Finding the perfect glass for your fine wine, no matter the grape.
Just as each varietal of wine has its own distinct flavors and aromas, the glassware you choose plays a crucial role in enhancing your wine-drinking experience.
From delicate whites to robust reds, selecting the right wine glass can accentuate the unique characteristics of each wine, allowing you to fully appreciate its nuances and complexities.
At Purdy Meyers, our curators understand the importance of pairing wine with the perfect glassware. Let's explore their expert advice on choosing the best wine glasses for different styles of wine.
White Wine
Best for: Crisp and aromatic white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
White wine glasses typically have a narrow bowl and a tapered opening, which helps preserve the wine's delicate aromas and enhance its acidity. The narrow design also directs the wine to the front of the palate, allowing you to fully savor its refreshing flavors and vibrant acidity. We suggest the Riedel Ouverture White Wine Glass
Red Wine
Best for: Full-bodied and complex red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
The Josephine No. 3 red wine glass features a larger bowl and a wider opening, allowing for greater aeration and oxidation of the wine. This unique design enhances the wine's aromas and flavors, while the wider opening allows you to fully experience its velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. The shape of the glass also helps direct the wine to the back of the palate, where the full-bodied flavors can be fully appreciated.
Bordeaux
Best for: Bordeaux and other tannic red wines with complex aromas and flavors.
Bordeaux glasses are characterized by their tall, broad bowl and straight sides, which provide ample space for swirling and aerating the wine. This Zalto Denk’Art Hand-Blown Crystal wine glass graceful shape helps to soften the wine's tannins and release its complex aromas, allowing you to fully experience its layered flavors and long finish.
Pinot Noir
Best for: Pinot Noir and other delicate red wines with nuanced aromas and flavors.
The Riedel Extreme Pinot wine glass has a wide bowl and a slightly tapered opening, which allows for greater surface area and better aeration of the wine. This design enhances the wine's delicate aromas and flavors, while the wider opening allows you to fully appreciate its silky texture and subtle nuances.
Champagne
Best for: Sparkling wines and Champagne.
Champagne flutes are tall, narrow glasses with a long stem and a tapered bowl, which helps preserve the wine's effervescence and enhance its aromas. A fresh twist is the Reidel Performance Series featuring an egg-shaped design that allows the complex layers to grow and intensify—which concentrates the bubbles and directs them towards the nose. Letting you fully enjoy the champagne’s crisp acidity and lively carbonation.
Choosing the right wine glass is essential for fully enjoying the nuances and complexities of your favorite wines.
With expert advice from Purdy Meyers, you can confidently select the perfect glassware for every style of wine, ensuring that each sip is a delightful and memorable experience. Whether you're savoring a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, the right wine glass will enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the wine's unique characteristics. Cheers!
