The glasses in which wine is served must be the proper vehicle to highlight and fully enjoy its color, aroma and taste.
The different shapes of a glass will act on specific features of the wine. Thus, each wine has its glass.
Size: This will determine the intensity and quality of the aromas. What is most important is the space between the surface of the wine and the edge of the wine glass, where the aromas will be contained. It will also allow us to make a swirling movement with the wine without any spilling out.
Shape: The edge of the glass must be slightly inclined inwards to maintain the aromas and smell.
The mouth must be large enough for one’s nose to fit into during the olfactory phase .
The stem must be tall enough to keep the wine from heating up on contact with the hand, altering the temperature and aroma.
Diameter: The diameter will determine the posture in which the wine will be drunk. Large glasses make it necessary to tilt one’s head forward. With narrow glasses the movement will be backward. Depending on the movement made the wine will reach one or another part of the tongue. This will reinforce some tastes over others.
Thickness: The glass should be smooth, and totally transparent. This way, a clean, clear view can be had of the wine’s color. Thinner glasses are more appropriate. Maximum thickness should not exceed 0.8 mm. Thus, communication with the palate will be closer, and the tactile sensation more pleasant.
Among the glasses for red wines, the Burgundian variety stands out. They are large and balloon shaped, having large slightly inward-curved mouths. Also noteworthy are the Bordelaise type, of medium size and tulip-shaped (ideal for tastings).
For white wines, the shapes are the same, albeit somewhat smaller. Stems tend to be taller, as these wines have to be drunk at lower temperatures.
Lately, progress has been made in the design of glasses for each geographical area, with variations on the aforementioned models that adapt to the special characteristics of certain noteworthy appellations of origin, such as the Priorat AO’s.