When it comes to enjoying fine wines, the right wine glasses are essential to elevate the experience. From the bold richness of Pinotage to the crisp freshness of Sauvignon Blanc, each wine’s unique character is enhanced by carefully selecting the appropriate glass. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of wine glasses, break down their anatomy, and guide you on choosing the ideal glass for each HER Wine. Whether you’re curious about the difference between white wine glasses and red wine glasses or simply want to maximise your wine-drinking pleasure, we’ve got you covered.
The History of Wine Glasses
The Birth of the Modern Wine Glasses Design
While glassware for drinking wine has been around since ancient civilisations, the wine glass design we recognise today — comprising a bowl, stem, and base — took shape during the medieval period. Around the 15th century, in Venice, this classic form of glassware began to emerge. Venice was renowned as the epicentre of glassmaking during this time. Venetian artisans perfected the process of purifying their alkaline sources, which enabled them to produce a highly prized clear glass known as Cristallo. However, during purification, these glassmakers unintentionally removed minerals like lime, which acted as a stabiliser. As a result, early clear glass was prone to degradation when exposed to normal atmospheric conditions. This deterioration became known as glass disease. Early signs included weeping, where moisture caused alkali to leach out of the glass, and crizzling, a network of fine cracks due to alkali loss, ultimately causing the glass to crumble.
England’s Contribution to Glassmaking
During the 17th century, England entered the glassmaking scene, drawing inspiration from Venetian techniques. A significant turning point came when the Royal Navy restricted the use of oak trees for fuel to preserve them for shipbuilding. In response, English glassmakers adopted sea coal as a fuel source. Sea-coal generated higher temperatures, resulting in stronger, more durable glass. This advancement had a profound impact not just on glassware but also on wine bottles. English glassmakers produced robust bottles that could withstand the pressure of fermenting wines, helping to pave the way for sparkling wine and champagne.
The 1700s: Wine Glasses Come to the Table
In the early 18th century, wine glasses were not typically kept at the dinner table. Instead, a servant or valet would present the glass, pour the wine, and retrieve it once the guest had finished drinking. By the mid-to-late 1700s, wine bottles and glasses made their way to the dining table, giving people the freedom to pour their own wine. This change led to a demand for more refined and sophisticated wine glasses. Glasses became taller, stems elongated, and decorative elements like twists and knops (small bulges) became popular. These elongated stems were not just decorative; they served a practical function by allowing drinkers to hold the glass without warming the wine inside the bowl.
The 1800s and Beyond: The Evolution of the Size of Wine Glasses
Serving wine at the correct temperature remains crucial, and holding a wine glass by the stem helps maintain the ideal temperature. Initially, wine glasses were relatively small due to high taxes on glass imposed from the 1700s to the mid-1800s. When these taxes were eventually lifted, wine glasses increased in size.
The Anatomy of Wine Glasses
The design of a wine glass directly influences how wine is experienced. From the shape of the bowl to the width of the rim, each component plays a role in enhancing the taste and aroma of a specific wine when asking the question: ‘white wine glasses vs red wine glasses’. Googling ‘wine glass images’ or even ‘white wine glasses images’ will bring up many great examples of the array of wine glasses available on the market today.
The Bowl
The bowl is the primary part of the wine glass that holds the wine. Its size and shape significantly impact the wine’s interaction with air, affecting aeration and aroma concentration. Red wines benefit from a larger bowl, which allows them to breathe and develop complex aromas, while a narrower bowl is better suited for white wines, preserving their more delicate scents.
The Stem
The stem functions as the handle of the glass and serves several key purposes. By holding the stem instead of the bowl, you prevent the warmth of your hand from affecting the wine’s temperature. The stem also makes it easier to swirl the wine, promoting aeration and releasing the aromas while keeping the bowl free from fingerprints.
The Base
The base provides support and stability for the wine glass, keeping it upright. It is designed to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the wine and handle swirling motions. The size and weight of the base can influence the balance and feel of the glass.
The Rim
The rim of the glass may seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in the wine-tasting experience. A thinner rim is less noticeable and allows the wine to flow smoothly onto the tongue, enhancing enjoyment. Some glasses feature a tapered rim, which helps to direct the wine flow and concentrate the aromas for a more focused tasting experience.
The Influence of the Shape of Glasses on Taste
The shape of the wine glass, such as slanted wine glasses, affects the wine’s journey across the tongue, impacting the flavour perception. Different glasses can highlight different aspects of the same wine. For instance, larger bowls allow red wines to breathe and develop complex aromas, while narrower bowls concentrate the delicate aromas of white wines. The shape of the glass determines how the wine flows to the opening, which can accentuate different flavours. The size of the bowl, in comparison with the size of the rim, affects the strength and intensity of the wine’s aroma. Wine glasses that curve inward at the top help concentrate aromas in this area.
How Many Wine Glasses in a Bottle?
A common question among wine enthusiasts about wine glasses and wine is, how many wine glasses in a bottle? The standard bottle of wine contains 750ml. For a typical serving of 150ml per glass, a bottle yields about five glasses. However, for tasting events or gatherings, smaller pours in tasting wine glasses can extend a bottle to six or even eight glasses.
Enhancing HER Wines with the Right Wine Glasses
Selecting the right white wine glasses and wine glasses for red wine enhances the tasting experience of HER Wines. For HER Wines’ range, different glass types highlight the unique characteristics of each of our varietals.
HER Wines Pinotage: The Bold Red
Ideal Glass: Large-bowled Red Wine Glass
Our Pinotage, with its rich and robust character, benefits from a wine glass with a broad, rounded bowl. This allows the wine to aerate effectively, softening the tannins and releasing the full complexity of its dark berry fruit and spicy notes. The large surface area encourages oxidation, which enhances the wine’s bouquet. The tapered rim helps to concentrate the aromas, delivering a well-rounded tasting experience.
HER Wines Shiraz: The Intense and Spicy Red
Ideal Glass: Wide-bowled Red Wine Glass with a Slightly Tapered Rim
HER Wines Shiraz is known for its medium body, spicy undertones, and dark berry fruit flavours. To fully appreciate these characteristics, use a wide-bowled glass with a slightly tapered rim. The ample bowl provides enough space for the wine to breathe, which mellows the tannins and intensifies the aromas. The tapered rim directs the wine to the middle of the palate, emphasising its balance of spice and fruit.
HER Wines Chenin Blanc: The Versatile White
Ideal Glass: Medium-sized White Wine Glass with a Narrow Bowl
HER Wines Chenin Blanc, with its versatility and vibrant acidity, is best enjoyed in medium-sized glasses with a narrower bowl. This shape preserves the wine’s crispness and directs its tropical fruity aromas toward the nose. The narrower bowl also helps maintain the cooler temperature necessary for white wines, ensuring that the freshness and acidity are highlighted with every sip.
HER Wines Sauvignon Blanc: The Crisp and Aromatic White
Ideal Glass: Tall, Narrow White Wine Glass
Our Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty acidity and bright lemon citrus and passion fruit green notes, pairs well with a tall, narrow glass. This design helps to concentrate the wine’s fresh and aromatic qualities while directing the aromas to the nose. The narrow opening also keeps the wine cool, preserving its crispness and sharp flavours. This glass shape accentuates the lively, herbaceous character that makes Sauvignon Blanc so refreshing.
Selecting the right wine glass for each HER Wines varietal ensures that every pour is an experience to savour.
Buy HER Wines
Our exceptional HER Wine Collection wines are available at Woolworths online and Woolworths stores nationwide, and you can conveniently order them at our online store. You’ll also find our wines stocked at various other retailers across the country.
To stay updated on the latest news, promotions, and wine-related insights — such as everything you need to know about selecting the right wine glasses for your favourite varietal — follow us on Instagram and Facebook. For further details or inquiries, please email us at info@herwinecollection.co.za or reach out via WhatsApp at 060 551 5989.