Red wines have notoriously complex glasses which allow the nose to pick up on the subtleties of different powerful, red grapes. Generally, white wines don't need a big, wide goblet, as red wines do, because their flavors and smells get lost in all that space. You should still take special care in choosing a white wine glass, however, as white wines range from light and subtle to big and brassy, almost like a red, and they are shown off best with different glasses.
Instructions
1. Consider function. Will the glass be used for everyday drinking or a party? Are you doing a tasting? A good everyday glass is the California Wine Institute's 5 1/2-inch high, all-purpose glass, designed to best experience a variety of wines. On the other hand, there are a plethora of interesting shapes and designs if you're just looking to spice up a party. Riedel has developed a special glass for wine tastings.
2. Consider the wine. Do you drink bold whites, like California chardonnays, or lighter whites? Lighter whites require a thinner tulip glass that keeps smells concentrated into the nose, but use a wider chalice for bolder whites. A sparkling wine generally takes a flute, although light sparkling wines like vinho verde pair better with tulip glasses.
3. Consider the meal. Will you serve your wine along with appetizers, the entree or the dessert? Long-stemmed hock glasses often accompany the beginning of a meal, while larger goblets are better for accompanying an entree. Dessert wines take a shorter glass, or a long-stemmed glass with a smaller bowl, as they are higher in alcohol content and better for sipping.
Tags: white wines