Have you ever wondered, does the wine glass really matter? Well, it does. Wine requires different stemware to reach its full flavor potential. It’s not just about the temperature and quality of the wine but also the way it is consumed through the glass. For example, heavier red wines with high tannic and moderate acidity are best served in a large, Bordeaux-style wine glass. These types of wine glasses are designed for wines such as Cabernets and Merlots. They are intended to create aeration (introducing air into the wine) and will cause the wine to focus more down the center of your palate.

The Burgundy wine glass was designed for a lighter, full-bodied wine with high acidity and moderate tannins such as Pinot Noir. It is not as tall as the Bordeaux wine glass, but the bowl is substantially larger. The larger bowl provides breathing space for the bouquet to develop. The glass directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, which will allow the wine to cover more of the entire palate. Certain wines will showcase their full flavor better if they touch particular parts of the tongue.

White wine glasses are more U-shaped and upright than the red wine glass, allowing the aromas to be released in the glass while also maintaining a colder temperature. The white wine glass style that is best for younger wines (three years and less) has a larger opening, directing the wine to the tip and sides of the tongue in order to taste its distinctive fruity sweetness.

Where and how we sense tannins, acidity and sweetness all can be enhanced by the shape of the wine glass.

Wine glasses do make a difference, but if you are just looking to have an all-purpose wine glass that offers a similar function, then find a bowl-shaped glass that is in between that of the red and white wine glass. This shape will allow you to serve both types of wines and not be concerned about what specific glass goes with which wine.

I would recommend that you try to taste wines in different glassware as an experiment. Get a bottle of Chardonnay and fill a shot glass to the brim, a pint glass with 3 oz., a wine glass with 3 oz., and a coffee mug with 3 oz. and smell each one of them separately. See if you notice a difference. The wine glass should be a hands-down winner when it comes to aroma. Then, take a taste from each glass and see what is different. The wine glass also should be the winner here. There is a reason for stemware and the way it makes your wine experience special.

Hint: When drinking any wine, it is always best to have a stemmed glass so your hands don’t change the temperature of the wine too rapidly. Never hold the wine from the bowl of the glass. You should always hold your glass by the stem. If you hold the wine glass from the bowl, it will change the aromatics considerably.

Remember, the best way to drink wine is with family and friends. Wine always tastes better when you are with people you love and care about. Also, don’t take wine so seriously – it’s just adult grape juice.