White wine glasses are designed for not only young, crisp white wines but also bodied and mature white wines. The shape of the glass is important in helping the connoisseur enjoy the merits of the wine.
White wine glasses are generally smaller and narrower than red wine glasses, although not as narrow as
champagne flutes, with somewhat straight or tulip-shaped sides. Much like the champagne flute, the narrowness of the
white wine glass allows the chilled wine to retain its temperature. The reduced surface area of the glass (in comparison to red wine glasses) means less air
circulating around the glass and warming the wine.
The smaller bowl of the white wine glass means less contact between the hand and the glass, and so
body heat does not transfer as easily to the wine.
The narrower opening is important for another reason -- it directs the wine to the tip of the tongue which is more sensitive to sweetness. It also directs the concentration of aromas to the nose.
White wine glass sizes varies from under 8 ounces (240 ml) up to 12 ounces (360 ml).
|