Which glass to use for which type of wine?

Choosing a good bottle of wine is just the beginning. To enjoy it in all its splendor, there is one detail that is often overlooked and makes a big difference: the glass.

Yes, the shape of the glass directly influences the sensory experience of the wine. It is not just aesthetics: it is science, elegance and functionality. Here we explain which types of glasses are the most suitable for each wine and why they matter more than you think.

Red wine glass: room to breathe

Red wines, especially the more structured and full-bodied ones (such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Rioja reserva), need to be oxygenated to release all their aroma and soften the tannins.

Ideal shape: large cup, wide mouth and generous calyx.

Why: it allows better oxygenation and concentrates complex aromas.

Example: “Bordeaux” type glass for powerful red wines; “Burgundy” glass (even wider) for delicate wines such as Pinot Noir.

White wine glass: freshness above all

White wines are best enjoyed chilled, and their aromatic profile is usually more subtle, so they need a glass that helps to preserve the temperature and direct the aromas precisely.

Ideal shape: narrower and more elongated than the red glass.

Why: it maintains the temperature and focuses the aromas towards the nose.

Pro tip: aged whites (such as a barrel-aged Chardonnay) can be served in a slightly wider glass to enhance their complexity.

Sparkling wine glass: sparkle and elegance

Cava, champagne and other sparkling wines have an indisputable protagonist: the bubble. To make it shine, the glass is important (and very important).

Traditional shape: the tall, narrow flute keeps the bubbles longer.

Current trend: tulip-shaped glasses, with a wider base and a more closed mouth, which allow a better appreciation of the aromas without losing effervescence.

Avoid: “coupe” type glasses (the wide and low ones), beautiful but treacherous: bubbles and aromas escape quickly.

Rosé wine glass: balance between freshness and aroma

The rosé, versatile and fresh, deserves a glass that balances its lightness with its aromatic expression.

Ideal shape: medium-sized cup, with a slightly open rim.

Why: Enhances fruity aromas and allows good oxygenation without heating up quickly.

What if I only have one type of cup?

If you are going to choose a single glass for everything (or almost everything), opt for a universal wine glass: medium size, slightly wide body and slightly closed rim. It will not be perfect for every type, but it will be a generalist success.

Serving wine in the right glass is not a whim, it is a way of respecting its character and multiplying the pleasure of each sip. It is like putting a good frame on a work of art: the content is the same, but the experience changes completely.

Visit pilsa.com and find the ideal glass for each type of wine.