The selection of the ideal glass for wine is an art that connects science and pleasure. While casual drinkers may think that any glass with a stem will do, wine connoisseurs know that the geometry of the glass is directly related to the sensation of the wine in the mouth.
Whether one prefers a Bordeaux or
Burgundy glass is not simply a matter of personal taste but is also a
scientific choice that affects aeration, temperature, and the distribution of
aromas. Using the best crystal wine glasses will ensure that all these
subtleties are retained, as the microscopic roughness of the crystal allows for
the release of more aromatic esters than smooth, machine-made glass.
So, keep reading to find your
signature crystal wine glass.
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The Architecture of the Bordeaux
Glass
The Bordeaux wine glass is
distinguished by its tall and wide bowl with a slight taper at the rim. This
type of wine glass is designed specifically for full-bodied red wines with a
high tannin level, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
The tall glass provides a
physical barrier between the wine and the drinker's mouth, which enables oxygen
to break down the tannins before the wine comes into contact with the tongue.
The glass is designed to offer a large surface area, which enables the wine to
develop complex dark fruit flavours while also allowing the alcohol burn to be
eliminated.
The Physics of the Burgundy Bowl
By contrast, the Burgundy glass
has a much wider, more balloon-shaped bowl with a much tighter rim. This design
is meant for very delicate, light-bodied wines with high acidity and subtle
aromas, such as Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo.
The very large bowl serves to
trap the delicate floral and red fruit aromas, intensifying them at the rim so
that the nose can fully appreciate the bouquet. When drinking from a Burgundy
glass, the flared rim directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, where the
sensitivity to sweetness is greatest, thus balancing the wine’s natural
acidity.
Why Material Matters for the
Palate
In addition to the form, the
material make-up of the wine glass is also very important in the wine tasting
process. Traditional crystal wine glasses are the preferred choice of
wine connoisseurs because they can be spun thinner than regular glass without
compromising their integrity. This is important because a thin edge allows the
wine to flow effortlessly onto the tongue without the assistance of a thick
rolled rim.
In addition, the lead crystal
wine glass provides clarity for the observation of the legs and color of the
wine, which are important indicators of the age and alcohol content.
Making the Final Selection
The choice of signature glass is
solely dependent on the style of wine being served at the table.
For those who prefer full-bodied
red wines that need to breathe, the Bordeaux glass is a must-have. For the
connoisseur who prefers wines with aromatic nuances and texture, the Burgundy
glass is the better option.
