Drinking from red wine glasses specifically intended for red wine will ensure you enjoy the full flavor your red wine has to offer.  The preferred type of glass for serving red wine is typically one with a wide bowl, a wide rim and with or without a stem.  There are varying preferences on the size of the rim depending on the variety of red wine being served but all include a wide bowl.

The reason this type of glass is ideal for enjoying red wine is because of the full body and of aroma this wine has to offer.  Believe it or not, the taste and smell of red wine will vary greatly depending on the type of glass used.  Drinking red wine from the wrong shaped glass can completely alter your wine tasting experience – for better or worse.

Bowl & Rim:  It’s Not What You Think

The fuller, wider bowl of the red wine glass allows more air to mix with the wine.  Oxygenation releases the red wine aromas that bring out the flavors more intensely.  The larger bowl also gives room for proper swirling of the wine.  A wider brim allows an adequate opening for your nose to dip in and smell the bouquet.

Glasses with stems promote complete visual enjoyment of the red wine.  Stemless glasses have gained some popularity for their contemporary look and ease of handling.  Although red wine need not be chilled, without a stem the heat from your hands may warm your wine to an undesirable temperature.

The foot design of the glass, or base, does not effect the quality or taste of red wine.  The foot is a matter of practicality and functionality.

What other red wine glass factors should be considered?

Red wine glasses come in a variety of materials and colors.  Your personal style and individuality will determine choices.  Most wine enthusiasts prefer clear glass opposed to colored glass in order to observe the color and clarity of the wine.  Crystal red wine glasses are also generally preferred because their look and feel and superior light refraction.

An ingenious plan from wine glass manufacturers?

Riedel, one of the leading manufactures of wine glasses, is attributed with discovering the difference a glass can make, and it is a magnificent discovery.  If you are not convinced that red wine should be served in a specific type glass, then why not conduct your own experiment.  Pour your red wine in three or four glasses of varying size bowls and give each a swirl and a swig.  Depending on the differences of the glasses you chose, the changes may be subtle but chances are you did taste a difference.  Enjoying your wine from the perfect red wine glass does not have to be expensive.  There are countless retailers that offer beautiful red wine glasses to accommodate every budget: Pour on!