How Important is Glassware to Wine?

Take it from us - it's critical. We are not advocating a specific brand over another, but do strongly suggest that if you get the opportunity to try specific wines in the correct shaped glassware, then give it a go. You will simply not look back and, like us, probably get a bit grumpy when you go around to Aunty Marg's place and have to drink your favourite Pinot Noir out of those horrible little glasses.

Some General Points to Note:

• The shape of the glass controls the flow of the wine in to your mouth. A thin glass requires you to tip your head back further, accelerating the flow over the tongue. A wider rimmed glass allows the wine to enter the mouth slower, spreading the fullness of the wine across the side of the palate.
• The size of the bowl determines the wine's ability to 'breathe'. A wine that needs a lot of air to open up, such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, will not be served well in a small, thin glass.
• The shape of the glass determines how concentrated the aromas are. Aromatic wines such as Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris need thinner glasses so that the aromatics are concentrated.

Specific Nuances to look out for with different varietals:

• Chardonnay will become fuller, more rounded and buttery in the correct glass. In the incorrect glass, they can taste 'thin' and the acidity of the wine can be highlighted above all else. Acidity in Chardonnay is fine, but it should be providing structure to the wine and in the background - it shouldn't be a defining characteristic.
• Pinot Noir needs a big bowl to breathe, but the glass will also ideally taper in at the top, to concentrate all those lovely aromas that Pinot Noir offers.
• Sauvignon Blancs, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris will lose their concentrated 'aromatics' when drunk from a glass that is too wide or big. They may appear flat or lacking in taste
• Champagne/Sparkling Wines should always be consumed from a tall, slender glass. Those big wide cocktail/champagne glasses from 1930's movies are a definite no-no!