Why the Type of Wineglass You Use Actually Matters

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Plus, the expert-approved wineglasses for every varietal.

Your bottle of wine is only as good as the glass you serve it in…or is it? There is a lot of literature on what type of varietal pairs best with different shapes and sizes. And frankly, it’s enough to make your head spin.

So we decided to tap into the expertise of Napa-based sommelier Bob Magnani, general manager of Bazan Cellars, for a streamlined, easy-to-follow guide on the best ways to showcase your vino. We’ve also rounded up the best wineglasses so that you can invest in a set or two and/or gift them to a very special wine-loving friend.

If you’re not a sommelier or oenophile, it’s easy to dismiss the idea that the type of glass can influence your wine's overall flavor profile. But Magnani implores anyone to conduct their own at-home experiments to test the nuances and experience the results for themselves.

“Exploring the different styles of glasses with the same wine is fascinating, as it truly makes a difference” he claims. “Key factors for glassware are shape, size, and rim diameter and they can highlight the flavors, bouquet, texture, and finish depending on the grape varietal.”

“For example, for cabernet sauvignon, one would prefer a larger glass, providing increased surface and allowing more oxygen to soften the tannins and open the bouquet. A sparkling wine or Champagne is often preferred in a flute as it is narrow, allowing less oxygen and keeping the bubbles flowing,” he adds.

Aside from shape and size, the material of your drinking vessel is just as important. While glass or crystal may be the most widely accepted option, some wine drinkers shamelessly pour their bottles into whatever they have on hand, including plastic tumblers, SOLO cups, and even thermoses.

“Glass is preferred as it is clean, odorless, and produced from natural ingredients from the earth,” says Magnani. “People are more than welcome to utilize another vessel; however, rarely does that other vessel showcase the wine better than glass.”

But you should just use any glass, which could include thick-rimmed margarita varieties or even mason jars. A thin wineglass is the ideal, providing a smooth transition from the surface to the lips which, Magnani argues, “enhances the experience.”

“Psychologically, it has [also] been proven that the experience is elevated when enjoying wine from a thin glass, as we often taste with our eyes before our mouth.”

Nothing beats an ice-cold beer served in a frosty mug, but does the same approach apply to wines that taste best when chilled? The answer isn't exactly cut and dry.

“Optimal temperatures for wines vary by varietal and consumer, so if you do not have a cellar at home and store your red wines at room temperature, you may want to chill them for a few minutes to cool the wines and maintain a consistent temperature,” recommends Mangnani.

“For whites, the same reasoning is true. If it is warm outside, the wine will increase in temperature more rapidly in a room temp glass. However, if your glass is chilled, it will remain consistent for a longer period of time,” he adds.

Ultimately, it’s up to the drinker and the research that he or she takes to determine each varietal’s optimal serving temperature, but a chilled wineglass is A-OK if you’re hoping to keep a crisp white or refreshing rosé cooler for longer.

Also, be sure to always hold a wineglass by its stem so that you don’t impart the warmth of your fingers through the glass and into the liquid. This is particularly important while dining al fresco in a warmer climate.

While it’s easy to separate wines into general categories like red, white, and sparkling, the flavor profiles of corresponding varietals is way more complex and can’t be categorized beyond color. That said, you can follow these guidelines to pick the perfect glass.

“Sparkling glasses should have a narrow rim diameter at the top and can be cylindrical like a flute or narrow at the base, widen in the middle, and narrow at the rim,” suggests Magnani.

“Whites will vary depending on the varietal. Most will be in the traditional wineglass shape: narrow at the base, open in the middle and then slightly narrower on the rim,” he explains. “In doing so, it enhances the floral notes and minerality of the wines.”

He adds, “Rosés are often served in traditional white wineglasses, as they are lighter in style with less of an emphasis on the bouquet.”

The exception to this rule, according to Magnani? “Oaked whites, such as a chardonnay, will be more bowl in style with a wider rim allowing for oxygenation and a bolder flavor profile.”

“Cabernets and Bordeauxs tend to be a larger version of the traditional wineglass with the rim being slightly narrower than the bowl, as this allows the wine to breathe and enhance the texture and showcase all of the flavors,” says Magnani.

Pinot noir glasses, on the other hand, “will tend to be wider bowls with an additional flare on the rim to enhance the aromas that they’re known for,” he adds.

Of course, no one type of glass will ruin one’s wine-tasting experience, but if you’re a frequent imbiber and want to elevate your weekly happy hours, consider the aforementioned sets to add to your collection. They’ll last a lifetime if cared for properly and aren’t too expensive if they shatter and need to be replaced.

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