How to choose the right glasses for wine
How do you know which glasses are suitable for which wine? And are there universal glasses for all types of this drink?
It can be nice to spend an evening at home in a cozy atmosphere with friends and loved ones. Prepare a delicious dinner, drink a glass of wine and discuss pressing issues. Such meetings became especially valuable in 2020, when the pandemic created boundaries between people. And over many such meetings, it seems that everyone has learned to choose what dish to order or prepare. But the problem with choosing wine glasses remains relevant.
Most wine lovers only know that it requires special glasses, and they consistently drink it from the only ones that have been in the kitchen since housewarming. We figured out how to choose the right glasses for the most exquisite alcoholic drink together with singer and TV expert Tatyana Sorokina.
Let’s start with the main differences between all wine glasses and cognac glasses. Firstly, the length of the stem of the glass , which is significantly longer than others. This is done to prevent the wine from heating up from the heat of your hand, which can lead to unwanted changes in the temperature and taste of the drink. This is why it is correct to hold a wine glass by the stem, and not at the base of the bowl, as many people do. The exception is glasses for dessert and fortified wines – they have a smaller bowl and stem.
The second aspect, on which the choice of the glass itself actually depends, is the bowl . The larger the bowl of the glass, the easier it will be to release the notes of the wine. Larger bowls allow more oxygen to come into contact with the wine. In addition, wine in large glasses lends itself better to easy swirling, which not only looks beautiful from the outside if done correctly, but also helps the wine to become saturated with oxygen, gradually revealing its best qualities.
Among all the bowls, there are two “main” shapes:
- Burgundy . Such glasses are easily recognized by their spherical outline: they have a wider bottom and narrower towards the top of the glass. It is this form that helps the wine to reveal itself to the maximum, therefore it is suitable for varieties with a subtle aroma, light and refined texture.
- Bordeaux . This is the most famous and common form of glasses, which, compared to the previous one, looks straighter. As a rule, it has a wide bottom and smooth walls, slightly elongated at the top. It is suitable for almost all table wines with a rich taste and aroma.
But if you decide to approach the issue in more detail, to choose the right glass you need to take into account such characteristics of the wine as aroma, taste, texture and alcohol content (in rare cases).
Sparkling wines, champagne
Such drinks are served cold, regardless of the amount of sugar, color or taste. The thing is that only when cold they do not lose their characteristics. There are several glasses that are suitable for this drink.
Flute . A narrow, long and smooth glass with a special recess at the bottom. It is he who is considered “the most correct”. It will help maintain the sparkling quality of the drink and the low temperature for the longest time.
Marie Antoinette . The shape is similar to the previous version, but, unlike it, it is slightly “spherical” in shape. Narrow bottom, expanding walls. This form was invented in France in order to settle suspended particles, which in our time are removed by filtration. Therefore, today this form is not very relevant.
Glasses-saucers . Aesthetically interesting shape, wide, saucer-like. But, unfortunately, such glasses are not able to retain the characteristics of wine for a long time. Their main purpose is to build “champagne towers” at formal receptions.
