A Deep Dive into The History, Types, & Distinctions of Wine Glasses

Since society first stepped upon a grape, wine has been adored by humanity, steadily growing into a symbol of culture and conviviality.

As we’ve twaddled through the tastes of history, we’ve uncovered the captivating evolution of wine glasses - delving into their diverse types, along with the subtle differences that have enhanced sensory delight associated with this nectar of the gods.

Ranging from top-shelf Bordeaux glasses to delicate White Wine glasses and the contemporary Stemless versions, let's cheers to the art that is wine appreciation and the glasses we appreciate it in.

 

A Glimpse into the Past

The roots of wine glasses run deep, tracing back to ancient civilisations - specifically, taking the form of goblets and chalices made from clay and metal.

Around the 17th century, the transition to glassware began with Europe leading in wine production - driving a shift in these drinking vessels. As the wine culture continued to grow and flourished, the sophistication of wine glasses swiftly followed.

Modern day wine glasses are purposely designed to enhance many qualities of this fine and varied beverage - including the aromas, flavours, and visual appeal.

 

Types of Wine Glasses

Today, wine glasses are available in an extensive range of shapes and sizes, each with tailored characteristics to enhance the sensory experience. Below, we’ve detailed the most common types.

1. Bordeaux Wine Glass

The Bordeaux glass is recognised for the broad shape it boasts - and is often characterised by a tall bowl with generous capacity.

The design is intended to focus on full-bodied red wines, as the ample surface area allows the wine to aerate. This helps to release the complex aromas, allowing the tannins to soften.

Plus, the large bowl also allows for a controlled pour to highlight the colour and depth of a wine

2. White Wine Glass

Compared to their red wine counterparts, white wine glasses are identified by their much narrower bowl. This particular design focuses the gentle aromas of white wine directly towards the nose.

This slender opening also maintains the crispness and acidity to craft a refreshing taste, and allows for chilled servings.

 

3.  Stemless Wine Glasses

Stemless wine glasses are a modern exit from classic stemmed glasses, creating a contemporary and versatile approach to enjoying wine.

A unique feature of these particular glasses is that they are suitable for both red and white wines. Though stemless glasses aren’t as effective at preserving the temperature when compared to stemmed glasses, they’re often a beloved choice for their casual charm, making them ideal for relaxed gatherings.

4. Red Wine Glass

Lastly, there’s the classic red wine glass - recognised with their broader bowl designed to enhance the flavours of red wines.

These glasses have a much larger surface area, which allows the wine to breathe and the aromas to develop. This larger bowel also encourages the act of swirling, which assists with oxygenation and releasing the wine’s complex scents.

 

Differences and Considerations:

Choosing the perfect wine glasses demands thought and consideration - specifically, of the wine’s characteristics, the occasion they’re being used, and your preferences. Below, we’ve listed some core factors to keep in mind when choosing the right wine glass.

1. Bowl Shape: One of the most important points to consider is the shape of the wine glass's bowl. This feature directly influences the wine's aromas and flavours. For example, broader bowls are better suited for red wines, while narrower bowls assist with emphasising the subtleties that come with white wines.

2. Rim Shape: Next, you’ll need to focus your attention on the rim’s shape - specifically, the degree of curvature. The narrower the rim, the better the glass is at channelling the aromas toward the nose - which will enhance the wine's bouquet. 

3. Material: The primary material used in high-quality wine glasses are crystal glass. Crystal is the premium choice, as it’s known for its clarity, brilliance, and thinness - helping to enhance the drinking experience.

4. Stem vs. Stemless: Both stemmed and stemless wine glasses have their advantages to consider. While traditional stemmed glasses add a sense of elegance, they also stop heat transfer from your hand to the wine. On the other hand, stemless wine glasses are very stable and are much more versatile - making them suitable for most casual settings.

5. Wine Variety: Last, but certainly not least, you’ll need to match the glass to the wine you’re drinking to make the most of your tasting experience. For example, a large Bordeaux glass might overpower a delicate white wine, while White wine glass may not give a bold, red wine enough room to flourish.

 

Bordeaux Wine Glass By Stanley Rogers

Experience the essence of wine indulgence with Stanley Rogers' Bordeaux wine glasses.

With a wide bowl of 12.17cm, this crystal masterpiece has been carefully designed for those grand, full-bodied wines. The purposeful shape effortlessly enhances bold red wines to highlight the aromatic delights and entice your palate.

Familiarise yourself with the epitome of luxury with a Bordeaux wine glass that unveils the essence of your finest reds.