The most important part of wine tasting is the shape of the wine glasses. Wine glasses create the balance of flavor needed to fully appreciate the tasting experience. A wine glass was made with the shape they have for very specific reasons.

The most important part of wine tasting is the shape of the wine glasses. Wine glasses create the balance of flavor needed to fully appreciate the tasting experience. A wine glass was made with the shape they have for very specific reasons.

Red wine glasses all consist of these three components: base, shorter stem, and a wide bowl and mouth. The bowl is shaped to create the bouquet of the wine to enhance the flavor. The mouth of the red wine glass is wide so that it allows you to sip the wine allowing you to taste it at the front of your palette.

The surface area of the bowl of the red wine glass helps to oxygenate and allows for a greater surface area to evaporate the wine. The character of red wine is strong and bold and the bowl allows for this taste to come through. Another function of the large bowl is to be used to hold the glass, keeping the wine at the desired room temperature.

White wine glasses are encompassed of the same components as the red wine glasses with a few differences in size and shape. White wine is a much more delicate wine and the white wine glass has a tall and narrow bowl in order to focus the bouquet directly. The stem of the white wine glass is also taller, allowing for the consumer to hold the glass by the stem which allows the white wine to stay at the preferred cooler temperatures.

The narrow mouth of the white wine glass also allows for the wine to be tossed back onto the palette, where it is designed to be tasted at. The area in which you taste your wine is imperative to the overall tasting experience.

Champagne is also another type of wine requiring its own specially designed glass. This special glass is called the champagne flute. Flutes are tall and narrow which allows for the bubbles and effervescence of the champagne to last longer.

As you can see, wine glasses serve the dual purpose of being a vessel to hold your wine and to also to create the perfect taste. Each type of wine will have its own special glass that should be used to enjoy the taste and smell to the fullest. Wine can also be paired with food to create an even greater experience.

White wine will pair perfectly with almost any type of seafood. Red wine goes great with red meat and surprisingly with chocolate. Feel free to play with food and wine combinations, but always remember to use the correct wine glasses!