Why Do Wine Glasses Have Different Shapes?
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. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
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.
-
References
- Photo Credit red wine glass and bottle image by LA from Fotolia.com glass of wine image by Monika Olszewska from Fotolia.com two champagne glasses image by Andrew Howard from Fotolia.com
