A BLONDE VINTAGE

Happy Wine Wednesday! Today, I’m diving head first into choosing the best wine glass for your wine! I covered wine glasses in a previous post, but did not quite delve as deeply.. so here is the unabbreviated version. I know, I know. It sounds bit mythical and crazy to think that your wine glass could have an impact on your wine. But it does! And, last week I got a great message from a reader asking me to detail my favorite glasses and why it’s important to match the glass to the type of wine you’re drinking. Today, I explore choosing the best wine glass. Cheers!

GLASSWARE

One of the most fascinating things I’ve learned during my career in the wine industry is the impact a glass can have on a wine. For example, have you ever wondered why there are red wine glasses vs. white wine glasses? Or, to delve one step deeper, Pinot Noir glasses vs. Cabernet glasses? Same as Champagne glasses vs. Riesling glasses? Have you ever stopped to wonder why?

Well, the simple answer you’ll find is that certain shapes are better for enjoying certain types of wine. First things first, it doesn’t really matter if your glass is stemmed or stemless, it’s really all  about how the shape of the vessel. The shape determines how the glass  collects the aroma from your wine, deliver that aroma to your nose and subsequently deposits the wine into your mouth.

Most white wines are typically served in smaller bowled glasses, while more full-bodied white wines (like Chardonnay and Viognier) are better served in a larger bowl, which will create emphasis on the creamy texture because of the larger mouth of the glass.

As for reds, the choice of wider-mouthed wine glass has more to do with lightening the bitterness from tannins, or spicy flavors, to deliver a smoother tasting wine.

DON’T THINK THE GLASS MATTERS?

If you’re still not convinced that the glass matters, I suggest you try out a “glass tasting”. Serve one glass of wine in a water glass and then another glass of wine in a wine glass. I guarantee there will be a huge different. The scent changes radically between the two glasses, and your experience with whatever wine you poured will be dramatically different out of the true wine glass.

MY GLASSWARE PICKS

Below I’ve rounded up some of our favorite glassware. Personally, I love Riedel glasses, as I find them to be extremely well made and sturdy, yet have a very delicate feel. I also enjoy that wide variety they offer, to really customize for what wines you enjoy the most. My second favorite brand is Schott Zwiesel glasses which you can find at stores like Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and even West Elm. They are also extremely well made, and you can choose custom glasses for wine varietals you particularly enjoy.  See below for my top picks in both brand!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of glassware and wines I’m drinking right now! Looking for how to enjoy these wines? Consider reading this post about the best at-home date night ideas!

XO,

M

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