Red and white wine glasses differ in shape and size depending on the type of wine for which they are intended. Red wine glasses tend to be taller and have a larger chalice than white wine glasses. Red wines, which tend to be fuller and more powerful, require a larger glass to fully express their aromas and flavors.
Here we discuss the different nuances between red and white wine glasses:
- General differences between red and white wine glasses
- The three types of red wine glasses
- The two types of white wine glasses
- Red vs. white wine glasses without stem
General differences between red and white wine glasses
Main differences
In general, white wine glasses have smaller chalices than red wine glasses. The walls of the chalice of a white wine glass are less curved, and the opening is narrower than that of a red wine glass.
Influence on the senses
Red wines tend to be fuller in flavor than white wines. Red wine glasses have larger, rounder shaped chalices to allow more air to reach the wine. This helps the flavors develop and come out better. White wines need less aeration.
The larger chalices of red wine glasses also provide a better aroma. Like a decanter, red wine glasses are designed to open up the wine's aromas. In white wine glasses, the shorter chalices bring the wine closer to the nose, which is useful for the subtle aromas of white wines.
Stem
White wine glasses often have longer stems than red wine glasses, keeping your hand further from the chalice. This prevents the wine from heating up too much due to body heat. Red wine glasses often have shorter stems because red wines are less sensitive to temperature changes.
The three types of red wine glasses
Red wine glasses usually have a larger chalice to allow the more powerful flavors and aromas of red wine to breathe. The wider opening and sometimes tulip-shaped rim of the glass promote interaction with oxygen. There are three main types of red wine glasses:
1. Bordeaux glass (heavier wine, full-body).
These are the largest red wine glasses. They create space between your nose and the wine, releasing alcoholic vapors to the side and bringing out the complex aromas. Suitable for tannic-rich wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Sirah.
2. Medium body glass
These glasses are smaller than Bordeaux glasses and work well with wines such as Syrah, Shiraz or Chianti. They soften flavors and keep more ethanol vapors in the glass. Ideal for old world wines with savory characteristics.
3. Burgundy glass (light body).
This glass is perfect for delicate wines such as Pinot Noir. The wide chalice allows aromas to accumulate, while the shorter lip guides the wine over the tip of the tongue, emphasizing sweetness.
The two types of white wine glasses
White wine glasses have smaller, narrower chalices than red wine glasses to preserve the delicate aromas. The longer stem prevents the wine from becoming too hot from body heat. There are two main types of white wine glasses:
1. High acid wine glass
Also called the Riesling or Sauvignon glass. These smaller glasses bring the wine to the center of the palate, emphasizing its acidic properties. Suitable for dry Rieslings, Sauvignon Blanc and rosé.
2. Full-body wine glass
Also called the Chardonnay glass. These glasses have wider openings, which drains alcoholic vapors and emphasizes the richer flavors of full-bodied white wines such as Viognier and Chardonnay.
Red vs. white stemless glasses
With stemless glasses, the basic principles remain the same: white glasses are smaller and narrower, while red glasses have a large, open chalice. Red wines are better suited to stemless glasses because they are served at a higher temperature (16-18° C) and are less susceptible to warming by hand.
Do I need both types of wine glasses?
Although one type of glass may be sufficient, you can get the most out of your wine with an appropriate glass. Red wines from a white wine glass will still taste great, but a properly matched glass choice can take your experience to the next level.
Which style best suits your taste?
Source: WineEnthusiast
