I don’t know about you, but I know everything there is to know about wine, especially the reason why you should never put white wine in a red wine glass… I wonder how well sarcasm translates online?
I’m finding when it comes to wine, you tend to be indulging with an audience who appreciate the wine for so much more than the latest fad drink, so the last thing you want is to sound like a rookie.
To give off the perception I am an everyday wine connoisseur, I’ve started: ‘Pour Decisions’ your regular read-on-the-way-home-from-work post to make you the life of your next dinner party with your fun wine facts (cue the sarcasm)
I thought before we start the wine you should pair with your Mexican tacos or which red you should bring to dinner, it’s best to start at the beginning: The Wine Glass.
When I moved out of home I didn’t have any homewares to bring with me so off to the shops I went! When I arrived, the red wine glasses were out of stock- I know, outrageous! Wanting to celebrate our first night in our very own place, I decided to buy white wine glasses and clearly remember thinking: “White wine glasses are different to red?“
Alright, alright! Don’t judge me! I’m a white belt wine drinker, I’m allowed to make mistakes.
Obviously, I’ve learned from my past and am willing to impart some wisdom to my fellow white belts to help you level up in the ever vast world of wine.
RED WINE
Red wines are typically served in larger bowled glasses, and I have discovered the wider the glass, the smoother it tastes. This is a result of a larger surface area allowing for more air to reach the wine.
The bowl-like shape enables the bold aromas of the wine to emerge so you’re able to taste the depth of the wine – ooh fancy!
Cheat Sheet:
- Glasses have a larger surface area;
- Red wine usually has more complex flavours, therefore the wine tastes smoother in a wider glass; and
- Hold the glass by the bowl.
WHITE WINE
White wines are typically served in smaller bowled glasses and instead of the wide design the red wine glass boasts, they tend to be more elongated.
The length over width enables the wine to maintain a cooler temperature and keep the aromas in the glass.
A tip for holding a white wine glass to keep it chilled and at the optimum drinking temperature: hold the stem instead of the bowl. Your hands are warm and the wine is chilled…think about it.
Cheat Sheet:
- Longer rather than wider
- Wine stays cooler
- Hold by the stem
Then there is dessert wine and champagne glasses, but let’s just enjoy our new discovery of the drink-specific glassware world.
I would love to hear from you if you’ve been stumped by the same issue, or what you’d like me to feature in next week’s Pour Decisions in the comments below.
I’ll finish on this note from Martin Luther (sans King!)
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”
Chin Chin!
-tgfs x
Image Credit
That Girl from Sydney 