Why use a glass and not a tumbler?
Glasses are for drinking water, full stop. They are wider and let the aromas escape before we enjoy them. Standing glasses have two main benefits when drinking wine. On the one hand, they allow us to maintain the temperature of the wine, as we hold the glass away from the liquid and prevent it from overheating. On the other hand, the aromas flow correctly, allowing us to appreciate them freely. The function of the glass, in fact, is not only to drink the wine, but also to allow us to evaluate it beforehand by sight and smell, which are decisive when tasting wine. The glass must be transparent and smooth in order to better appreciate the quality and brilliance of the wine.
Next, we will make an introduction of the different glasses, so that you can learn which glass to use for each wine. Even so, we must bear in mind that there are many variations, with exclusive models for each wine according to its characteristics. But let’s go step by step .
Red wine
Generally speaking, red wine glasses are larger than white wine glasses, which allows the nose to be immersed in the bowl to detect the aromas better. The surface area should be larger so that the wine comes into contact with the air and better oxygenation is achieved.
Bordeaux glass: this is the most common glass found in most homes and establishments. The body of the glass is more stylised and the size is larger than the Burgundy glass. The sufficiently open mouth allows the wine to be poured over the entire tongue. It is designed for full-bodied wine, such as Bordeaux, Cavernet Sauvignong or Rioja wine.
Burgundy glass: they have a particular balloon shape with a large body, but a smaller opening. Burgundy or Pinot Noir wines are ideal for these glasses, as well as young reds or some full-bodied whites.
White wine
The white wine glass usually has a U-shaped bowl, straighter than red wine glasses. The size is smaller than the previous ones, as the aim is to keep the temperature of the white wine cool, in order to appreciate its qualities, such as the citric notes and freshness of Murillo Viteri white wine. On the other hand, white wine does not need to be oxygenated, so it is not necessary to have such a big body.
Sparkling wine
Flute Glass: elegant and stylish, it is designed to enhance the bubbles in the wine. Its long, narrow shape enhances the retention of carbonation and helps to capture the flavour of the drink. If we do not have flute glasses, we can use white wine glasses, which will allow us to feel more of the aromas.
Pampadour glass: it is mostly used for champagne. Although it has a very attractive design, it does not allow us to appreciate the aromas of these wines properly. As an anecdote to comment on the next evening, it is said that the Marquise Pampadour moulded the first glass of this name from her left breast.
Sweet wine
Sweet wines are usually served with dessert, and provide a pleasant sensation at the end of a meal. They are flute-shaped but smaller glasses, to direct the wine to the back of the mouth so that the sweetness does not overwhelm us. In addition, they usually have a higher alcohol content, so the size helps us to enjoy them in a more rationed way.
With these basic indications, the task of deciding which glass to use for which wine will be easier. Your evenings will be a success if you also follow some simple pairing rules. Even so, you don’t need to have an arsenal of glassware at home; from Bodegas Murillo Viteri we recommend you to start with the Bordeaux type glass, as they are the most versatile. And remember, the most important thing is that you still enjoy yourself. The best wine is the one that is drunk and shared 🙂
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