Reciprocal: A Fine Wine Deserves An Equally Fine Glass

A fine wine deserves an equally fine glass. Not only to enhance the nose and highlight specific notes but also to elevate the wine-drinking experience. To help, the team from Reciprocal shares how to select the correct wine glass for each varietal.

Bowl shape and size

A wine glass with a larger bowl enhances the circulation of the wine’s aromas, acting as an effective “aroma collector.”

When wine is poured, its aromas are released as the alcohol volatilises from the surface, allowing the wine to “open up.” A larger surface area promotes this release, making the experience more enjoyable. This principle also applies to decanting wine or swirling it in a glass, as both actions increase the surface area exposed to air.

Red wines are typically served in glasses with larger bowls for this reason, enabling fuller aromatic expression. White wines, however, are often served in glasses with smaller bowls. This design helps preserve their slightly chilled temperature, enhancing their freshness and overall flavour profile.

Try: Riedel Winewings Cabernet Sauvignon or Riedel Winewings Chardonnay

Mouth

The size and shape of a wine glass’s opening play a crucial role, which is why specific glassware is often designed for different wine varietals. That’s because the glass’s mouth determines where the wine lands on the tongue, influencing the initial taste perception.

For red wines, which are typically more robust, the glass opening is usually wider. This design directs the wine toward the back of the tongue, where the taste buds are less sensitive to bitterness.

In contrast, sweet wines are often served in glasses with smaller openings. These guide the wine toward the front of the tongue, where sweetness is more pronounced, enhancing the wine’s natural sweetness.

Try: Riedel Veloce Cabernet / Merlot, Riedel Riesling Sommerlies Grand Cru / Zinfandel or Riedel Veloce Sauvignon Blanc

Stem length

The stem of a wine glass plays a vital role in enhancing the wine-drinking experience. A longer stem allows you to hold the glass without touching the bowl, preventing your hand from warming the wine and altering its intended temperature. For example, Champagne flutes often feature long, elegant stems precisely for this reason, ensuring the Champagne remains perfectly chilled.

Similarly, white wine glasses tend to have slightly longer stems than red wine glasses because white wines are typically served cooler. In contrast, red wines, served at warmer temperatures, are paired with glasses that may have shorter stems for practicality.

Try: Riedel Prestige Cuvée

Reciprocal Wines is South Africa’s premier fine wine and spirits merchant, boasting over 50 years of experience as a trusted importer and distributor of some of the world’s most renowned wines. A favourite among South African wine enthusiasts, Reciprocal Wines offers an exceptional selection of high-quality international wines, spirits, and wine accessories to elevate every occasion.