When it comes to enjoying a good wine, the glass is as important as the beverage. The shape, size and material can influence the perception of aromas, oxygenation and temperature of the wine.
In this article, we will explore the different types of wine glasses, their history and which one is best for each variety.
Where did the wine glass come from?
The first wine glasses date back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where ceramic chalices and precious metals were used. During the Middle Ages, blown glass goblets became popular, but it was in the 20th century that Austrian Claus Riedel revolutionized the industry with the creation of glasses specifically designed to enhance the characteristics of each type of wine.
Types and uses of different wine glasses
Here are the main types of wine glasses and which varietals are best enjoyed in each one:
Bordeaux Cup
Characteristics:
- Narrow mouth to concentrate aromas.
- Tall and wide goblet to oxygenate the wine.
- Long stem to avoid heating the wine by hand.
Uses:
Perfect for structured red wines made from grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Malbec. An example of an ideal wine to enjoy in this type of glass would be Finca Valpiedra Reserva.
Burgundy Cup
Characteristics:
- Wide and rounded body, which allows for greater oxygenation.
- More open mouthfeel to highlight complex aromas.
Uses:
Ideal for soft and aromatic red wines such as Petra de Valpiedra made from 100% Grenache grapes. Wines made with pinot noir and nebbiolo, among others, are also suitable for this type of glass, thanks to their own nuances.
Universal wine glass
Characteristics:
- Calyx of medium size, with slightly closed mouth.
- Versatile and suitable for different styles of wine, especially reds.
Uses:
Perfect for those who are looking for a multipurpose glass for any type of wine such as Cueva del Granero Orange Wine, Cantos de Valpiedra or the single varietal crianza wines of Finca Antigua such as Syrah. When in doubt, this is the glass to choose for its adaptability.
Glass of white wine
Characteristics:
- Smaller body than red wine glasses to preserve the temperature.
- More closed mouth to keep the aromas fresh.
Uses:
Suitable for white wines characterized by their acidity and freshness such as Finca Montepedroso Verdejo, Montepedroso Enoteca or Finca Antigua Viura.
We are talking about wines commonly elaborated with varieties such as: verdejo, sauvignon blanc, viura, maturana blanca… among others.
For full-bodied, barrel-aged white wines such as Finca Valpiedra Reserva Blanco, a glass with a wider calyx is recommended to favor oxygenation.
Glass of sweet or fortified wine
Characteristics:
- Smaller to concentrate the aromas and control the quantity served.
- Closed mouth to avoid alcohol evaporation.
Uses:
Commonly called catavinos, as this is one of its most widespread uses. In terms of consumption, it is ideal for wines with higher alcohol content and sweetness, such as Finca Antigua Moscatel Naturalmente Dulce, Port wines or Pedro Ximénez.
Sparkling wine glass (Flute – Flûte)
Characteristics:
- Tall and narrow to maintain effervescence and keep wine cool.
- Closed mouth to concentrate aromas.
Uses:
It is the glass of sparkling wines par excellence such as champagne, cava or prosecco.
Tulip Cup
Characteristics:
- Similar to the flûte, but with a more pronounced curvature.
- Helps to enhance aromas without sacrificing bubbles.
Uses:
Although it can be confused with the flute style, this type of glass, due to its curvature, is recommended for more complex and aged sparkling wines such as Gran Reserva cava or vintage champagne.
We must not forget that choosing the right glass can significantly enhance the wine tasting experience. From elegant Bordeaux glasses to delicate flûtes for sparkling wines, each design has been designed to highlight the qualities of each type of wine.
If you want to take your wine experience to the next level, don’t hesitate to invest in a good set of glasses for every occasion. Cheers!
