If you are a wine lover and want to make the jump from novice to connoisseur, there are some key elements of wine consumption you should note. One important factor is the wine glass itself. If you plan to host dinner parties or simply want to enjoy wine in its ideal presentation, get to know the different types of wine glasses. Here are the four styles of wine glasses you should stock in your home.
1. Red wine glasses. The largest and most impressive glass out there, the red wine glass features a wide, tall bowl with a long stem. As the best red wines radiate complexity and need room to breathe, these large glasses are essential. There are two main types, the Burgundy and the Bordeaux, referring to the legendary wine regions of France. The Burgundy glass features the largest bowl and a medium height so the subtle characteristics of the wine will gravitate towards the front of the tongue. Bordeaux glasses are the taller and slightly less wide, allowing the wine to move to the rear area of the mouth.
2. White wine glasses. To enjoy white wine in its proper format, the correct glass is taller and more narrow than its red wine counterpart. Since temperature plays an important part in whites, this glass allows for a more prolonged chill.
3. Champagne glasses. Perhaps the easiest glass to identify, the champagne glass is better known today as the sparkling wine glass. Remember that champagne is sparkling wine from the region of Champagne, France only. Any other sparkling white must be known properly as sparkling wine. Thin and vertical, this glass is great for maintaining natural carbonation.
4. Dessert wine glasses. This glass is the smallest in height, with the bowl slightly wider than the sparkling wine glass. Dessert wines are generally about sweetness and this format keeps the sweetness in check, while its diminutive size demands small servings for a wine which typically has a high percentage of alcohol.