Comments on: A Little Clarity on Wine Glasses

By: Frank N

Frank N — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:32:38 +0000

“The opening of the glass directs wine to the front of the tongue where sweet receptors detect its luscious fruit flavors ”

“It directs wine to the front of the mouth where the tongue tastes the delicate red fruit flavors and acids”

“The narrow opening delivers wine to the front of the tongue for fruit flavors to be savored”

That’s three (3) differently shaped glasses for different wines all delivering to the same area. I can see it must make a difference.

Of course in the fourth shaped glass “The narrow opening targets wine to the front and sides of the tongue where fruit flavors and acidity are detected.” Must be a wider narrow opening.

Finally the Champagne stem – “The slender flute-shaped glass maintains a constant flow of bubbles to the palate,” [somehow avoiding the tongue entirely] “where the fizz, fruitiness, and acidity are fully enjoyed” [Ah, fruitiness and acidity to the palate, not the front or sides of the tongue where we previously were told they would be best enjoyed.]

What a load of plonk!

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:45:04 +0000

Help…does any one know where I can get sparkling wine glasses with etching on the inside to make the bubbles spiral????

By: John K

John K — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:44:05 +0000

As you presumably know, while tests (and some of the comments above) keep confirming that glasses matched to the particular varietal are the best option, the ISO tasting glasses almost always come off second-best for any given varietal, well above glasses for any other varietal. Any chance of your carrying them for those of us who don’t have space for several different full sets of glasses?

By: Rick Staples

Rick Staples — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:51:47 +0000

Sorry, guess I am more of a tradionalist but I do not like the stemless glasses for wine drinking. I did recently dine at a restaurant that offered water in those and that was totally an ok experience.

Holding onto the stem in Cincinnati…..

By: Guido

Guido — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:24:42 +0000

Reply to Luis: In Italy I saw glasses with long stems and very round bowls that were sold as Brunello glasses. I love Brunello but always use large Bordeaux glasses. Is there a Brunello expert out there?

By: Luis

Luis — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:09:04 +0000

What about the rounded bowl like glasses, are those good for reds. I feel they let the wine breathe more, but it is not as easy to swirl some.

By: Fountain22

Fountain22 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:52:02 +0000

Enjoyed the “low down” on wine glasses! And what a better way to clean and dry your precious stemware than with my patented Fusion™ Stemware Rack [featured in Wine Spectator's March issue]. It’s available at Wine Enthusiast!

By: Richard Shaffer

Richard Shaffer — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:02:40 +0000

Honestly, I just like the stemless glasses becoming hot right now. That’s all we use at home.

By: David Dickinson

David Dickinson — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:15:08 +0000

Glass shapes absolutely make a difference in the taste of the wine. I have pulled experiments on several friends serving the same wine in 3-4 different glasses, but not telling them the wine is the same. Every time, the friend will pick the glass that is supposed to match the wine and say “this is my favorite wine”.

By: Taster B

Taster B — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:12:06 +0000

Yes, I do use different glasses, and I can definitely tell the difference! Although, my Bordeaux glasses get the most use right now.