Does the shape of the glass influence the tasting of a wine?

Yes, the shape of the glass has a significant influence on the tasting of a wine.

Here are the main points to remember:

The shape and volume of the glass change a taster's appreciation of a wine. Each region develops its own line of glasses adapted to its wines.

The glass does not transform a bad wine into a good one, but it can highlight the qualities of a wine more or less. It's like watching a movie on a home theater or a portable DVD player, it doesn't make the same.

The amount of air in the balloon of the glass influences the wine, like a decanter. The more air there is in contact with the liquid, the more the wine matures and releases its aromas.

Discover some ways the shape of the glass can influence the tasting experience.

1. Concentration of aromas: The shape of the glass can channel the aromas of the wine towards the taster's nose, which allows the aromatic nuances of the wine to be better appreciated.

2. Aeration: Some glasses are designed with a wider opening which allows better aeration of the wine, thus promoting its oxygenation and the development of its aromas.

3. Palate Distribution: The shape of the glass can direct the wine to different parts of the palate, which can influence the perception of the wine's flavors, acidity, and texture.

4. Temperature: The shape of the glass can help maintain the ideal temperature of the wine by concentrating the heat from the taster's hands or by allowing better heat dispersion.

5. Aesthetics: Finally, the shape of the glass can also play a role in the visual experience of tasting, by highlighting the color and brilliance of the wine.

Some advice

For red wines:

We will favor fairly large glasses, flared on the lower part and slightly narrowed on the upper part, in order to appreciate the aromas.

For white wines:

We opt instead for smaller and narrower glasses, narrower towards the top, to preserve their fragile aromas.

In summary, the shape of the glass plays an essential role in tasting, influencing oxygenation, the concentration of aromas, and the taste perception of the wine. The choice of glass is therefore crucial to fully appreciate the qualities of a wine.