Matching the glass to the wine

Why is it important to choose the right glass for each wine?

As you have noticed, there are different types and shapes of glasses for drinking red, white, sparkling, and champagne wines. You might think that it doesn't really matter, since the quality of the wine you are drinking is the most important factor, right? However, it is no coincidence that almost every wine has its own designated glass. The volume of the glass must always be in proportion to the intensity and complexity of the wine it will contain. Its height and width are also key factors, as it must be possible to swirl the wine in the glass without spilling it.

While the shape of the glass is obviously crucial, its quality is just as important. It should have thin walls and a polished rim: a thick glass with a rounded rim is of poorer quality. And of course, the type of glass is important: the nobility of crystal allows the wine to develop its aromas more intensely than a traditional glass. Let's not forget the pleasure of the eyes, because a beautiful glass containing a good wine enhances the pleasure of tasting.

The glass and the flute

Tulip-shaped, the champagne glass brings out the best in quality sparkling wines. It is of course recommended for tasting very good champagnes or crémants, as it is tall enough to allow the bubbles to develop and the aromas to express themselves.

Large and tapered, the classic Champagne flute has a small diameter that limits the loss of bubbles. It is therefore perfect for Crémants. However, for the nose, the bubbles overpower the aromas.

According to experts, champagne coupes should be avoided: they are too wide, allowing the bubbles to escape from either side of the nose

The white wine glass

Neither too large nor too small, the white wine glass should prevent less complex wines from losing their character while allowing them to release all their aromas. It should also be slightly conical, particularly to allow the aromas to concentrate in the glass and to be able to swirl the wine to aerate it.

For high-quality, full-bodied wines, as well as rosés, a slightly larger glass is required. This gives these wines more room to express their aromatic complexity.

Alsace wines are often served in glasses with green stems. However, this type of glass is not ideal. It is too small to allow the wine to breathe properly and the green stem interferes with the true color of the wine.

The red wine glass: Burgundy

More flared than the standard red wine glass, it is rounded in shape with narrow edges. It is particularly suited to wines with a beautiful intense color, such as Burgundy wines and Pinot Noirs.

The red wine glass: Bordeaux

Taller, tulip-shaped and with a wide bowl, this glass is ideal for the complexity of Bordeaux wines, but can also be used for other powerful, full-bodied reds such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape or our Pinot Noirs "Exception" and "L'impatient."

How to hold a wine glass?

A wine glass should be held by its stem, not by the bowl. It is also customary to swirl the wine in the glass to allow it to breathe and reveal its aromas. If you are not comfortable doing this, you can also place the glass on the table and swirl it while holding it on the table.