Unpacking the Merits (and Limitations) of the Universal Wine Glass
As alluring as varietal-specific stemware can be, with glasses specifically designed to make your Burgundy breathe and your Sancerre sing, there’s something equally enticing about the possibility of just one that can do it all. Enter the universal wine glass.
These versatile vessels adhere to the Goldilocks principle, as they’re neither too big nor too small—just the right size to deftly show off most of the wines you uncork. These glasses streamline your entertaining and are perfect for tight spaces where storage is a concern.
But what, exactly, is it about the design of this beloved stemware that makes it suitable for so many varieties and wine styles? And can you really get away with using just one glass? We asked three experts for their take on the benefits and limitations of this multitasker.
What are the Features of a Universal Wine Glass?
To get at the heart of these glasses, we first turned to Marshall Tilden III, chief revenue and education officer at Wine Enthusiast. The glasses typically have “a medium-sized bowl, subtle taper toward the rim and a balanced stem allowing for optimal aeration and focus on the aromas,” he says. “It’s all about striking the perfect balance between form and function.”
Since its design isn’t too extreme in terms of bowl size, stem length or extreme taper, universal wine glasses work for reds, whites and even bubbly. This is one case where being “average” is preferable.
Chris Jenkins, general manager of Crimson Lane Vineyards in Linden, Virginia, also believes that bowl size is an important factor in making sure you can use these glasses often.
“It should be wide enough to aerate red wines but not so large that it over-aerates whites or flattens sparkling wines,” he says. “Ideally, a standard five-ounce pour should reach the widest part of the glass.”
And while a slight taper can concentrate aromas, Christoph Hinterleitner, general manager of Austrian glassware manufacturer Zalto, actually prefers straight sidewalls. He says that’s because the aromas, phenolics, tannins and other components in a wine affect overall enjoyment more than grape varieties do. Since the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, straight-sided glasses deliver these components more quickly—though the difference might be negligible.
What Else Should I Look for When Purchasing a Universal Wine Glass?
If you’re seeking stemware that’ll work for many occasions, skip ones with elaborate designs, etching or metallic accents and select a more minimalist style.
“Choose a glass with a clean, straightforward design that works seamlessly in both formal and casual settings,” Jenkins says.
It should feel comfortable in your hand and have a thin rim for an elegant sip, Tilden adds. And considering that you’ll probably be reaching for them often, consider ones that are durable enough to withstand frequent trips through the dishwasher.
If you think that wine somehow tastes better when you drink it from a glass with a thin rim, you’re not wrong. Whether aesthetics or science, Jenkins says “it enhances the drinking experience by providing a more refined and seamless sip.” Crystal or thin glass also boosts clarity, allowing you to fully appreciate the color of any wine you pour.
Finally, don’t overlook the length of the stem, which allows you to pick up the glass without transferring heat from your hand to the bowl. “Choose one that’s comfortable to hold but not overly long, striking a balance between style and practicality,” Jenkins says. Ones that are too long can make the glass too delicate and counter its durability.
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Can I Really Get Away with Using One Glass?
Wine styles run the gamut, from delicate, light-bodied whites to grippy, intense reds. So, can these workhorses of the wine world really be suitable for all the bottles on your rack? While Tilden admits that big reds like Napa Cabs require a bigger bowl for aeration and premium Pinot Noir tastes best sipped from a Burgundy glass, he finds that universal glasses work about 75% of the time.
“While varietal-specific glasses can enhance subtle nuances, a well-designed universal glass performs remarkably across the board,” he says. “For most wine lovers, the convenience and quality of a good universal glass are more than enough.”
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However, in fortified or sweet wines, certain aromas might be too pronounced on the nose while others might be lost. For these, Hinterleitner suggests selecting a smaller glass, which makes sense since these higher-alcohol wines are generally served in more moderate pours. In most cases though, he believes that “a good medium- to large-sized glass is better than a special glass that’s not well-engineered or designed.”
Practicality, approachability and versatility are the hallmarks of a universal wine glass—and the reasons for its wide appeal. As Tilden puts it, “whether you’re sipping an aged Bordeaux or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the right universal glass brings the best out of every pour.”
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In the Shop
Zalto Denk’Art Universal Glass
In Stock | from $78
The post Unpacking the Merits (and Limitations) of the Universal Wine Glass appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.
