A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FRENCH WINE GLASSES

French wine glasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to enhance the flavors and aromas of specific types of wine. This article will help you to better understand these different shapes and sizes and how they adapt to a particular wine region of France.

THE INAO WINE GLASS

But first, let's talk about the INAO glass. 

The INAO glass is a standardized wine tasting glass that is widely used in France for official wine tastings and competitions. The term "INAO" stands for the "Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité," which is the French organization responsible for regulating and promoting agricultural products, including wines, and protecting their geographical origin and quality.

It has a simple design, with a straight, cylindrical shape and a narrow rim that tapers slightly inward. The glass is made of clear, uncoloured glass to allow tasters to examine the wine's colour and clarity. The size and shape of the glass are standardized to ensure consistency and fairness in wine tastings, and the glasses are often marked with the INAO logo to indicate their authenticity.

Considered by many people to be one of the best wine-tasting glasses, The INAO glasses allows the taster to focus on the wine's aromas and flavours without any distractions from the glass itself. It is also an affordable and durable option for wine enthusiasts who want to experience the wines as they were meant to be tasted, without any additional influence from the glassware.

Red Wine Glasses 

These glasses are typically larger and have a wider bowl than other wine glasses. They are designed to allow the wine to breathe and for the aroma to be released, which can enhance the taste and experience. Examples of red wine glasses include Bordeaux glasses, Burgundy glasses, and Cabernet glasses.

Here are the key differences between these types of glasses:

Bordeaux wine glass

These glasses are designed for red Bordeaux wines, which are typically made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other grape varieties. The shape of the Bordeaux wine glass allows for the wine to aerate and breathe, releasing the full range of flavors and aromas directing them to the nose. The narrow opening also helps to direct the wine to the front of the mouth, which can enhance the perception of tannins and acidity.

Burgundy wine glass

These glasses are designed for red Burgundy wines, which are typically made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. Burgundy glasses have a wider bowl than Bordeaux glasses and are designed for red wines with complex aromas. This helps to promote a larger surface area for the wine to come into contact with more oxygen, which can help soften tannins and enhance the fruit flavours. The wider bowl also directs the wine to the back of the mouth, which can enhance the perception of the wine's texture and fruitiness.

Cabernet wine glass

These glasses are designed for red wines that are made primarily from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. Cabernet glasses have a tall, wide bowl and a relatively small opening, which helps to concentrate the wine's aroma and direct it to the nose. The wide bowl also promotes a larger surface area for the wine to breathe, which can help to soften the tannins and enhance the wine's flavour.

In summary

The main differences between Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Cabernet glasses are the size and shape of the bowl and the size of the opening. The shape of the glass can have a significant impact on the aroma, taste, and experience of the wine, so it's important to choose the right type of glass for the specific type of wine you are drinking.

White Wine Glasses

These glasses are typically smaller and have a narrower bowl than red wine glasses. They are designed to preserve the wine's delicate aromas and maintain a cooler temperature. Examples of white wine glasses include Chardonnay glasses, Riesling glasses, and Sauvignon Blanc glasses.

Here are the key differences between these types of glasses

ALSACE WINE GLASS

These glasses are designed for white wines made from the Riesling grape variety. Riesling glasses have a relatively tall, narrow bowl with a small opening, which helps to concentrate the wine's delicate aroma and direct it to the nose. The small opening also helps to maintain a cooler temperature for the wine, which can enhance its freshness and acidity. The most famous glasses of this wine producing region are the Alsace Green Stem Wine Glasses.

Bordeaux wine glass

These glasses are designed for white wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. Sauvignon Blanc glasses have a relatively tall, narrow bowl with a slightly wider opening than Riesling glasses, which helps to promote a larger surface area for the wine to breathe and for the aroma to be released. The wider opening also directs the wine to the front of the mouth, which can enhance the perception of acidity and fruitiness.

burgundy wine glass

These glasses are designed for white wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety. Chardonnay glasses have a relatively wide bowl with a tapered top, which helps to concentrate the wine's aroma and direct it to the nose. The wide bowl also promotes a larger surface area for the wine to breathe, which can help to soften the wine's acidity and enhance its creamy texture.

In summary

The main differences between Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc glasses are the size and shape of the bowl and the size of the opening. The shape of the glass can have a significant impact on the aroma, taste, and experience of the wine, so it's important to choose the right type of glass for the specific type of wine you are drinking.

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