The shape of a wine glass is designed to bring out and enhance the flavor profile and aroma of a particular wine. Of the many glass shapes, there are three basic shapes: Bordeaux, white wine and Burgundy. Champagne and other sparkling wines have a specific glass also.
Bordeaux Or Red Wine Glass
Red wine glass
The Bordeaux glass is a tulip-shaped red wine glass with a long stem and large bowl that tapers to a large but slightly narrower rim at the top, concentrating the wine's aroma and enhancing its varietal characteristics. The fuller flavors in red wines need more room to expand, and the wider bowl will aerate the wine, softening its tannins and giving it a smoother mouth-feel.
White Wine Glass
White wine glass
The white wine or chardonnay glass is similar to the Bordeaux glass but slightly taller and with a narrower bowl and rim. The tapered rim concentrates the bouquet of white wine, which is more subtle than red wine. The taller, thinner glass also allows white wine to stay chilled longer.
Burgundy Glass
The Burgundy, or Pinot Noir glass is balloon-shaped with a long stem and large bowl that is shorter and wider than a Bordeaux glass. The larger bowl enhances the delicate aroma and flavor of Pinot Noir.
Champagne Flute
Champagne flutes
A champagne glass, called a flute, is tall and thin, with a very narrow rim or lip designed to concentrate the champagne's bubbles, not allowing them to go flat. It has a deep but small pocket cut at the bottom of the glass that allows a steady stream of bubbles to rise, keeping it effervescent longer.
Tags: white wine, Bordeaux glass, wine glass, bowl that, glass also, large bowl, large bowl that
