The Bowl & Rim

The width of the glass – or ‘bowl’ – affects how much of the wine is exposed to the air and can impact the aroma of the wine. Red wine glasses have a wide, round bowl to release the aroma of the wine and to allow for more space for the wine to breathe. White wine, meanwhile, is best with only a slight oxidation, so a narrower and taller bowl with a reduced surface area helps to preserve the nuances of the delicate white wine. Don’t forget to also look at the rim of the glass. As a general rule, a tapered shape helps concentrate the aroma of the wine at the top of the glass and prevents potential spillage from swirling. Flared rims direct the flow of the wine toward the front of the palate, allowing the wine to spread more evenly, tempering acidity.