If you’re wondering whether or not you should bother investing the money into different types of red wine glasses, believe me when I say that design really does matter!
While it might not look like there’s much of a difference between a Cabernet wine glass and a Bordeaux wine glass, glassware design has a huge impact on the way our wines taste. A great piece of glassware will only help to accentuate the great characteristics of your wine, and even help a low-budget wine taste better. Drinking from the wrong glass, though, can actually make a great wine taste disappointing.
The money you’ll spend on red wine glasses will be well worth it, so if you’re looking for good recommendations, keep reading!
Red vs White Wine Glasses
The red vs. white wine glass debate. Is there truly a notable difference between the two wine tasting glasses? As we now know, the short answer is yes. And, science backs it.
To anyone who regularly enjoys wine, the physical differences between red vs white wine glasses are obvious. However, in addition to differences in appearance, their function varies, as well.
Red wine glasses are taller, with a larger bowl, to complement the boldness of many red wines. Scientifically, larger bowls allow more oxygen to enter the wines, so that aromatic compounds can attach to the oxygen and make their way to your nose.
On the other hand, white wine glasses are often shorter, with smaller bowls. Why such a difference? Simply put, white wine does not need as much aeration as red wine – that is, exposure to oxygen. In addition, white wine glasses bare longer stems to prevent body temperature from warming the wine.
Best Red Wine Glasses
Though the designs for specific red wine varietals will vary, you can expect a few unifying characteristics. By and large, red wine glasses will be taller than your white wine glasses and feature a larger bowl.
In order to get the best flavors and aromas from every glass, red wines need to breathe! All of the recommendations below are tailored to help extenuate your favorite glass of red, so whether you’re a fan of Pinot Noir or Cabernets, we’ve got a great option for you!
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Vineyard Cabernet Wine Glass
If you’re a fan of Cabernets, you need to have this wine glass in your collection. The generous size bowl helps let those red wines breath, and the gorgeous, long stem ensures temperature control. You’ll love these if you’re looking for something that’s light, but not overly delicate!
Burgundy Wine Glasses
These crystal, hand blown glasses are an excellent addition to your collection if you enjoy Burgundies. You’ll notice the large bowl, narrow top, and thin rim, which will help you to detect all the nuanced flavors at play in your glass.
Bordeaux Wine Glasses
From the same brand name as our Burgundy glassware recommendation, we give you the Bordeaux wine glass. Another great addition in the arsenal of someone who considers themselves a red wine lover, you’ll notice the Bordeaux wine glasses also feature a large bowl, but they’re not as broad as a Burgundy glass and have a larger opening.
Vineyard Pinot Noir Wine Glass
Personally, I’m a huge fan of Pinot Noir, so this was one of the first red wine glasses in my glassware collection. The tulip shaped wine glass has a funnel-shaped bowl that allows Pinot Noirs to breathe. The slightly flared rim also helps to properly funnel the unique aromas.
Double Walled Stemless Wine Glass
Love the aesthetic of stemless wine glasses, but don’t want to spend your valuable sipping time worried about your hands warming the glass? This stemless red wine glass is double walled, meaning this cup-within-a-cup design keeps your pour at the perfect temperature!
Waterfall Red Wine Glass Set
These stunning, handcrafted red wine glasses are a beautiful addition to any table. The silhouette is specially designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of your favorite red, and while the hand painted crystalline and 24-carat gold rim won’t affect the taste, it’s sure pretty to look at! This set is a bit of an indulgence, but you work hard and totally deserve them!
Affordable Red Wine Glass Set
If you’re not looking to splurge, but still looking for a great set of wine glasses that will help accentuate your favorite bottle of red, check out this option from Target! The bowl shape and short stem were designed for red wines in mind, and as an added bonus, they’re dishwasher safe! What’s not to love when they come out to $7.50 a piece?
Ridel Mixed Gift Set
If you’re an equal opportunist who loves red and white wines, along with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine every once in a while, this mixed gift set is a great option if you’re just starting your glassware collection. If you’re a regular wine drinker, or just an aspiring enthusiast, having purpose wine glasses is a giant leap in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I hold a red wine glass?
By and large, most glassware recommendations for red wines are stemmed. You should always hold your stemmed glasses by the stem. A big reason for this is because the stem helps to prevent your hands from warming the glass and potentially disrupting the way your wine tastes. Another perk of the long stem, though, is it lets you swirl your glass of red – a huge part of the swirl and sniff components of wine tasting.
Is a glass of red wine good for you?
Numerous studies have suggested that moderate red wine consumption may contribute to improved heart health. The antioxidants present in red wine help protect against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of heart disease and promote better circulation.
There are other potential health benefits to the occasional glass of red too, which you can read all about in our full guide to the healthiest wines!
Are stemless wine glasses okay for red wine?
Yes, technically, but always try to avoid stemless glassware when consuming white wine, since the heat from your hand can affect the flavor of the wine. If possible, try to pick a double walled stemless wine glass.
What glass is best for red wine?
The best glass shape for red wine will usually feature a wide bowl to help the wine breath, and a long stem. They’re usually taller than white wine glasses, and depending on the varietals a specific piece of glassware is catering to, feature a broader opening.
Other Blog Posts You’ll Love
The Best Wine Tasting Glasses: Your Complete Guide to Glassware
Unlocking the Rich World of Dry Red Wine
9 Light Red Wines Every Wine Lover Should Know
