If you are a casual wine drinker the question of which glass to serve each type of wine in most undoubtedly has come up in conversation.
I know in my experience I have heard the question asked on numerous occasions, but never really heard a definitive answer.
So I decided to do some research so that I could impress people at the next dinner party with my broad knowledge of the world of wine and wine etiquette.
As it turns out the definitive answer to the question "is there a certain type of glass that should be used to serve different types of wine in" doesn't seem to exist.
What I mean is that there is no hard scientific evidence that states that a red wine should be served in bowl shaped wine glasses and that a white wine should be served in a different type of stemware.
The reason for this mainly is because the art of wine testing is a very subjective subject in and of itself.
Even so there are many experts that do believe that the choice of glass does make a difference in the overall experience and enjoyment of the wine within.
This belief is somewhat backed up with what may be called quasi-science since it deals with the sense of smell which is an essential ingredient in the sense of taste.
Many experts believe that a red wine will be enjoyed more if served in stemware that has a larger goblet and broader opening.
The reasoning for this is the fact that red wine tends to be more aromatic and the wider goblet and opening will allow the sense of smell to play a larger role in the enjoyment of the wine.
It is also held by many experts that a white heavier bodied wine is better served in a narrower stemware with a thinner rim.
This type of glass will allow the less aromatic white wines to be sipped and enjoyed by the palette more easily.
Sparkling wines and champagne are almost universally served in a fluted glass.
The long fluted stemware allows the effervescence to flow in a concentrated manner and add to the taste of the wine.
One can certainly enhance the presentation of a fine wine by choosing a complimentary glass.
As you search this topic more thoroughly you will no doubt become aware of Riedel Crystal.
This company makes special wine tasting glasses.
You may find that featuring a simple wine tasting is a unique treat to offer your guests at your next dinner party.
The Riedel tasting glasses will complete the presentation.
Wine is not merely meant to be consumed but to be appreciated and enjoyed.
Just like a fine meal presented by a master chef is not just slop together on a plate and serve, nor should a fine wine ever be served in an inappropriate glass.
Besides the appearance and the fact that different types of wine glasses will add to the experience of the wine, it is also important never to fill a wine glass too much.
A glass of wine should never be filled any more than 1/3 to 1/2 full.
This allows the drinker to enjoy the aroma by swirling the wine around in the glass.
The reason that wine is served in stemware is that the "Stem" of glass provides a way to hold the wine without the heat of the body warming the wine at the same time.
This helps ensure that the wine is served at the proper temperature for maximum enjoyment.
I hope this brief exposé in the reasons and semi-science behind choosing wine glasses helps.
You now are not only a more informed host but also you just may enjoy your wine to its fullest.