Why Are There Different Wine Glasses For Different Types of Wines?
Wine glasses are available in a large array of sizes, shapes and heights. Riedel manufactures 20 designs for all different types of varietals. The large range of choices can seem daunting, but those who choose to indulge in special glasses will find that flavor and color is enhanced. However, good all-purpose glasses work for everyday wine enjoyment.
Function
A wine glass might seem like just another drinking container, but there is much that goes into choosing an appropriate one. A wine glass serves to enhance the flavors, bouquet and color of the liquid. Shape can also affect temperature and effervescence. The glass also positions body parts such as the fingers and tongue in correct spots to best enjoy the wine. According to Wine Cellar Secrets, wine glass maker Riedel has 20 types of wine glasses to cover all possible varieties of the beverage.
Types
The top three types of wine glasses that one will encounter are ones for red and white wines, along with champagne flutes. The best ones feature thin glass and are 8 to 10 inches tall, according to Wine Country Getaways. The leading manufacturer of customized varietal glasses is Riedel, although Crate and Barrel also sells them.
A red wine glass is usually spherical like a bowl, sloping to a slightly narrower top. Sometimes red wine glasses are stemless. To hold these glasses correctly, place the stem between the fingers and cradle the bowl in the palm. With a red, the body heat from the hand will serve to keep the wine at room temperature, or may heat it slightly.
White wine glasses may be more narrow, but often aren't; Riedel's glasses have a shallower base for the whites than for the reds. Hold a white wine glass by the stem to avoid heating it, because white wines are meant to be served cold.
Champagne flutes are narrow and straight. This serves to direct the bubbles upward in a visually appealing manner, as well as keep more carbon dioxide in the product to deter flattening.
Significance
Specialized wine glasses are fun to invest in if you're a wine lover, but most people can make do with one set for red, one for white and some champagne flutes. The specializations are fun, but can be confusing. To experiment and find out whether different wine glasses are for you, go to a store that sells single glasses and purchase two or three to sample. Otherwise, stick to all-purpose glasses that are made from good crystal.
Benefits
Of course, different wine glasses can add to the enjoyment of a good bottle of wine. The process of learning about the glasses is interesting and fun, and may also open your eyes to other types of wines. Truly bringing out the best in a good vintage is satisfying and eye-opening; a change of glass can render a familiar bottle of wine completely different and new. Obtaining the correct glassware turns a simple pleasure into something special.
Warning
With the wide profusion of specialized glasses, it can be easy to get carried away and accumulate glass sets that will sit unused. Invest in the glasses that you'll use the most, rather than buying products for the sake of having them in the cabinet. When in doubt, purchase a good all-purpose set from a recommended manufacturer. It's preferable to err on the side of caution rather than get a glass completely mixed up.
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