An essential part of the wine tasting experience is using the correct wine glasses. The proper wine glass will enhance the flavor of the wine being tasted dramatically. Wine glasses were created very purposely and their shape provides function.
Red wine glasses all consist of these three components: base, shorter stem, and a wide bowl and mouth. The bowl is shaped to create the bouquet of the wine to enhance the flavor. The mouth of the red wine glass is wide so that it allows you to sip the wine allowing you to taste it at the front of your palette.
The surface area of the bowl of the red wine glass helps to oxygenate and allows for a greater surface area to evaporate the wine. The character of red wine is strong and bold and the bowl allows for this taste to come through. Another function of the large bowl is to be used to hold the glass, keeping the wine at the desired room temperature.
White wine glasses have the same structure as red wine glasses consisting of a base, stem and bowl. The major difference between the two is that the white wine glass bowl is much narrower and taller which helps to keep the delicate bouquet held together. Also, the white wine glass has a taller stem than the red wine glass which provides a place to hold the glass so as not to warm the wine because white wine should be served chilled.
The mouth of white wine glasses is narrow providing for the wine to be tossed onto the back of the palette by making you tilt your head back in order to drink it. The region of the mouth where you taste the wine is crucial to the overall experience.
Another type of wine that requires its own glass is Champagne. A flute is the type of glass used for champagne. Flute wine glasses have a very tall and narrow bowl, much more narrower than a white wine glass, and this helps to maintain the bubbles for a long time.
It has become apparent by now that wine glasses serve more than just the purpose of having a container to hold your wine in but to also help create the perfect flavor. Every type of wine has its own glass that it should be used with to enjoy the smells and tastes to the utmost. Pairing wine with food is also another experience that should not be missed!
White wine will pair perfectly with almost any type of seafood. Red wine goes great with red meat and surprisingly with chocolate. Feel free to play with food and wine combinations, but always remember to use the correct wine glasses!
Wine Glasses are imperative to your wine drinking experience. Wine Glasses Co. provides tutorials and information regarding all things wine related, including helping you find the perfect wine glass!