A Word on Glassware

If you’ve recently shopped for new wine glasses, then you’ve probably noticed the dozens of options available. The topic of the best glass to use with different wines is highly debated, even among experts, so the casual wine drinker can find the process quite overwhelming. To help, here is a breakdown of the most common glass shapes.

Burgundy: The burgundy glass has a wide, round bottom and a narrower rim that directs wine to the tip of the tongue. This glass is ideal for delicate reds such as Pinot Noir and other aromatic wines. Its wide bottom allows heat from your hands to warm the wine while its narrow opening holds onto fragrant vapors.

Bordeaux: Tall with a wide bowl, though smaller than the burgundy glass, the Bordeaux is designed for full-bodied reds such as Cabernet and Merlot, and directs wine to the back of the mouth.

Tulips: Falling somewhere between the burgundy glass and the narrow flute, the tulip-shaped glass is a bit wider at the bottom than at the rim, but not extremely so. The long stem allows for swirling aroma from the wine, but also protects it from the heat of your hands, making it ideal for white or rosé wines that are typically served chilled.

Tumbler: A recent take on the burgundy and tulip shaped glasses, the tumbler has a similar shape but without the stem. Some connoisseurs consider the stemless glass a mere trend, but others are touting its benefits. Because it places the wine in close proximity to your hand, the tumbler is probably not the best choice for chilled wines.

Flutes: Tall and narrow, the champagne flute is recommended not only for champagne, but for any sparkling wine. Flutes minimize the amount of surface area in contact with the wine so that your bubbly doesn’t go flat.