What is the difference between red and white wine glasses? They are differentiated by their stem length, bowl width and rim width. Red wine glasses and White wine glasses differ in shape and size, driven by the types of wine they are intended to hold. Typically Red wine glasses will be a bit taller and have a larger bowl than White wine glasses. In general Reds are bigger and bolder wines so they require a larger glass to allow all those aromas and flavors to emerge.
Unlike red wines, white wines are not enhanced by being oxidized so there is no need to aerate them. This is why a white wine glass is narrower than that of a red wine in order to reduce the surface area of the wine that comes into contact with air. Its narrow brim also adds to this function as well as to allow you to sniff the wine’s delicate aromas. In addition, white wine is best enjoyed when served chilled, so its longer stem comes in handy in holding it and avoiding warming the contents when holding the bowl.
A red wine glass is characteristically shorter at the stem than a white wine glass. It can be held by the bowl as its contents are served at room temperature. Its bowl is wider, allowing the wine be swirled in order to react with oxygen to make its flavor and aroma better. Its wider mouth also allows more oxygen to react with the wine while at the same time allowing you to sniff the wide range of scents that the wine has. In addition, red wine glasses have two distinct divisions based on their shapes: the Burgundy glass that is short and broad and the Bordeaux glass that is tall but not as wide as the Burgundy glass.
