The Perfect Glass for the Perfect Wine| Recipes Articles

Articles

Cooking may be as much a means of self-expression as any of the arts.

- Fannie Farmer

The Perfect Glass for the Perfect Wine

Choosing a wine glass should be fun, easy, and should reflect your personal taste. Show off your skills and pair the right glass with the right wine, whether you're enjoying a casual glass or dazzling your guests at your next dinner party.

When choosing a glass, there are many facts to consider. The best wine glass brings out the aroma out of the wine as well as the tannins. Generally, full-bodied wines are served best in larger, roomier glasses while light or fruity wines should be drunk from smaller, narrower glasses. Wine glasses should be clear and have no painted decorations to distract from the color of the wine inside. For dinner parties, wine glasses should be larger to accommodate more wine, with space still left over in the bowl so your guests can sip all evening long. Even though appearance is important, it's best just to choose glasses that feel comfortable in your hand.

When choosing the glass, remember these tips:

1. Thin crystal is the way to go. It reflects light better than thick glass and will show off the coloration of the wine.
2. Note the appearance of the legs on the inner wall when you swirl the wine. The legs should be prominent around the wide body of the glass.
3. Notice the play of light on the wine. It may be small, but it adds to the beauty of the spirit in the glass.
4. Use your nose. The way aromas are captured within the wine glass and make their way to your nose while drinking are important things to consider when choosing your glasses.
5. On a budget? Most all-purpose wine glasses can be found in attractive styles and are relatively inexpensive.

Wine glasses by type:

Reds: Traditionally wine glasses with larger, broader bowls are used for bold red wines with bigger bouquets. For reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, use a large bowl with a wide opening. For softer reds like Pinot Noir, choose a glass with a large bowl that slightly narrows at the opening

Whites: Narrower wine glasses are used to concentrate the more delicate aromas of lighter white wines. For white wine glasses, the bowl should be narrower to allow for elongated cool temperatures. The glass should narrow slightly at the top for the best deliverance of the aroma. For spirited whites like Chardonnay, choose a more narrow glass with a narrower opening. Delicate whites like Riesling call for a narrow bowl and a narrow opening.

Champagne: Always choose a thin, narrow flute to keep the effervescent bubbles flowing. The sparkling fizz of the bubbles is enhanced by the light directed into the tall glass. This shape of glass will also keep the bubbly from going flat.

Trick: If you plan to serve several types of wine at your next dinner party (but don't want to purchase lots of individual types of glassware) choose a generic tulip-shaped wine glasses. This is the best choice to accommodate most vine varieties.

Technique: Always wash your wine glasses with hot water and hand-dry with a soft cloth. This will avoid soap residue buildup which can ultimately hinder the flavor of the wine.