Wine glass types, and which ones you actually need

Glass shape does change how a wine smells: a bigger bowl collects more aroma. But you don’t need a cabinet full. Two shapes cover 95% of wine.

The main shapes

Bordeaux glass: tall with a large bowl; for full reds like Cabernet and Syrah.
Burgundy glass: very wide bowl; for aromatic, light reds like Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo.
White wine glass: smaller bowl to keep wine cool; for most whites and rosé.
Flute: keeps bubbles but mutes aroma.
Tulip: wider than a flute, narrowing at the top; better for Champagne.
Dessert glass: small, for Port and sweet wines.

A universal glass (a medium tulip-shaped bowl) for reds, whites and sparkling.
Optionally, a large-bowl red glass for special bottles.

Thin rims and clear glass help, but price matters less than shape.

Is it OK to drink Champagne from a white wine glass?

Yes: many experts prefer it, because you smell more of the wine.

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