Best Wine Glasses to Enjoy Drinks on Any Occasion

How to Choose the Best Wine Glass

Subtle differences in your wine glass design can totally elevate your wine drinking experiences. There are many aspects to consider while selecting the right wine glass and we’re here to help you out. The bowl, material, size, and thickness all boil down to make the ideal wine glass for your needs.

Size matters

The bowl of the wine glass should be carefully selected as it directly assists in releasing the individual aromas in your wine. A wider bowled glass is ideal for drinking red wine as it oxidizes the wine more quickly and helps in releasing the bolder flavors in your drink. On the other hand, a narrower bowl is preferred for white wine as it prevents the wine from getting aerated and allows the subtler aromas to waft up to your nose. If you’re a fan of sparkling wine, we would definitely recommend a smaller bowl to keep your wine carbonized longer. 

Thin as paper

A thin stemmed glass with a paper-thin rim has also been the talk of the town for quite some while. Wine lovers have often complained about the glass getting in the way or the thick stem making it feel like a wine glass for Shrek, however, these complaints have been mellowed down with the introduction of some ultra-thin wine glasses. The thin lip-less rims make a noticeable difference in how the wine flows and tastes on your tongue. This obviously comes with the apparent drawback of fragility as most of these glasses are prone to breakage from applying the slightest force.  

Stem vs no stem

The stem of the wine glass has also been the center of some of the most heated debates in wine history. While stem-less cups are more durable and stable, the lack of a stem forces the drinker to hold the glass from the bowl. This may not be a problem with red wine, however, icy white wine often turns into warm lemon juice in a matter of minutes. However, the stemmed glass brings its own baggage with it as they are easily breakable, leaving you in an eternal state of doubt about taking them out from the decoration cabinet. We guess it all condenses down to personal preference with this one. 

Narrower flute

At the heart of the wine lie the different aromas which have combined to make your heavenly drink. However, to truly take in the essence of your wine, a glass with a narrower top is ideal as it allows to store in the individual aromas and preserve your wine’s oxidation. A smaller flute also helps in easily swirling your wine in the cup and effectively release the plethora of scents. 

All-purpose wine glasses

Universal wine glasses may not give you the most premium wine drinking experience, but they definitely get an A+ for effort. Sized somewhere between a Chardonnay and a smaller red glass, a universal wine glass is ideal for space-saving enthusiasts who don’t want to get into the details of wine drinking. All-purpose glasses also come at a much cheaper cost than some premium Bordeaux glasses in the market, giving a quick breather to your wallet. 

Red wine

If you’re a fan of red wine, you should try to find a glass that has a larger bowl and tall flute as it helps in aerating the wine and preventing the aromas to escape from the flute. Red wine glasses come in three sizes; Full-Bodied (or Bordeaux), Medium-Bodied, and Light-Bodied (Burgundy). 

Full-bodied (Bordeaux)

A Bordeaux glass allows the alcohol vapors to escape the cup leaving the wine with only its pleasantly bold flavors. However, these cups are relatively large and harder to store and handle. We would recommend drinking Zinfandel, Syrah, Bordeaux, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine if you’re boasting a Bordeaux glass. 

Medium-bodied

Medium-Bodied wine glasses are simply a smaller version of Bordeaux glasses, effectively fulfilling the same purpose with a smaller size and easier handling. These glasses are ideal if you’re a sucker for Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Sangiovese wine.

Light-bodied (Burgundy)

Featuring a smaller bowl shape, a Light-Bodied wine glass helps in containing the aromas inside the cup. With a broader bowl than Bordeaux, the glass allows more flavors to waft up the drinker’s nose. If you’re willing to buy this glass, we would recommend having a go at Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Red Burgundy, and Dolcetto wine. 

White wine

White wine connoisseurs use a glass that has a longer stem and a narrower flute. A long stem prevents the wine from getting heated up from the warmth of your hand while a narrower flute helps in preserving the different aromas for you to smell. The bowl of a white wine glass is also more curved and upright, specifically designed to enhance the flavors of your wine. The two main types of white wine glasses are called “High Acid glasses” and “Full-bodied glasses”. 

High acid glass

With white wine possessing subtler flavors than red wine, a High Acid glass is designed with a narrower top to preserve the hints of flavors and prevent them from escaping through the top of the glass. With a High Acid glass, we would recommend trying out Riesling and Zinfandel to experience the elevated taste of the wine.

Full-bodied glass

A Full-Bodied glass guides the wine to the tip and sides of the tongue using its larger opening. The large bowl provides ample oxidation of the wine while the larger flute balances out the sweetness and acidity in your white wine.