Types of Wine Glasses
(Dessert Wine Glasses , Sparking Wine Glasses, Rose Glasses , All-Purpose Glasses )
Whether sweet or dry, white or red, robust or light, wine requires very specific serving procedures in order to reach its full flavor potential. In addition to proper serving temperatures, each type of wine requires a specific style of glass for service. To get the most out of your wine collection, browse through the links below to choose the ideal wine glass for your needs.
Wine Glass Types Chart
Below is a chart showing you which type of wine glass to serve with various types of wine.
Dessert Wine Glasses
Below are typical characteristics of a dessert wine glass:
Usually smaller due to the high alcohol content of dessert wines
Dessert glasses usually also direct wine to the back to the tip and back of the mouth to allow for adequate sweetness detection
Port Wine Glass
Type of wine: Port or other dessert wines
Narrow mouth reduces evaporation and concentrates the aromas
Tall enough to allow sufficient swirling to release the aromas
Designed to lead wine slowly down the center of mouth towards the back to enable just enough sweetness detection
Sherry Wine Glass
Type of wine: sherry, cordial, and other dessert wines
Small size is ideal for dessert wines, which have a higher alcohol content
Directs wine to the back of the mouth so the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm
Sparkling Wine and Champagne Glasses
Below are typical characteristics of sparkling wine glasses:
Upright, narrow bowl to preserve carbonation and flavor
Flute Wine Glass
Type of wine: young sparkling wine or champagne, including Cava, Franciacorta, Prosecco, and Asti
Short- to medium-length stem with long, narrow, upright bowl
Bowl successfully retains the carbonation and captures the flavor
Bead at the base prompts bubbles to gather and quickly rise
Tulip Wine Glass
Type of wine: young or mature champagne, such as Cava, Franciacorta, Prosecco, and Asti
Slim base that slightly opens up to a wider bowl then narrows towards opening
Bead at base makes bubbles rise, while the wideness allows room for flavor complexities to open up
Narrower top prevents excess carbonation from escaping while directing aromas towards the tongue instead of up the nose
Vintage and Coupe Glass
Type of wine: sweet champagne, Cava, Franciacorta, or Prosecco; is also used to serve cocktails
Stemmed glass with short, yet broad and shallow bowl
Reminiscent of the speakeasy era; originally used during the roaring '20s to serve bubbly dessert champagne that was made with a heavy dosage of syrup
Bowl enables wine to come in with plenty of air; less popular as a champagne or wine choice today because air exposure quickly dissipates bubbles and aromas
Holds a small amount of liquid; ideal for themed events or cocktails
Rose Wine Glasses
The best rose wine glass depends on whether you are drinking a young or mature rose. Below we go through the characteristics of a flared lip glass or a glass with a slight taper.
Flared Lip Rose Glass
Type of wine: young, crisp rose or young white wine
Long stem ensures that heat from the hand will not warm the wine
Flared lip directs the wine first to tip of tongue where taste buds are most sensitive to sweetness. Enhances the sweetness of crisp wine; balances flavor and minimizes any bite
Slight Taper Rose Glass
Type of wine: mature, full-bodied rose
Short bowl that is rounded at the bottom with a slight taper instead of a flared lip
All-Purpose Wine Glasses
If a single glass type is all that your circumstances permit, an all-purpose wine glass is the way to go. Although the experience may not be the same as when you use the proper glass type for the application, these glasses offer a similar function at a lower cost and increased efficiency.
With Stem
Bowl shape is in between that of red and white wine glasses, making it acceptable for use with both types of wine
Stemless
Same shapes and styles of bowls as traditional stemmed wine glassware
Wines may be warmed faster
Boasts a contemporary appearance
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