Wine and its glass are inseparable companions in the world of wine tasting. The right wine glass can enhance the entire experience, from the first visual impression to the lingering aftertaste. But what makes a wine glass more than just a vessel? Let’s take a closer look!
Wine Glass Evolution: A Journey Through History's Cheers
Wine glasses have a long history, evolving alongside the culture and practices of wine itself. In ancient times, simple vessels were used.
The Romans often mixed wine with water, so their drinking vessels were typically simple, stemless designs—like this example from the 3rd century AD.
They infused the molten glass with minuscule particles of silver and gold—each about a thousandth the size of a grain of salt—creating a stunning effect: jade green when lit from the front, fiery red when lit from behind. Quite remarkable!
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, glass production in Europe waned, giving way to intricate silver drinking vessels that became the standard of the era.
Drinking wine out of a silver cup makes the wine taste like aluminum foil, so it wasn’t long before glass drinking cups were back in style and demand. In the 10th century, glass regained popularity in Europe, spurred by innovations in stained glass seen in Romanesque and Gothic architecture. By the time Murano glassmakers in Venice perfected cristallo—clear, colorless glass—it was clear glassware was here to stay.
In 1675, Englishman George Ravenscroft advanced the craft by introducing lead oxide to soften glass and prevent crizzling, giving birth to lead crystal. This breakthrough laid the foundation for modern wine glasses, designed to enhance every sip.
In the 1950s, Scandinavian design revolutionized stemware, championing beauty and functionality for all, not just the wealthy. Today, wine glasses reflect this evolution, blending France's timeless elegance with Italy's bold, innovative flair to suit both the wine and its drinkers.
How to Choose the Right Wine Glass
A larger bowl enhances aeration for red wines, while a tapered shape helps keep white wines cool and concentrated. It's important to choose a glass that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your personal preferences.
Glass Shape and Wine Type Compatibility
Red Wine Glasses
The design of red wine glasses plays a vital role in showcasing the wine's full characteristics.
Bordeaux Glass
Taller, narrower with a wider bowl, perfect for wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which benefit from aeration.
Burgundy Glass
Shorter and rounder, it helps release the delicate aromas of wines like Pinot Noir, allowing the fragrance to concentrate and direct towards the nose.
White Wine Glasses
A more slender bowl ensures that the wine maintains its acidity and fruitiness.
Sparkling Wine Glasses
Tulip Glass
Tall and tapered, designed to preserve bubbles and enhance the complexity of Champagne.
Flute
A slender, vertical design ideal for simple sparkling wines, highlighting their effervescence.
Special Glasses for Special Wines
Sweet Wine Glass
Smaller in size with a slightly flared rim, ideal for dessert wines like Sauternes and Port. The design focuses on enhancing the rich fruit aromas and sweetness.
Portable Wine Glasses
Perfect for outdoor events or picnics, these glasses are designed for durability, often made from unbreakable materials.
Material Matters: Glass vs. Crystal
Glass: Perfect for beginners or casual wine drinkers, glass wine glasses are affordable, easy to find, and offer good transparency to appreciate the wine’s clarity.
Crystal: If you’re looking for the best, crystal wine glasses are the go-to. They are more delicate but offer a high level of clarity and precision when it comes to aromas and flavors. Known for their thin walls and ability to concentrate the aromas, crystal glasses are often the choice of professionals.
Wine glass care
To maintain your wine glasses in top condition, proper care is essential. Clean them with a soft sponge or specialized brush, and store them upright in a dry, well-ventilated area to avoid odors or stains. Avoid using a dishwasher to protect delicate glass or crystal.
The Tasting Process: How Wine Glasses Enhance Your Experience
The right glass doesn’t just hold the wine – it enhances the tasting process.
Appearance: Assess the clarity and depth of color. Is the wine clear and vibrant? Does it have good "legs" (the droplets that form on the glass after swirling)?
Aroma: Smell the wine before swirling. What are the primary and secondary aromas? After swirling, take another sniff to see how the wine’s bouquet evolves. A good wine glass will concentrate the wine’s aromas, making them easier to identify.
Taste: Take a small sip and assess the balance of sweetness, acidity, tannin, and body. Does the wine feel well-balanced, or is one element overpowering the others?
Recommended Wine Glass Brands and Their Advantages
If you're looking to elevate your wine tasting, here are some highly recommended glass brands and their standout qualities.
Riedel: Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, Riedel has set the standard in wine glass design. Recommended: Grand Cru, 003s, Veritas, Overture, Performance Riesling.
Zalto: Zalto glasses are lightweight yet durable. Their perfectly balanced for both everyday use and special occasions. Recommended: Sweet wine, Burgundy glass, Universal
Bormioli Rocco: For a more budget-friendly option, Bormioli Rocco offers quality glasses with a classic design.
Schott Zwiesel: Known for their high durability, Schott Zwiesel glasses are made from a patented crystal material that’s resistant to breaking and scratching. Recommended: Schott Zweisel Bordeaux, Pinot/Burg.
La Rochère: For those seeking more artistic designs, La Rochère offers beautiful glasses made in France.
Gabrielglas. Recommended: Gabriel Glas Gold, Gabriel glas StandArt, Universal
Spiegelau. Recommended: Spiegelau Willsberger Anniversary, Spiegelau Definition Universal + burgundy
Josephine. Recommended: Josephine No 3
Grassl Glass. Recommended: Liberté
