Glassware

[Yenom]

Hey all,
just picked up some new glassware (Mikasa- Nicole t7200 wine glasses); however, noticed that the circumference of the typical 400/00 glass is much smaller than the ones I'd Picked up. don't know if I'm being too technical about this, but will the larger circumference affect the bouquet? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[wondersofwine]

I'm no expert on glassware so hope someone else answers also. Just wanted to put in the thought that a wider circumference might let the wine "breathe" a little more--more surface exposed to the air.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Yenom, and welcome to the Wine Board. Not familiar with this specific stemware, but can answer in general terms. If the wider glass is fluted and the other tulip shape, there would probably be no more perceptible bouquet. If both were tulip shape, the wider glass would probably increase the bouquet.

[bakadue]

With my limited knowledge I can tell you that the larger the glass, the redder the wine it is intended for. They actually make glasses that hold a bottle and a half of wine, designed for elevated Grand Cru Burgundy wine. Flutes are of course used mainly for champagne. That's about all I know

[JohnG]

The idea that certain wines are best enjoyed in certain glasses has always puzzled me. Can someone explain why a particular grape is best featured in a glass of a particular size and shape?

Are the grape-glass matches based on science or wine lore?

[hotwine]

Some pretty good science, John. Check out riedelcrystal.com

[Innkeeper]

Bakadue there is a difference between a fluted glass and a flute. A fluted glass bends outward. A flute goes straight up and down.

[lizardbrains]

I have read a little about this subject. Supposedly, the diameter of the opening will determine how you taste it. For example, a smaller opening requires your head to be tilted farther back in order to drink from it, and thus your taste buds farther back in your mouth are more exposed to the drink.

And of course I've heard that the smaller/more-slender the glass, the whiter the wine that's supposed to be in it. I just figured that red wine tastes better, thus you put it in a bigger glass so you can drink more!!! That's what I go by!

I'm trying to remember anything else I read about it, but I guess that's all my brain retained! I'm sure there's something about it in Wine for Dummies - that book seems to have everything!!! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]