The same wine smells and feels different in different glasses. The shape of the bowl decides how much air the wine gets, how the aromas gather and where on the tongue the first sip lands.
Red wine
Full-bodied reds want a wide glass with a large bowl. The wine meets plenty of air, the tannins soften and the aromas open up faster. Lighter reds such as pinot noir suit a balloon glass: the wide bowl and the narrowing rim gather delicate berry aromas.
White and rosé
White wine needs a smaller, narrower glass: it stays cool for longer and its fresh acidity comes through more clearly. The same glass works for rosé.
Sparkling
A narrow flute shows off the bubbles but barely lets the aroma open. More and more sommeliers reach for a tulip instead: the bowl is a little wider, the aromas of sparkling wine come through better and the bubbles still last.
If you only have one glass
The all-rounder is thin glass, a medium bowl of about 400-500 ml and a rim that narrows slightly. Reds and whites both open up well in it. Pour no more than a third of the glass so the wine has room to breathe.
