Glass shapes · A sommelier’s guide
Red Wine Glass vs White Wine Glass: A Sommelier’s Guide
By Alper Billik, Advanced Sommelier15 years serving wine
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Short on time? The sommelier’s picks
Schott Zwiesel Forté Burgundy, set of 6$$
AmazonCheck today’s priceRiedel Vinum Pinot Noir, set of 2$$$
AmazonCheck today’s priceZalto Denk’Art Burgundy$$$$
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The short answer
Yes, they are different. A red wine glass is larger, to give the wine air. A white wine glass is smaller, to keep the wine cool.
In a restaurant, a hotel, a wine bar, or when you shop for glasses, you will see red and white wine glasses side by side. There are sweet wine and sparkling glasses too, but the big difference between red and white is the size. The shape can differ as well.
If you buy one glass, make it a Burgundy balloon glass. You can serve both red and white wine in it.
Side by side
Red vs white wine glass: the chart
Red wine glass
- Size
- Larger
- Why
- More air. Red wine needs aeration, and at room temperature it gives its aroma better.
- The pour
- 150 ml, the standard pour
- Wines
- Merlot, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel
White wine glass
- Size
- Smaller
- Why
- Temperature. A smaller pour stays chilled while you drink.
- The pour
- A little less than 150 ml
- Wines
- White wine, and chilled rosé
Burgundy balloon glass
- Size
- A large, round balloon bowl
- Why
- The round bowl suits red and white, so one glass serves both.
- The pour
- 150 ml of red, a little less of white
- Wines
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, even Barolo and Barbaresco
The red wine glass
Why a red wine glass is bigger
A red wine glass should be larger, with more room for air. Red wine needs aeration, and served at room temperature it gives its aroma better.
The classic big red glass is the Bordeaux glass. I don’t suggest it, because those glasses are big. A medium glass that looks like a Bordeaux, called a Chianti glass, serves medium-style reds very well: Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel and Merlot.
The white wine glass
Why a white wine glass is smaller
White wine glasses are smaller because temperature is important. White wine is served chilled, and while you are drinking it, the room warms it and changes the flavour.
From hotel service
150 ml is the standard pour. For white wine I pour a little less, so the wine in your glass stays chilled.
The exception
One glass for red and white: the Burgundy balloon
There are exceptions. A good Chardonnay needs a balloon glass, not a small white wine glass. And this balloon glass, called a Burgundy glass, can be used both ways: you can serve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even Barolo and Barbaresco in it. Riedel and Zalto both make one.
That is why I suggest you start with the Burgundy glass. If you are a big wine lover, a Chardonnay lover or a Pinot Noir lover, you should definitely have one. I believe it is the glass every wine lover should have.
The question everyone asks
Can you drink white wine from a red wine glass?
Yes, you can serve white wine in a red wine glass. But I don’t suggest it: the bigger glass and the bigger pour let the white wine warm up. The exception is the Burgundy glass, which is made for both.
Rosé and sparkling
What glass for rosé and sparkling wine?
Rosé: it should be served cold, so I suggest a white wine glass.
Sparkling wine: the flute is the best option for now. People are also trending towards balloon glasses for sparkling, and you can enjoy it that way too.
What to buy
The Burgundy glass for red and white: my three picks
Price level: $ budget · $$ everyday · $$$ mid-range · $$$$ premium. The buttons show today’s price on Amazon.
- 01
Start here
Schott Zwiesel Forté Burgundy
Set of 6 · 25 oz · Tritan crystal, made in Germany · $$
Best for: Trying the Burgundy glass at an approachable price.
This is the set I suggest you start with. Six glasses at an approachable, affordable price, so you can try the Burgundy glass with your own red and white wines.
It is Schott Zwiesel’s Tritan crystal from Germany, and it is dishwasher safe. Tritan here is the brand’s crystal glass, not the Tritan plastic used for outdoor glasses.
- 02
For great Chardonnay
Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir (Burgundy)
Set of 2 · crystal · dishwasher safe · $$$
Best for: A good Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, for a little more.
If you are looking for something good, for a Chardonnay like a Montrachet, a Burgundy style, an oaky style or a Chablis, go for the Riedel or the Zalto. Which one is up to your budget.
The Riedel is the Burgundy balloon in crystal, two in the box, and it is dishwasher safe.
- 03
The finest
Zalto Denk’Art Burgundy
1 glass · 32 oz · hand-blown in Austria · $$$$
Best for: Great bottles: Montrachet, Burgundy, Barolo.
The same advice as the Riedel: for a great Chardonnay or a great Pinot Noir, this is the other glass I suggest. It is the largest bowl in the Zalto line, hand-blown in Austria, and very light.
Zalto says it is dishwasher safe. It is a delicate glass, so handle it with care. More in my Zalto Burgundy guide.
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The three picks side by side
Schott Zwiesel Forté Burgundy
Shop- Bowl
- Balloon, 25 oz
- In the box
- 6
- Made
- Tritan crystal, Germany
- Dishwasher
- Yes
- Price
- $$
- For
- Start here
Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir
Shop- Bowl
- Balloon
- In the box
- 2
- Made
- Crystal
- Dishwasher
- Yes
- Price
- $$$
- For
- Good Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Zalto Denk’Art Burgundy
Shop- Bowl
- Balloon, 32 oz
- In the box
- 1
- Made
- Hand-blown, Austria
- Dishwasher
- Yes, with care
- Price
- $$$$
- For
- Great bottles
My picks from this guide
Ready to choose?
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- Check today’s price
Schott Zwiesel Forté Burgundy, set of 6$$
- Check today’s price
Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir, set of 2$$$
- Check today’s price
Zalto Denk’Art Burgundy$$$$
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Red vs white wine glass FAQ
Is there a difference between red and white wine glasses?
Yes. A red wine glass is larger, to give the wine air: red wine needs aeration, and at room temperature it gives its aroma better. A white wine glass is smaller, because temperature is important and a smaller pour stays chilled. The big difference is the size; the shape can differ too.
Can you use a red wine glass for white wine?
Yes, you can, but I don't suggest it. The exception is the Burgundy balloon glass, which serves both red and white wine.
What one glass works for both red and white wine?
The Burgundy balloon glass. You can serve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even Barolo and Barbaresco in it. I suggest you start with it; I believe it is the glass every wine lover should have.
How much white wine should you pour?
150 ml is the standard pour. For white wine, pour a little less: while you drink, the room warms the wine and changes the flavour, so a smaller pour stays chilled.
What glass should you use for rosé?
A white wine glass. Rosé should be served cold, like white wine.
What glass should you use for sparkling wine?
The flute is the best option for now. People are also trending towards balloon glasses for sparkling wine, and you can enjoy it that way too.