Glassware

Glassware is essential when drinking a certain style of wine. Many people think it's just a glass and it makes no difference, while others believe that the glassware can enhance a wine-drinking experience. Let's take a deeper dive into this.

Imagine you're drinking a big Napa Valley Chardonnay. This wine requires a lot of surface area to allow oxygen interaction and to bring out the flavors of the fruit and the tertiary tones above the oak. Putting this into a champagne flute would not benefit the wine's drinkability or your enjoyment of it. The same goes for a Yarra Valley Pinot or a Bordeaux; they need a different-shaped glass with more surface area to allow the wine to breathe. Champagne, often served in a flute for aesthetic reasons, should actually be served in a wider bowl or a standard wine glass. Yes, the bubbles may dissipate quicker, but you'll get a more authentic experience.

While some enjoy the bubbles, and that's perfectly fine, others prefer to drink sparkling wine, whether it's from Yarra Valley, Champagne, or Prosecco, out of a wider bowl glass. Some glass manufacturers even offer masterclasses to show the benefits of using the correct type of glassware for your wine. RIEDEL is a well-known name in this field, offering a range of glassware options.

If you're getting into wine and looking for better glassware than your basic or hotel options, consider a universal glass. Brands like RIEDEL, Jancis Robinson, and Grassl offer great universal glasses that won't break the bank. Trying them out will enhance your wine appreciation and experience. The best way to notice the difference is to pour the same wine into two different glasses: a champagne flute and a large red or white wine glass. Let it sit for a bit and then taste. I promise you'll notice a difference.

Thank you for reading!
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