People can be just as selective about the glass they drink from as the wine they drink. But though too much attitude is a real turn-off, there definitely are advantages to serving wine in certain glasses. Learn what your options are and how to best serve wine.
Red or white? Different shaped glasses can bring out the best attributes in a good wine. Reds, with their rich tannins and deep aromas, benefit from more exposure to air, so large globes make sense. Whites need to breathe less, and often are fruitier to begin with, so a smaller glass works well, plus it helps to keep the wine cool longer.
Stems or stemless? Wine glasses generally sit on a stem so that you don't warm the wine with your hand when you pick it up, and so that your fingers (and fingerprints) don't get in the way of looking at the wine. That said, it is a popular European practice to serve wine in simple glass tumblers. It's an unpretentious and casual way to go. Tumblers are better for red than for white wines, since the heat from your fingers will gradually warm the wine.
Be clear. Whatever shape or size you choose, be sure your glass is clear. Tinted or opaque glasses will prevent you from seeing both the true color of the wine and how it behaves in the glass when swirled.
The one and only. If you must only choose one glass, choose a glass with a large bowl that tapers at the top (in the wine world, these are called "tulip-shaped"). The wide bowl will allow enough room for the wine to breath, and the narrow opening will focus the aromas for your enjoyment. This is the kind that is often used at wine tastings.
Wash by hand. All the experts recommend washing your wine glasses by hand without soap to avoid building up a residue on the glass that can affect the flavor.