so that the wine does not heat up from the palm of your hand. Such wine is served chilled and cannot stay at room temperature for a long time.
For champagne and sparkling wines , the type of glass “flute” is suitable. It has an elongated shape and a narrow neck. All this is necessary to maximize the perlage. Good glasses at the bottom have a recess to create beautiful trickles of bubbles.
The remaining glasses are varietal and are intended for certain varieties of wine.
Professionals recommend not buying wine for which there are no necessary glasses. But, having in your collection the above glasses for red wine and for white, you can fully enjoy almost any red, white or sparkling wine. You only need to buy them. Wine glasses, like any other items, are subject to fashion. For example, those types that today belong to the classics may become irrelevant tomorrow. The most famous manufacturers Riedel and Spiegelau have already released collections without legs, and found their fans who do not care about conventions and aristocracy. But such glasses for red wine and for white, which are made of crystal on high legs, will dominate the tables of true connoisseurs for many years to come.