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Our Guide to Different Types of Wine Glasses

Baffling as it may seem, that single set of wine glasses you own for all the different wines isn’t doing your wine justice. Choosing the right wine glass with the right stem length and glass shape is equally as important as selecting the right wine to go with the meal you are taking at that time.

Red White Wine And Rose In Different Glasses

Most people will find that owning a set or two is sufficient, but do you know that the shape and size of a wine glass could enhance or diminish the taste of your wine?

Also, the only way to achieve utmost wine etiquette is to ensure that you are using the right wine glass for the right wine.

Appreciating your wine starts with learning the different wine glasses and which one to choose for which wine.

Depending on the occasion, we have put together a list of 15 types of wine glasses you can acquire to add to your collection.

Learn which wine glass to pull from the cabinet for your next bottle.

Cabernet Glass

A cabernet glass is a type of wine glass specially designed for Cabernet wines.

These wines are typically full-bodied and have high tannin levels, so the glass helps soften the tannins and bring out the flavors of the wine.

The glass has a wide bowl and a narrow rim, which helps control the amount of wine poured. Red wines are typically served in this glass, but white wine can also be served.

The Cabernet glass goes well with many different types of red wine, but it is especially well-suited for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.


Chardonnay Glass

Chardonnay glasses are designed specifically for drinking Chardonnay wines.

They have a wide bowl that allows the wine to breathe, and the stem prevents your body heat from warming the wine.

Chardonnay glasses are usually used for dry Chardonnays but can also be used for sweeter wines like oaked Chardonnays.

The glass is also versatile enough for other white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.

When choosing a Chardonnay glass, it’s essential to pick one that’s the right size for the wine you’re drinking.

You’ll need a glass with a larger bowl if you’re drinking a large format bottle, like a magnum. Similarly, if you’re drinking a small pour, you might want to choose a glass with a smaller bowl.


Bordeaux Glass

Bordeaux glass is a type of stemware characterized by its broad bowl and relatively small opening.

It is named after the famous Bordeaux wine region in France, where it is most often used for red wines.

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The design of Bordeaux glass allows for a large surface area, which helps to release the wine’s aromas. It also has a relatively tall stem, which prevents the heat from your hand from warming the wine.

The ideal way to enjoy a red wine is at cellar temperature, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Bordeaux glass can also be used for white wines, as long as they are well-chilled.


Pinot Noir Glass

A Pinot Noir glass is a wine glass used to serve red wine. The glass has a wide bowl and a long stem.

The shape of the glass helps to bring out the wine’s flavor and prevent it from being too strong.

Pinot Noir glasses are typically used for lighter red wines, such as Pinot Noir.

Other light red wines, such as Grenache or Beaujolais, can also be made with this glass.


Rose Glass

A Rose glass is a type of wine glass designed specifically for rose wine.

The main difference between rose glass and other types of wine glasses is the shape of the bowl.

Rose glass typically has a flatter bowl, which helps to highlight the delicate flavors of the wine. 

In addition, rose glass often has a wider rim, which allows the full aroma of the wine to be released.

When choosing a rose glass, it is important to select one that will complement the specific type of rose wine you are drinking. This will allow the sweetness of the wine to be more pronounced.


Stemless

Stemless wine glasses are becoming increasingly popular, but many people still don’t know what they are. A stemless glass is a wine glass that doesn’t have a stem.

This gives it a more casual look, and it’s also more practical – no more worrying about knocking your glass over and breaking the stem!

Stemless glasses are suitable for any wine, but they’re particularly well-suited to red wine.

The lack of a stem means that you can hold the glass bowl in your hand, helping to keep the wine at the ideal temperature.  


Burgundy Glass

A burgundy glass is a type of wine glass designed specifically for red wines.

The shape of the glass allows the wine to breathe, which enhances its flavor and aroma.

In addition, the wide bowl of the glass helps to collect the wine’s bouquet. Burgundy glasses are typically used for full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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They can, however, be used for lighter red wines, like Pinot Noir. Therefore, when choosing a Burgundy glass, it is essential to consider the wine you will be drinking.

You will need a glass with a large bowl for full-bodied red wine, while light red goes well with a small bowled glass.


Port Glass

Port wine is a type of fortified wine that originates from the Douro Valley in Portugal.

It is typically made from a blend of red grapes, and it is known for its rich, sweet flavor.

Port wine is usually served as an after-dinner drink, and it pairs well with dessert wines. The most commonly used glass for port wine is called port glass.

This type of glass has a wide bowl and a narrow stem, which helps to keep the wine at a consistent temperature. It also has a small opening, which allows the drinker to savor the aroma of the wine.


Zinfandel Glass

The Zinfandel glass is a wine glass that is used for serving red wine.

The glass is shaped to bring out the best flavors and aromas of the wine, and it is also tall and slender to help prevent spills.

The Zinfandel glass is a versatile glass used for any red wine, from light-bodied Pinot Noir to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

However, it is especially well-suited for Zinfandel wines, known for their bold flavors and aromas.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect glass to enjoy your next glass of red wine, reach for a Zinfandel glass.


Sparkling Wine Flute

A sparkling wine flute is a type of glass used to serve champagne and other sparkling wines.

Unlike a traditional wine glass, a flute has a tall, narrow bowl that helps preserve the wine’s bubbles.

Sparkling wine flutes are typically used for special occasions like New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In addition to champagne, other sparkling wines can also be served on a flute.

For example, prosecco, cava, and Crémant all pair well with various foods and make excellent choices for celebratory toasts.


Viognier

The Viognier glass is used for wines with high alcohol content and floral aromas.

The glass bowl is large, allowing the wine to breathe and develop flavor.

The glass is also tall, with a tapered opening that helps concentrate the wine’s aromas.

Viognier glasses are typically used for white wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

However, they are also suitable for lighter red wines, such as Pinot Noir and Beaujolais. Crystal glasses are often considered the best option as they provide superior clarity and durability.

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However, they can be more expensive than glass or stainless steel options.


Riesling Glass

The Riesling glass is a type of wine glass that is specifically designed for white wines.

The most distinguishing feature of the Riesling glass is its long, slender stem.

This is intended to keep the drinker’s hand from warming the wine since white wines are chilled when served. The glass bowl is also relatively narrow, which helps to concentrate the wine’s aroma.

As a result, the Riesling glass is an essential tool for savoring the subtle flavor of this delicate wine.

In addition to Rieslings, this glass is suitable for other white wines, such as Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs.


Sauvignon Blanc Glass

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is a white wine glass used to enjoy wines made with the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

This type of grape produces white wines known for their crisp, refreshing flavor.

Sauvignon Blanc glasses are typically tall and have a narrow bowl, which helps to preserve the wine’s delicate aromas.

When choosing a Sauvignon Blanc glass, it is important to consider the style of wine you will be enjoying.

If you plan on drinking a young, fruity wine, look for a glass with a smaller bowl. If you plan to drink an older, more complex wine, look for a glass with a larger bowl.


Sherry Glass

Sherry glass is a type of wine glass used to serve dessert wines. Its small size and stemless design characterize it.

When choosing a sherry glass, it is essential to consider the type of wine you will serve.

For example, if you are serving a sweet wine, you may want to choose a glass with a smaller bowl.

This will help to concentrate the aromas of the wine and prevent it from becoming too diluted. 

On the other hand, if you are serving dry sherry, you may want to choose a glass with a larger bowl. This will give the wine room to breathe and allow you to enjoy its full flavor. 


Syrah Wine Glass

The Syrah wine glass is a type of stemware designed explicitly for the Syrah or Shiraz wine varietal.

This glass is characterized by its wide bowl and tall stem.

The wide bowl helps to capture the wine’s fruity aromas, while the tall stem keeps the drinker’s hand from warming the wine.

As a result, the Syrah wine glass is ideal for enjoying these full-bodied red wines at their best.

Regarding which wines to pair with this glass, look no further than your favorite Syrah or Shiraz.

So, next time you’re uncorking a bottle of Syrah, be sure to reach for a Syrah wine glass.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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