During the tasting, 3 of our senses are activated: sight, smell and taste. And the wine glass plays a decisive role for each one. Some characteristics are particularly important to consider when choosing wine glasses.
The transparency influences the visual analysis. Indeed, it is important to see the colour, the robe of the wine to fully appreciate the tasting.
The size and shape of the glass which influence the gustatory and olfactory analysis. For example, with the diameter of the container larger than that of the opening, the aromas (volatile molecules) of the wine spread and reach the taster’s nose. Be careful however not to have an opening that is too closed because the aromas will not be perceived.
Be careful when choosing the wine glasses because its thickness also plays a role in the tasting. For an optimal olfactory analysis, the rim must be as thin as possible. The finer it is, the more the taste will run through your mouth.
There is a “universal” form: the INAO wine glasses we mentioned. They are characterized by a wide bowl and a narrowed opening. If you have small spaces, you can opt for INAO glasses that will suit all your tastings.
A few basic rules to follow when choosing and preserving your wine glasses
Of course you want to get the best of your wine tastings, so here are a few tips to succeed.
Do not taste your wines in straight water glasses. Indeed, it is important to hold your glass by the foot, first to avoid unwanted fingerprints and most importantly, to avoid heating the wine when holding the glass by the bowl.
Do not take tinted glasses, because seeing the colour of your wine is part of the visual analysis of a tasting.
Wash the glasses only with warm water, without any detergent or soap. The dishwasher should also be avoided.
Wipe the glasses immediately after washing them to avoid leaving traces of limescale.
In terms of glass size, there is no need to use XXL size glasses, which are harmful for the aromas of the wine during tasting.
Characteristics according to the wines
There are dozens of different types of wine glassware. But if you only need to keep 3 at home, choose a red wine glass, one for white/rosé and one for sparkling.
Red wine glasses
The red wine glass should be large enough to allow good aeration in order to release all the aromas. Besides being wider towards the bottom, the top of the glass must be narrower in order to appreciate all the aromas at the nose and in the mouth. When serving, do not exceed 50% of the glass.
Also, if you drink a concentrated wine, aeration is all the more important because its aromas are less volatile (aromas of ripe fruit and spices in particular).
White and rosé wine glasses
The white/rosé wine glass has the same shape as the red wine glass, i.e. a rather wide container, but a more flared top. In terms of size, it must be smaller in capacity in order to renew the wine (it is important to keep the wine fresh). Also, in order to keep it always fresh, it should not be filled to more than a third. Indeed, this will allow the wine in the glass to be renewed more frequently.
Sparkling wine glasses
The sparkling wine glass must be tulip-shaped or flute-shaped to retain the effervescence of the wine. Be careful with glasses that do not retain the bubbles. When serving, you can fill your glass to two thirds of its capacity.
