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,
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
